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Seeing that there are a lot of people here my age and probably some in my situation. I come for advise because at the age of 22 I still have no idea what I want to or what path to pursue. So here goes:
I'm in my forth year of studies pursuing a bachelors in biological sciences. I don't want to continue doing this nor do I want to work in the field that I studied in. I'm simply fed up with studying and have no confidence that this piece of paper will set me up with an amazing job. I have roughly six more classes to go before I can get my degree (two of them labs) and can probably finish up in a year. I transfered in from CC. For now though I don't want to continue going to school. Maybe I'll go back after a couple of years; credits won't expire for a long while so I'll still have the school option open. Dropping out is for a variety of reasons: frustration, money, bad grades, ect. The typical dropout student emo/rant BS.  :p
I don't feel to bad about "temporarily" dropping out. I've completely paid my way through the first three years of school. This includes all living expenses. The last year however my parents chipped in. I'm only $15k in debt and in comparison to others I know this is absolutely nothing.
I have basically two options open which I hope you guys will help me decide and give me personal experiences. Simply put a job as a machinist or the military.
My dad can pull in some favors at work and can get me started as a machinist I would get "certified" through training there and my starting salary would be $16 an hour (he's been working there for about 25 years and they like him a lot; also I've worked there before and am working there now as a temp for the Summer). In the US this is REALLY good pay and hard to find with or without a degree. However although the pay is amazing I'm afraid I'm going to end up working there for longer than I plan and end up settling in this city which I truly dislike. This is my biggest fear, but the proposed salary leaves this as a valid option.
I would like to experience the differences in cultures in different countries. Not only be there as a tourist/spend a summer vacation there, but work there and integrate myself into something different. Something that I am not used to and the only way I could probably do this is through the military. I've been looking and the air force is where I would go in. The pay is much less here, but more options; as in not being sedative for an extended period of time in terms of where I am and what I am doing.
Again I really don't know what I want, but I do know that what I don't and that is to remain "here". But "here" lies a really good job opportunity and really good money. I won't get another chance like this if I turn it down. Another thing about taking the job is that I can work a year, two, or three and then do whatever. While in the military I am fully committed to at least four and there is always a chance that I'll hate it.
I can probably teach English in a foreign country with a degree, but I'd rather not. Nothing wrong with it just person preference I guess. 
I've been going back and forth for a while now, just like to hear what some of you have to say to help me decide.
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I'd imagine it would be hard to get yourself to come back to school and finish once you've dropped out for a while. Also, from the way you've described it - it sounds like a permanent choice, hopefully not a regrettable one. From my viewpoint- it seems a bit absurd not to at least finish your degree, but, if you absolutely have no desire to do it, i wouldnt bother either.
The only thing i can say is- people put up with a lot of shit in their jobs, and in my experience, it is very rare to get/find a job you truly love and "never work a day in your life blahblah bullshit", and you have to just take what you get and make the most of it.
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Calgary25980 Posts
There's only one logical option: Finish the degree.
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Interested in this topic.
Sort of in the same situation.
I'm just not sure what I want to do with my life.
I mean, I know what I'd choose to do if the choice was totally UP to me, but it isn't.
GL HF [x] subscribed.
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CA10828 Posts
suck it up and finish your BS/BA. you only have 1 year left. having that piece of paper opens up a lot of doors, even with jobs that have nothing to do with your major. just because you majored in bio doesn't mean you're stuck being a lab technician or research drone or med school.
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I can tell you now that $16 is nothing. I am doing co-op work (in-between school terms) and I get paid $30 an hour. You only have to do a bit more to get your degree; to throw it all away now would be shortsighted. Instead, you should grit your teeth and finish it, since I think it's probably better to spend 4 - 8 more months in school rather than possibly live with regret for the rest of your life. I can't count the number of people I've talked to who all tell me they regret not finishing school.
Go and finish your degree. Then you can do whatever you like.
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FREEAGLELAND26781 Posts
Finish the degree. The degree, whether or not you are willing to work for it now, will be worth it later. Like LID8 said you aren't necessarily restricted to that select narrow path.
Whatever you do though, I wish you good luck.
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This may take a few years but if you dont mind waiting...
take option 1, pay off debt, save up, take a sabbatical to pursue option 2.
I'm kinda in the same boat as you, except I haven't started any college classes for the same reasons you mentioned. GL
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On May 31 2010 13:03 JodoYodo wrote:
I can't count the number of people I've talked to who all tell me they regret not finishing school.
I can say the same about people who did finish and can't get a decent job in their field of study. There's a surplus in degrees and I doubt they take "the runt of the litter" when it comes to grades. It's only going to be a BS in biology I'm guessing your degree is something more challenging to obtain to get paid $30/hour.
PS: I have a BA in Bio. So it's better than nothing I suppose.
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On May 31 2010 13:00 Chill wrote:
There's only one logical option: Finish the degree.
Honestly I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it's seriously the best option.
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i agree with the others, finish ur degree as u are so close. if u drop out now, every HR boss seeing ur cv will think that u lack the determination to get things done if he sees that u gave up when u could already see the finish line. besides the lacking higher education which is crucial for many of the more desirable jobs out there, its simply gonna shed a bad light on ur personality for the rest of your life.
edit: oh, and about that "many guys with degrees are jobless aswell" argument: it might be true, but currently we are experiencing very unique economical circumstances. besides that, their chances for a qualified job (no fastfood or walmart stuff) surely wouldnt be any better if they didnt have their degree. in fact their situation would be even worse without it.
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On May 31 2010 13:10 Mickey wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:00 Chill wrote:
There's only one logical option: Finish the degree. Honestly I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it's seriously the best option.
Seems like it if you'd graduate that soon might as well get it done.
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You'll probably never make enough money to get out of debt (in additional to all the neat additional debts you'll accumulate for the rest of your life), and if you drop out, there's pretty much no chance you'll ever go back.
I moderately understand. I don't have high hopes for my degree; I think about dropping out everyday, but I'm only 24 credits away. I'm finishing my goddamn degree. I spent sooo much time, money, and energy, I won't quit. No need to spend the rest of my life at a fast food chain.
As for the military idea ==> hell no.
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On May 31 2010 13:10 BuGzlToOnl wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:03 JodoYodo wrote:
I can't count the number of people I've talked to who all tell me they regret not finishing school. I can say the same about people who did finish and can't get a decent job in their field of study. There's a surplus in degrees and I doubt they take "the runt of the litter" when it comes to grades. It's only going to be a BS in biology I'm guessing your degree is something more challenging to obtain to get paid $30/hour. PS: I have a BA in Bio. So it's better than nothing I suppose.
It's like this:
You might find people who finished their degree and can't get a decent job, but you will NOT find anyone who quit school and flopped their way into a life changing career. just doesn't work that way.
so you can either go with the option that can turn out good or decent (finish degree) or pick the option that has only consequences (dropout). of course this is in the long run.
just finish. skip class for a day, party get wasted, get your kicks out, then go back to studying.
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as long as you plan on going back i don't think taking a break is a bad thing. it will give you perspective and probably more motivation when you feel like finishing your degree.
just don't take too long.
uh yeah going back after a couple of years is a pretty bad idea. a year at most probably.
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16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living.
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People who tend to take a year off don't come back.
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On May 31 2010 13:00 Chill wrote:
There's only one logical option: Finish the degree.
I have to agree. Man up and do it.
Even if you end up doing something different, it would, in my opinion, be quite stupid/irrational to not finish it, especially seeing as you're pretty close. You never know when it could be useful, or when a golden opportunity might pop out of the blue, and all in all you will have a degree when others may not.
It can really prove to be an invaluable asset (maybe it won't, but at least you will not have completely wasted four years of study).
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On May 31 2010 13:17 semantics wrote:
People who tend to take a year off don't come back.
vouch. i know so many ppl here in germany, mostly students of biology ( ) or social sciences, which make their living by being taxi drivers and about half of them end up staying taxi drivers for the rest of their life. and about 80% of those who interrupt their studies for whatever reason, with the intention to come back soon after whatever issues are solved, in fact dont come back.
dunno if its the same thing in the USA, but i guess so
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On May 31 2010 13:17 semantics wrote:
People who tend to take a year off don't come back.
This I know, but as of right now I lack both discipline and focus to continue with my studies.
On May 31 2010 13:21 Black Gun wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:17 semantics wrote:
People who tend to take a year off don't come back. dunno if its the same thing in the USA, but i guess so
Haha, yeah its the same.
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On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living.
To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES I am retarded, please see posts below), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma.
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Obviously just finish your degree. Putting (B. Sc.) after your name is great!
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btw a stupid and totally unrelated question: in my previous sentence, would it be better to say "dunno if its the same thing in the USA" or "dunno if its the same thing in the US"? i never really understood when exactly u used US and when USA.
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Of course I would advocate finishing your degree... but if I had to choose then learn a trade... my experience is that the military won't really get you where you want to go. The people you deal with won't be especially pleasant in any case.
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On May 31 2010 13:27 Black Gun wrote:
btw a stupid and totally unrelated question: in my previous sentence, would it be better to say "dunno if its the same thing in the USA" or "dunno if its the same thing in the US"? i never really understood when exactly u used US and when USA.
There is no difference. Use "USA" in a term paper, and US anywhere else I guess lol
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On May 31 2010 13:30 InTheFade wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:27 Black Gun wrote:
btw a stupid and totally unrelated question: in my previous sentence, would it be better to say "dunno if its the same thing in the USA" or "dunno if its the same thing in the US"? i never really understood when exactly u used US and when USA.
There is no difference. Use "USA" in a term paper, and US anywhere else I guess lol
Currently there is only one United States, I think. So it causes no confusions.
Historically there were other countries also called united states of ***.
EDIT: I found it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_Belgium
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Finish the degree. Don't be a bum.
And since when is $16/hr considered "really good pay"?
Good luck.
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On May 31 2010 13:30 InTheFade wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:27 Black Gun wrote:
btw a stupid and totally unrelated question: in my previous sentence, would it be better to say "dunno if its the same thing in the USA" or "dunno if its the same thing in the US"? i never really understood when exactly u used US and when USA.
There is no difference. Use "USA" in a term paper, and US anywhere else I guess lol
yeah us is just casual speech
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On May 31 2010 13:35 illu wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:30 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:27 Black Gun wrote:
btw a stupid and totally unrelated question: in my previous sentence, would it be better to say "dunno if its the same thing in the USA" or "dunno if its the same thing in the US"? i never really understood when exactly u used US and when USA.
There is no difference. Use "USA" in a term paper, and US anywhere else I guess lol Currently there is only one United States, I think. So it causes no confusions. Historically there were other countries also called united states of ***. EDIT: I found it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_Belgium
I was only implying that USA is more formal.
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On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma.
I know plenty of people who aren't even close to the "manageable" $50,000 a year and make it work. There's less money for luxuries, but you can get by and live decently with far less and $50k a year.
Also take into account a working wife/husband.
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On May 31 2010 13:37 InTheFade wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:35 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:30 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:27 Black Gun wrote:
btw a stupid and totally unrelated question: in my previous sentence, would it be better to say "dunno if its the same thing in the USA" or "dunno if its the same thing in the US"? i never really understood when exactly u used US and when USA.
There is no difference. Use "USA" in a term paper, and US anywhere else I guess lol Currently there is only one United States, I think. So it causes no confusions. Historically there were other countries also called united states of ***. EDIT: I found it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_of_Belgium I was only implying that USA is more formal.
I am just saying that the term without the 'A' causes no confusions.
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On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma.
lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person.
With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires.
If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher.
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On May 31 2010 13:28 meeple wrote:
Of course I would advocate finishing your degree... but if I had to choose then learn a trade... my experience is that the military won't really get you where you want to go. The people you deal with won't be especially pleasant in any case.
I kinda of want to use the military as an escape to go/live else where, i.e. a different country. So that's why I have it as an option. In my opinion the military in general has a bad rap, but its not so bad if you take a closer look at it and see some of the options it has. It's basically a regular job after training. Only difference is that you are obligated to four years.
They also have a loan repayment program which they offer to repay up to $10k in college loans duing your service.
Am really hoping someone in the military offers their opinion on it.
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On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher.
I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old.
Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits..
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On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits..
It's not great by any means. But there are plenty of people in the USA that make less and do fine.
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Honestly, I don't see why you wouldn't finish your degree. You think its not useful now, and granted, you probably won't work in that field and finishing your degree won't make you much smarter or anything. But to the eyes of others who are in a position to give you a job, the fact that you graduated college means alot. That automatically puts you above the high school graduates. It will pay off, I promise.
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Canada7170 Posts
Six courses? Just finish it, grow out your hair in the meantime and be an emo when you're done.
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On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person.
Yeah, I just googled that shit... why the fuck did I think it was $28,000?...
Good to know I'm retarded. Guess the college isn't working.
The problem is all in what you want out of life. If you ever want to own a home 28k won't get you much but a life-sucking mortgage. If you want kids, I don't think $28k isn't a lot. If you want a woman to marry you, $28k definitely won't cut it, haha. (the last part was kind of a joke... but only kind of).
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$16 / hour is great if you like going to work everyday. What city do you live in? That's not bad for starting in Pittsburgh, PA. A lot of people go to work everyday for a lot less and hate it. I don't think young people have a proper perspective on just how much you can actually hate your job or the people there. It takes years of drudgery to make you really cynical. So if you like the work take it. You can always change your mind.
Finish your degree. If you go into the military it will move you up faster. Maybe even an option for being an officer. The guy with a degree has more options than the guy who doesn't. The downside of the military is that we are fighting several wars right now. So damn. Think hard about that kinda stuff.
What about taking the job and going to classes at night and on the weekend to finish the degree? Kinda a hybrid solution. Finish in the next 2 - 3 terms. What does your Dad think? He knows you a lot better than we do?
The job market in the U.S. sucks right now. Even with a "marketable" degree finding a well paying job that you really love will be a challenge.
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motbob
United States12546 Posts
Army. It will be a good experience, they will pay for your tuition if you pledge to stay for a while, and you might enjoy the work so much that you make it a career. Don't join infantry, though.
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16$ an hour is not good pay say and finish it.. if not you will regret it all your life.. Finish your degree...
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I dropped out when I was only half a credit away from graduating with a BSc in computer science. It's sort of hard to find a job related to your field straight up with little experience and no degree, but not impossible. For work vs. military, I prefer work. For degree vs. dropping out, I'd recommend on degree, but for some people it's not as simple as "gritting your teeth, and powering through" so it depends on your personal situation. I haven't regretting dropping out (2 years), but I'm planning on re-enrolling and finally finishing it up. My friends call me stupid though. It's only half a credit guys...
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On May 31 2010 13:46 motbob wrote:
Army. It will be a good experience, they will pay for your tuition if you pledge to stay for a while, and you might enjoy the work so much that you make it a career. Don't join infantry, though.
We can just put it this way, for their aptitude test you need high marks to get into airforce or submarine division of the navy, you don't see that for infantry.
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On May 31 2010 13:46 motbob wrote:
Army. It will be a good experience, they will pay for your tuition if you pledge to stay for a while, and you might enjoy the work so much that you make it a career. Don't join infantry, though.
We have two wars, as well as troops stationed in South Korea, where, you know, tensions and what-not with the North. Basically, if you're intelligent/useful beyond aiming and shooting, you could get a decent position that doesn't involve you being stationed in Iraq for eight years. But what they'll do is whisper sweet nothings in your ear, but there are a lot of cases these days where you can be discharged and screwed out of everything they promised (depending what service/position/etc.)
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Do not join the military. Think of all of the fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters you have and have known and have not had. Are you the kind of person who could deprive someone of their father or mother, brother or sister? If you aren't a killer, can't find that killer in you, don't join the military.
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On May 31 2010 13:46 motbob wrote:
Army. It will be a good experience, they will pay for your tuition if you pledge to stay for a while, and you might enjoy the work so much that you make it a career. Don't join infantry, though.
sry if i am unproductive once again, but is there any kind of security in a juristical sense to get to a particular part of the army when u engage? i mean... what if they say u will be trained to become an air force pilot if u commit for 4 years - and after u signed ur 4 years contract they say they need cannon fodder for the streets of bagdad and send u to an infantry drill camp, and then to iraq - and u have no way to refuse as u are an enlisted soldier?
edit: lol, i guess im not the only one with concerns of this kind.
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motbob
United States12546 Posts
On May 31 2010 13:51 thopol wrote:
Do not join the military. Think of all of the fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters you have and have known and have not had. Are you the kind of person who could deprive someone of their father or mother, brother or sister? If you aren't a killer, can't find that killer in you, don't join the military.
You don't have to kill if you're in the Army. Why do you think I recommended that he not join the infantry?
Infantry or Combat Arms in general.
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Finish the degree.
Stop crying and get back to it.
It's NEVER too late to give your best.
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On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits..
I'm Mexican/a spic.
My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it.
My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that.
I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more.
I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p
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finish the degree. today's college degree is equivalent to a high school diploma back then: it has become "the norm" to have one, so all the people you'll be competing with for jobs will have one. if you don't have one, they can easily filter you out.
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yea dude, just finish it. Even if you don't pursue, you might as well have it to show what other career option you take what you have been doing with your time.
And this way when they deny you a job, they'll give you the flattering reason of 'overqualified' instead of some other generic one.
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16984 Posts
On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p
This may be true, but don't you have any aspirations of rising above the $16/hour?
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I would say that you should ignore the sunk cost of the courses you have and just focus on the future. What do you think will provide you more happiness and employment prospects in the future? If you have no interest in biology, then you're likely not going to get a biology related job even after the degree. If you have six credit units left, what is the cost of that going to be and the value of obtaining the degree versus stopping and making an income now?
On the other hand, if you were initially in biology, you may find yourself extremely bored being a machinist. A person needs fulfillment from their job and I'm not discounting that machinists can be happy, but you should ask yourself if you as a machinist will be happy.
I would recommend that you become a machinist. It will also give you some time for self discovery. The one thing about industrial jobs is that work doesn't follow the worker home. School does. You can still learn without being in university. Pick out the first year textbooks in your university library and find out what interests you.
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Gah, it's so unfair that you need to devote yourself to something you don't believe in, have no confidence in, and are told by the majority that they are not putting into use what they devoted four years of their life to because they are working in an entirely different field. Just because society deems it so.
It doesn't matter what other attributes you have to offer if you don't have said piece of paper you aren't even considered for anything of value. It's basically pay and devote your time for the OPPORTUNITY at something without any guarantee at it. :p
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16984 Posts
On May 31 2010 14:13 BuGzlToOnl wrote:
Gah, it's so unfair that you need to devote yourself to something you don't believe in, have no confidence in, and are told by the majority that they are not putting into use what they devoted four years of their life to because they are working in an entirely different field. Just because society deems it so.
It doesn't matter what other attributes you have to offer if you don't have said piece of paper you aren't even considered for anything of value. It's basically pay and devote your time for the OPPORTUNITY at something without any guarantee at it. :p
Fine, but at least check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_income_in_the_United_States
You're likely to get a higher paying job with a B.S/A in anything, even if you work in a Holiday Inn.
If you're really considering the Army, though, I think if you manage to serve for twenty years, you automatically get a pension equal to half of your salary. And even if you do choose the army, know that people with a college degree still have higher wages.
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On May 31 2010 14:13 BuGzlToOnl wrote:
Gah, it's so unfair that you need to devote yourself to something you don't believe in, have no confidence in, and are told by the majority that they are not putting into use what they devoted four years of their life to because they are working in an entirely different field. Just because society deems it so.
It doesn't matter what other attributes you have to offer if you don't have said piece of paper you aren't even considered for anything of value. It's basically pay and devote your time for the OPPORTUNITY at something without any guarantee at it. :p
without this "requirement", how should companies assess the applications? its simply impossible to handle the flood of applications without some sort of filter system. in the widest sense, the requirement of having a college degree for any of the "more qualified jobs" serves the purpose of sorting out those who dont have the endurance, intellectual skills or determination to get such a degree. running through phases of low motivation is something that every student experiences during his or her studies. by finishing a degree, the applicant proves the personality to fight through such obstacles.
fighting for a guarantee for ur dream job would be easy, but fighting just for the mere chance of doing what u really want to do in life is what really puts the character to a test.
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On May 31 2010 14:08 Empyrean wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p This may be true, but don't you have any aspirations of rising above the $16/hour?
I believe that with hard work and dedication you can rise in position and earn more. The people I know have a tendency of not doing this.
Quick story:
The only other job I had was at a ticket broker; it was really easy computer work. My friend got me the job. He worked there previously for two years his pay for those two years was $7.50 an hour. He didn't do much, but neither did I when I was there.
In about four months time I was given the promotion to $8/hour and in a little over a year to $10/hour. The difference between him and me according to my boss is that "I was a hard worker". I did what wasn't asked of me. I organized the inventory, cleaned up the office/desks, and other small things that made my bosses and work colleagues jobs a lot easier for them to do.
None of the extra stuff was ever asked of me and I didn't think they noticed/appreciated it. But if you are running a successful company you know damn well what everyone is doing and know who to reward.
It's not just about a degree it's about hard work, working smart, and dedication. Although I agree completely with all of you that the degree does (maybe unfairly) provide more opportunity. It's not something -at least for now- that I can consider.
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Bugz, sounds like you suffer from your social environment dragging you down.
I don't know who is telling you that a degree is worthless, but a science degree certainly isn't. $16/hour isn't that good....an engineering intern (someone who hasn't finished school) makes $20/hour at my company. Its not bad, but you are already so close to being able to have so many more options.
Look at this link:
http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/109580/best-worst-paying-jobs-in-US
notice all the best paying jobs are in the medical industry. A biological sciences degree is a beginning to a career which will be successful in the future.
Having a 4 year degree is like a lifetime achievement. When you get your degree from the university, it will say "Bachelor of Science" and won't even state what the specialization was in many cases. A certification is temporary, but you will always have a degree.
If you really can't continue on, I'd say do the machinist thing for a while, and take classes part time. My advice is to not join the military under any circumstances.
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Yea, so the ideal thing would have been to go into a skilled trade instead of university, judging by your current attitude/ambitions. A lot of people seem to just go for university, however, extensive training in a skilled trade can get you pretty far. That said. I agree with everyone here about finishing the degree. It will open an infinite number of doors having a B.Sc. A university degree will likely help you move up significantly faster regardless of what profession. Perhaps you could try something like a work/study exchange to another country to finish up those credits (or at least some of them). I'm sure such opportunities exist at your university for you to travel abroad/study/work.
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On May 31 2010 14:28 fight_or_flight wrote:
Bugz, sounds like you suffer from your social environment dragging you down.
In a way yes, although my parents are also telling me to STFU and finish the degree. My dad would rather not have me working with him, but it's going to be my decision in the end. He might as well help me if he can.
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Osaka27148 Posts
On May 31 2010 14:13 BuGzlToOnl wrote:
Gah, it's so unfair that you need to devote yourself to something you don't believe in, have no confidence in, and are told by the majority that they are not putting into use what they devoted four years of their life to because they are working in an entirely different field. Just because society deems it so.
It doesn't matter what other attributes you have to offer if you don't have said piece of paper you aren't even considered for anything of value. It's basically pay and devote your time for the OPPORTUNITY at something without any guarantee at it. :p
In the field I am working in, the jobs I apply for require me to have published three papers. They don't care where, or for who, but I need three. I think this is pretty useless, but it is a way to filter out those that are not as serious as others. Degrees do the same thing.
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16984 Posts
On May 31 2010 14:24 BuGzlToOnl wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 14:08 Empyrean wrote:On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p This may be true, but don't you have any aspirations of rising above the $16/hour? I believe that with hard work and dedication you can rise in position and earn more. The people I know have a tendency of not doing this. Quick story: The only other job I had was at a ticket broker; it was really easy computer work. My friend got me the job. He worked there previously for two years his pay for those two years was $7.50 an hour. He didn't do much, but neither did I when I was there. In about four months time I was given the promotion to $8/hour and in a little over a year to $10/hour. The difference between him and me according to my boss is that "I was a hard worker". I did what wasn't asked of me. I organized the inventory, cleaned up the office/desks, and other small things that made my bosses and work colleagues jobs a lot easier for them to do. None of the extra stuff was ever asked of me and I didn't think they noticed/appreciated it. But if you are running a successful company you know damn well what everyone is doing and know who to reward. It's not just about a degree it's about hard work, working smart, and dedication. Although I agree completely with all of you that the degree does (maybe unfairly) provide more opportunity. It's not something -at least for now- that I can consider.
Still, no matter how hard you work, there simply aren't opportunities for significant advancement without a college degree. You'll likely never rise to a salaried position, and will stay on an hourly salary for your entire life.
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On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p
Yeah i agree, I'm surprised by all the people who are like "pfft, 16$/hour is nothing, a 22 year old should be making way more than that easily". That's already more than a lot of people live on. Not saying you shouldn't try and make more than that if you can, but for your first full time job it's not bad.
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Thanks for the replies guys appreciate it.
Quick question though. Who here has graduated and has a degree to the left of the Biology line and is in a really well paying job with a lot of career opportunities?
![[image loading]](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2570276636_f6aab8f555_o.png)
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16984 Posts
On May 31 2010 15:00 Luddite wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p Yeah i agree, I'm surprised by all the people who are like "pfft, 16$/hour is nothing, a 22 year old should be making way more than that easily". That's already more than a lot of people live on. Not saying you shouldn't try and make more than that if you can, but for your first full time job it's not bad.
It's not bad, but there's virtually no room for significant improvement.
$16/hr is about $32k a year before taxes/deductions.
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On May 31 2010 15:04 Empyrean wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 15:00 Luddite wrote:On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p Yeah i agree, I'm surprised by all the people who are like "pfft, 16$/hour is nothing, a 22 year old should be making way more than that easily". That's already more than a lot of people live on. Not saying you shouldn't try and make more than that if you can, but for your first full time job it's not bad. It's not bad, but there's virtually no room for significant improvement. $16/hr is about $32k a year before taxes/deductions.
The job is as a machinist apprentice right? I'm quite sure that his wage would go up as he gains experience. Having a biology degree would not help it go up any faster (although, it would give him more options if he decides he doesn't like being a machinist and wants to do something else).
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On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p
I don't understand how being Hispanic should limit your earning potential... unless you are illegal...?
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I'm afraid I'm incapable of making a particularly touching or cogent argument, but here are my arguments in a nutshell.
I'm serious: finish the degree. From what I've read, it sounds like this could be an important turning point in your life. Even if it's a degree you think is useless, as other people have been saying, it's extremely important you get it. You only have 6 more weeks to go; tough it out and get that degree. You mentioned how $16/hour is more than what a lot of friends your friends make. Okay, but if you want to measure it that way, does that mean you're only what, $4/hour better than your friends? You've spent almost three years on college, so get that degree.
A lot of people would give everything and study twice as much as you would to be able to get a college education. I'm not exactly trying to pull the "you should be grateful" card, but you should really stop and think how lucky and blessed you are to be able to get a legitimate degree. You might think it's useless at the moment, but it will pay off, and not just financially.
Just get through those last few weeks, get a degree, and get the hell out of there, if you want. The point is this: you're lucky to be so close to a college degree, you've spent so much time, money, and stress already on getting one; so do it. I promise that it will help you in the long run.
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On May 31 2010 15:05 Luddite wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 15:04 Empyrean wrote:On May 31 2010 15:00 Luddite wrote:On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p Yeah i agree, I'm surprised by all the people who are like "pfft, 16$/hour is nothing, a 22 year old should be making way more than that easily". That's already more than a lot of people live on. Not saying you shouldn't try and make more than that if you can, but for your first full time job it's not bad. It's not bad, but there's virtually no room for significant improvement. $16/hr is about $32k a year before taxes/deductions. The job is as a machinist apprentice right? I'm quite sure that his wage would go up as he gains experience. Having a biology degree would not help it go up any faster (although, it would give him more options if he decides he doesn't like being a machinist and wants to do something else).
Yes, after apprenticeship is done and I become certified with experience I'll be at $18-19/hour. But I don't expect to get paid much more than that even if I'm there for 10-15 years. You reach the max relatively fast in these types of jobs. Although can the same not be said about a job that requires a degree?
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16984 Posts
On May 31 2010 15:12 BuGzlToOnl wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 15:05 Luddite wrote:On May 31 2010 15:04 Empyrean wrote:On May 31 2010 15:00 Luddite wrote:On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p Yeah i agree, I'm surprised by all the people who are like "pfft, 16$/hour is nothing, a 22 year old should be making way more than that easily". That's already more than a lot of people live on. Not saying you shouldn't try and make more than that if you can, but for your first full time job it's not bad. It's not bad, but there's virtually no room for significant improvement. $16/hr is about $32k a year before taxes/deductions. The job is as a machinist apprentice right? I'm quite sure that his wage would go up as he gains experience. Having a biology degree would not help it go up any faster (although, it would give him more options if he decides he doesn't like being a machinist and wants to do something else). Yes, after apprenticeship is done and I become certified with experience I'll be at $18-19/hour. But I don't expect to get paid much more than that even if I'm there for 10-15 years. You reach the max relatively fast in these types of jobs. Although can the same not be said about a job that requires a degree?
Not at all. Especially in industry (at, say, a big company), there are numerous opportunities to advance into more managerial positions, but virtually all of them require a bachelor's degree. And you're probably never going to go above low/mid-level management at a big company without a Master's at least.
Do you really want your income to max at around $40k/year?
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On May 31 2010 15:12 BuGzlToOnl wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 15:05 Luddite wrote:On May 31 2010 15:04 Empyrean wrote:On May 31 2010 15:00 Luddite wrote:On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p Yeah i agree, I'm surprised by all the people who are like "pfft, 16$/hour is nothing, a 22 year old should be making way more than that easily". That's already more than a lot of people live on. Not saying you shouldn't try and make more than that if you can, but for your first full time job it's not bad. It's not bad, but there's virtually no room for significant improvement. $16/hr is about $32k a year before taxes/deductions. The job is as a machinist apprentice right? I'm quite sure that his wage would go up as he gains experience. Having a biology degree would not help it go up any faster (although, it would give him more options if he decides he doesn't like being a machinist and wants to do something else). Yes, after apprenticeship is done and I become certified with experience I'll be at $18-19/hour. But I don't expect to get paid much more than that even if I'm there for 10-15 years. You reach the max relatively fast in these types of jobs. Although can the same not be said about a job that requires a degree?
No, jobs that require a degree tend to be really stable, and also allow you to earn a lot more money as you spend more years with those jobs. As others have mentioned/suggested, if you have a degree in anything at all, you will be offered more money in almost any other job, just because you have that degree to show.
I gotta go hit the sack now, but I really hope you'll change your mind! Get a degree, man! ^___^ V
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On May 31 2010 15:16 Empyrean wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 15:12 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 15:05 Luddite wrote:On May 31 2010 15:04 Empyrean wrote:On May 31 2010 15:00 Luddite wrote:On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:On May 31 2010 13:17 Bosu wrote:
16/hour isn't very good. It is pretty average in an area with a low cost of living. To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p Yeah i agree, I'm surprised by all the people who are like "pfft, 16$/hour is nothing, a 22 year old should be making way more than that easily". That's already more than a lot of people live on. Not saying you shouldn't try and make more than that if you can, but for your first full time job it's not bad. It's not bad, but there's virtually no room for significant improvement. $16/hr is about $32k a year before taxes/deductions. The job is as a machinist apprentice right? I'm quite sure that his wage would go up as he gains experience. Having a biology degree would not help it go up any faster (although, it would give him more options if he decides he doesn't like being a machinist and wants to do something else). Yes, after apprenticeship is done and I become certified with experience I'll be at $18-19/hour. But I don't expect to get paid much more than that even if I'm there for 10-15 years. You reach the max relatively fast in these types of jobs. Although can the same not be said about a job that requires a degree? Not at all. Especially in industry (at, say, a big company), there are numerous opportunities to advance into more managerial positions, but virtually all of them require a bachelor's degree. And you're probably never going to go above low/mid-level management at a big company without a Master's at least. Do you really want your income to max at around $40k/year?
Your really pressing for me to get the degree which I thank you for offering me a different perspective.
But may I ask what is your major? Have you graduated? Where do you work? What do you do? What's salary like? And can you give examples of people you know personally who have reaped a significant benefit of their degree (a BS degree; Masters/PhD's are more specialized degrees)?
EDIT: In regards to $40k a year. My dad makes a little over $50k and we live comfortably although like I said he's been working there for about 25 years. I'm not to materialistic, but what would you say would be a good living wage to live comfortably?
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Ignoring pay, with a degree you will vastly increase the chances of finding work you like or tolerate doing for the decades after your graduation. The extra year of study to finish the degree is just a single guaranteed year of doing something you don't want to do. So if you play the odds, getting a degree is in your favor.
For the record, I have to admit not knowing a recent graduate in a field "left" of biology with a well-paying job with lots of opportunities, but most people in school I knew were either to the right or getting a second degree/going to professional school. edit: and people in the right sometimes have trouble finding jobs, because we're talking sciences.
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16984 Posts
On May 31 2010 15:25 BuGzlToOnl wrote:Show nested quote +On May 31 2010 15:16 Empyrean wrote:On May 31 2010 15:12 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 15:05 Luddite wrote:On May 31 2010 15:04 Empyrean wrote:On May 31 2010 15:00 Luddite wrote:On May 31 2010 13:59 BuGzlToOnl wrote:On May 31 2010 13:41 illu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:38 Bosu wrote:On May 31 2010 13:26 InTheFade wrote:
[quote]
To add a little perspective, that only an annual salary of $30,720 full-time (I think the poverty level is like $28,000, so, YIKES), 25% of which you'll never see (those damned mandatory deductions), the rest going to bills, debt, and necessities. You would eventually would find a job that pays over $26/hour do get an annual salary of a "managable" $50,000, but I dont see how you'll find that with a high school diploma. lol. 16/hour is not THAT bad. the poverty line in the USA is $10,830 for a single person. With 16/hour you can make well over that. You can live very comfortably on 16/hour. You will just not be able to buy everything your heart desires. If his job didn't have solid benefits and health insurance though things get a bit tougher. I really think 16 dollars an hour is really bad, especially for a 22-years-old. Then again maybe I am a bit too high on competitive spirits.. I'm Mexican/a spic. My "friends"/people I'm close to that are around my age and grew up with make far less than that $9-$12 and hour working in franchises. Not necessarily McDonald's or fast food places, but at stores like Best Buy or the Holiday Inn; things of that nature. I believe the number one job for this country (the USA) is retail so the majority is forced into it. My parent's friends/people they know make roughly that if not less. Some more, but not by much and they are in their mid to late forties with families and kids. You find ways to make it work trust me on that. I know this forum is full of intelligent people with planned careers and solid backgrounds, but you should really learn on how the "other half lives" and the differences between lower, middle, and upper classes. To me its just a difference in the amount of luxury items you can afford nothing more. I shouldn't complain my upbringing wasn't bad in the leastl, but statements like this irk me. :p Yeah i agree, I'm surprised by all the people who are like "pfft, 16$/hour is nothing, a 22 year old should be making way more than that easily". That's already more than a lot of people live on. Not saying you shouldn't try and make more than that if you can, but for your first full time job it's not bad. It's not bad, but there's virtually no room for significant improvement. $16/hr is about $32k a year before taxes/deductions. The job is as a machinist apprentice right? I'm quite sure that his wage would go up as he gains experience. Having a biology degree would not help it go up any faster (although, it would give him more options if he decides he doesn't like being a machinist and wants to do something else). Yes, after apprenticeship is done and I become certified with experience I'll be at $18-19/hour. But I don't expect to get paid much more than that even if I'm there for 10-15 years. You reach the max relatively fast in these types of jobs. Although can the same not be said about a job that requires a degree? Not at all. Especially in industry (at, say, a big company), there are numerous opportunities to advance into more managerial positions, but virtually all of them require a bachelor's degree. And you're probably never going to go above low/mid-level management at a big company without a Master's at least. Do you really want your income to max at around $40k/year? Your really pressing for me to get the degree which I thank you for offering me a different perspective. But may I ask what is your major? Have you graduated? Where do you work? What do you do? What's salary like? And can you give examples of people you know personally who have reaped a significant benefit of their degree (a BS degree; Masters/PhD's are more specialized degrees)?
I'm currently a rising junior statistics major, but I worked at a major drug American company last summer - over twenty billion dollars of revenue a year (my mom works there now).
Without giving away too much information (because that's against company policy), I can tell you that the entry level research positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Entry salaries are all higher than the values you're quoting. With a masters and years of experience, you can grow your salary to the low six digits. Any of the mid-higher level managerial positions (for example, directors or team leaders) all hold professional degrees and make low-mid six digits.
As for me, I'm planning on going into some sort of industry - either finance, consulting work, or something along the lines of fraud detection at an accounting firm or something. The internships I'm considering for next summer (in a year) are paying in the $12-18k range for the summer (Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, KPMG, BCG, etc.). Starting salaries with a bachelor's degree in statistics are in the upper five digits. After years of experience and perhaps a professional degree, expected salaries at these companies are in the mid-six digits and higher.
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16984 Posts
On May 31 2010 15:25 BuGzlToOnl wrote:
EDIT: In regards to $40k a year. My dad makes a little over $50k and we live comfortably although like I said he's been working there for about 25 years. I'm not to materialistic, but what would you say would be a good living wage to live comfortably?
Just saw your edit.
I would consider a comfortable wage to be around $50k, but I'll admit that I've never lived on that much or lower.
Also, a recent math PhD I know is considering a job in the $350k range at a major IT company. I can't give out many more details, unfortunately.
EDIT: At large companies, without a professional degree, you'll never rise to mid-management positions. I will tell you that as virtual fact.
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AFAIK to join the US air force a college degree helps immensely. Not that they wouldn't take you, but you'll get some shitty job like a flight conductor.
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Yea, so in case you missed my post (page 3), try and make the last year as fun and enjoyable as possible. Do some sort of work/study abroad program, take interesting courses etc. etc.
A university degree is pretty much an investment, one that is not for everyone. Maybe it was the wrong investment for you, but at this point you have already put in so much time/money. I would estimate that you have invested 100-150k so far (tuition/3 years worth of work), so it would seem logical to finish the degree.
Also, it is important to consider, how not finishing the degree looks. In my opinion, potential employers will look unfavorably on your application, since it appears as if you were 80% of the way there, and then quit. It will make you appear unreliable.
Obviously all is not lost if you do choose to drop out though! As long as you make the best out of the situation it will surely work out.
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Like the others are saying, it's probably a good idea to finish the degree. Sure, you're jumping through hoops, and doing stuff you don't want to, but I guess that's why a degree has value. Employers like to see you are ready for the working world 
One thing you haven't mentioned is what you'd LOVE to do. Knowing that would probably help with advice. I can think of lots of situations where not finishing your degree would be a good idea, but not if the alternatives are two jobs you don't sound excited about.
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EPT
