While I predate the computer with a mouse, I too like many of those that have commented started programming on computers early. I actually taught myself BASIC at age 13, before I even had access to a computer in High School (home computers were scarce for middle class family back then). I don’t consider anyone here bragging about their talents, we’re just letting everyone know our background.

Regarding Monkey’s remark, “I just want to point out that things change and in todays world college degrees are not the only path to success.” I am of the opinion that the world hasn’t really changed, you always had the opportunity to succeed without a college degree. I think though college does increase your chances to succeed and adapting to changes in the future. For example, I would never have taken Accounting (now those are some really messed up people), but to my surprise I now handle an IT budget. If I only had relied on my “natural” talents and interests, I wouldn’t have qualified for the work I’m doing now. College gave me opportunities that I wouldn’t have been given if I only relied on my own self-education.

Those of you that have dropped out of college, I wish you well. I can see your talents and don’t doubt your current successes. I have to admit though, I feel like I’m wishing the current football jocks well and wondering what will happen to them when the football career is over. In the end though I suppose it really all depends on how we measure success (it’s definately more than about money and a career) which is another topic for another day.

By the way…Monkey I like the Drupal site (my current obsession). Brian…those are some nice sports sites (yours I assume). Well gotta run and figure out what I’m taking to the Super Bowl party.

I was out of college within 2 quarters – I knew I would never finish and also that I would end up working for myself no matter how many degrees I had.

It does take a certain mindset to be able to take that path, however, and that’s what I think he’s not realizing over there. Not everyone can do it. Not everyone can just chuck the system and forge ahead.

I’m not saying I’m smarter or more capable than anyone else (just more ADD if anything). I have many friends with degrees; some who make both more and some who make less than I do.

I never wanted or needed a degree more because I can’t sit in a class for more than 15 minutes without going stir-crazy and because waiting 4 years to complete the degree isn’t enough instant gratification for my MTV-raised mind.

I dropped out of college after 6 years of part-time classes. I only completed about 65 credit hours, or half of the degree. A lot of that was general education so I only have about 25% of my Computer Science credits completed. I might go back and finish a CS degree one day but somehow I doubt it. I’m 24 years old, I started school at 16 and stopped at 22. I am definitely not typical. In my case, dropping out doesn’t feel like quitting. I started learning computer programming at age 12 and being home schooled I could dedicate a great deal of time to my education. By age 20 I was a professional programmer with more experience than most 30 year old comptuer science/information systems graduates. I know that I am missing out on some things by not finishing my degree, however, I don’t need the piece of paper to validate my abilities. The degree might get me a better paying job working for a corporation. That doesn’t matter to me, I don’t want that. I work for myself, mostly on my own terms. I contract for a wonderful startup company and I also do freelance design/development/programming work. I have an office, a recording studio and sometimes I even have free time to do whatever.

This might sound like bragging but that’s not my intention. I just want to point out that things change and in todays world college degrees are not the only path to success.

And by the way, subnixus has posted a new article which responds to this one.