College is both the most useless and useful place to go

I've had the itch to write these thoughts into a post for years. Back in the day I still had a blog, and even then i didn't find the words to describe how I felt on the daily when I went to college.

Preface: My experience with college / university might completely differ from yours. I went to university in Germany, where you don't really have to pay for education (maybe 200$ a semester), you usually fail with 3 failed exams in one class, classes aren't as selectable as in American colleges, etc.

Why college is useful

Just like your parents probably did, my parents (both workers-class in health care and trades) told me, that the only way to have a successful and happy life is to finish college, get a well-paying job, buy or build a house, have kids, ...

While yes, this may simply be enough for most people, I had other ambitions. Back when I was 18 and fresh out of school, I was working a part time job as a computer repairman in a shop. Even though I liked the job and I was pretty well paid for that age, I wasn't happy. I constantly got into fights with higher ups over non-sense like taking too many smoke breaks (thankfully I've quit that habit). As I got into college, I got more subject-fit internships and part-time jobs (I studied information systems), I freelanced (which was a horrifying experience as my clients were all dicks who paid late), I did well-paying and shit paying jobs. Nothing made me really happy.

College did make me happy for the most part. I was studying on my own terms, sometimes waking up early, some days sleeping in late. I partied, moved out, started learning how to cook etc.

One day...

...it struck me. The sole reason I joined this community in the first place. The reason I started Jamfony. The answer I was looking for all those years.

FREEDOM

So I quit my part-time job, much to the annoyance of my old boss, started living on my savings and went on to becoming a creator and joining this board. The only thing I did since then was private tutoring, which still gives me the freedom to work whenever and with whomever I want.

Money wasn't the problem. I wasn't well off, but I wasn't struggling either. I lived a really modest lifestyle. Tiny apartment (16sqm, 160sqf for you Americans), no new iPhone, nor a BMW car (what most of my friends are driving now). No expensive 2000$ vacations either.

I found out through college, what I was craving for all my life. Independence. Freedom. Who cares what label you put on it, it matters what it means to you.

Other pro's to college?

Learn how to network, how to make friends, how to talk to strangers at a house party where you know nobody. Sure you can do all these things without college, but there will never be a better breeding ground to learn these invaluable skills.

Why college is useless

If you have the luxury of not or just barely paying anything for college (as in a lot of places in Europe), the only resource your education will consume is:

TIME

And not just a little. We're not talking about 10 minutes of daily spanish learning through Duolingo.

We're talking about 30-40 hours at least 40 weeks out of the year, for 4 years or more. That's a stunning 4800 - 6400 hours you could be spending on building a business, working a freelance job, becoming a creator, et cetera.

Yes, you are learning some useful stuff. Your perseverance, willpower and discipline skills increase. You are teaching yourself how to teach yourself stuff (which sounds crazy, but anyone who's been through college knows what I am talking about).

One question to ask yourself if you're thinking about going to college

EVERYBODY will tell you that sounds crazy. But if you have that drive, that eagerness, that willingness to go to all lengths to become an entrepreneur:

** Is college really worth your time? **

You are young. You are at the epitome of your physical fitness and energy. Never in your life will you have the freedom (think finances, family, debt) to do this again.

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this.