18 years old...college...should I go?

[Wolf]

Well, I'm already going. I start Monday as a Freshmen. But something I really need to know is if I want to have a homestead when I start living in my own place, is it smart to go to college? I know I'm going to need some sort of income..I always hated school and never felt like I belonged there, but society has made me feel that getting a degree is the only way I'll probably be able to make a decent income for my needs. Is there anything else I can do? Having to pay off college debt for so many years sounds so awful if it's not even necessary.

[Alice In TX/MO]

College is so different from High School. You'll be amazed.

Give it a shot.

[Tom in TN]

Wolf,

I'm an old man now, so things are definitely different from when I was 18 years old. When I was a kid, the Soap Box Derby was a big deal for boys aged 11 through 15. I built and raced four Soap Box Derby cars. I actually won the county race with the fourth car I built. The prize was a one year scholarship to Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. I didn't like school, so when I graduated from high school, it told them, "Thanks, but no thanks" on the scholarship.

After a hitch in the Navy, a wife, two kids, and a good job, I enrolled in Cleveland State University taking evening and weekend classes. College is nothing like high school. I enjoyed it very much, got a Bachelor's degree, etc., etc.

Having said all of that, if I had it to do over, I'd enroll in a technical school and get a degree in auto mechanics. You'll never be unemployed if you're any good.

So college, maybe. Tech school, maybe. But if you do go to college, study something that will actually teach you how to DO something. You'll never be out of work if you can DO something that others want done.

At least, that's the way I see it.

Tom in TN

[Forlane]

There is a lot of planning involved, where do you want to live? How much does Land cost per acre, how many acres do you want, what kind of animals do you want, are you close enough to a city that you can market your home raised animals, vegetables?
How much will it cost to build your house? If not building how much to buy?

You're going to be a jack of all trades (hiring someone to do something costs money, if you can do it yourself you save a ton. People prove daily they can live on limited incomes very well, because they do not have huge expenses.

Homestead job; how to apply it to college
Growing your own food; Agricultural, Horticulture, Permaculture.
Raising Livestock
Construction
Plumbing
Electrical
Mechanic
Diesel Mechanic
Heavy equipment operator
Accountant
Welding
etc.

All of these jobs will be a part of your homestead in one way shape or form, whether you decide to do it yourself or hire it out.

[motdaugrnds]

Wolf, times have changed so much since I was in college. The job market is quite different with all so high-tech and many a person can now create their own jobs right out of their own home.

With that being said, additional education is never wasted time whether you choose a profession or an occupation or some enhanced skill. Even a general "undergraduate" in business can be extremely valuable whether you enter the work environment or run your own homestead. The one thing you want to make sure you do is choose something you "enjoy" doing.

Also, if you spend some time talking with the universities in your area, you might discover there are certain things you can do that will assure you of a "free" education (or at least most of it paid for)....I remember my sister didn't have to pay off her "student loans" because she agreed to work in a certain field for so many years...wasn't that long either. So, it would behoove you to check out your options "before" you choose a university or college or field to enter.

Good luck Wolf .... exciting times ahead for you if you keep your head straight, i.e. no drugs or heavy drinking/partying.

[Oldcountryboy]

Yes, or at least go the first two years and get all your basic General Ed classes out of the way. English classes, math classes, history, science, etc. Then if your not sure what to go into by this time then you can drop out and do some job exploring. You might find something like latter on and decide to go back to school. If so, then you will already have the basic classes out of the way and you can just concentrate on your Major then.

If I was to be able to relive some of my life, I would get the first two years of college over with and then join the Navy or Airforce and get some experience in a technical field of some sort. Then when I got out of the Service, I would go back to school for more trainning in the field of study. You would be very set for a life time of good employment then.

[Windy in Kansas]

By all means go. Almost all employment now demands someone with a college degree in some field. I never had any college (60s era) and often could not even get an interview for employment.

Best wishes and keep you nose in the books but have some fun along the way too.

Just noticed it is your first post, so WELCOME to the forums too.

[Wolf]

I'm set for a major in Wildlife Conservation. I've always wanted to work with and benefit nature. I imagine my homestead as a small home (I can't imagine building one on my own right now, but in the future who knows..) with a garden, chickens, and hopefully sheep for wool and goats for milk. I'm considering taking up hunting (I'd use a bow, not a gun) for meat instead of raising meat. I'd want as little technology as I could, natural lighting and heating, solar power, etc. I was planning on also having my car so I could visit my family and go out once in awhile. But one thing that really has me lost is if/how I could have those animals and time to take care of them if I was working for an income? (Because if I'm going to college, I'm going to have a ton of dept to pay off for a looong time..).

[rootsandwings]

well, do you like people? if you work in right, with a degree in wildlife conservation, you could end up as a guide/ranger/caretaker/manager somewhere - the place wouldn't belong to you, but it could have the set-up you want already in place, and some places will let you add your own animals. on the job training and whatever salary or side income you do make could be put aside for your own place later.

my 19 year old made $1,500 plus room, board, free rides to town and hiking equipment and supplies for her days off working 8 weeks for the boy scouts this summer doing light construction, organic gardening, and goat and chicken care. not a lot, but the only thing she had to buy all summer was shampoo (and three books and some yarn to make a hat).

[frogmammy]

Originally Posted by Wolf

(Because if I'm going to college, I'm going to have a ton of dept to pay off for a looong time..).

Get a job, pay for your college yourself on the pay-as-you-go scheme.

Mon

[stanb999]

Originally Posted by Wolf

(Because if I'm going to college, I'm going to have a ton of dept to pay off for a looong time..).

If now going requires loans. Wait to go till it doesn't.

[StatHaldol]

I went to college back when the earth's crust was still cooling (mid 70's).

I know things have changed a lot; but I enjoyed it much more when I worked and went to college part time.

Give it a try and see how you like it!

[HermitJohn]

Remember this debt cant be shed through bankruptcy. I got through college with no debt, but dinosaurs roamed the hiways.... College is crazy priced now, most likely the usual low end jobs just wont be able to pay it off. Might be exceptions. I cant think of name of it, but heard of a 4 year college in Missouri that required you to work your way through, and no debt involved. Just way that particular school was set up. Otherwise, imagine only some 2 year junior/technical college are affordable totally by working low end jobs while attending.

While mentioning money, might also say land and fuel and even salvaged resources have increased greatly in price while low end wages havent. So not sure how easy to homestead anymore either.

College is better than high school, less crap and most of people there are there cause they want to be, rather than it being a combination juvenile prison camp and babysitting service, but you do have to like dealing with people up close and personal on daily basis to enjoy it. Plenty of office politics and intrigue amongst the staff. Looking back on my life, dont think I would have bothered if I had to live that part of my life over. Depends on kind of person you are and if you want to race the rats. I never enjoyed rodents that much....

[Callieslamb]

Originally Posted by Wolf

I'm set for a major in Wildlife Conservation. ................ But one thing that really has me lost is if/how I could have those animals and time to take care of them if I was working for an income? (Because if I'm going to college, I'm going to have a ton of dept to pay off for a looong time..).

I do all the things you have listed except the goats and hunting. It takes me less than an hour a day with a few hours thrown in here and there for fences, shearing, etc. I think you will find that you will NEED a decent job since nothing you have listed is a money maker for you or your homestead. Existing without money isn't a reality you can live with. What about a future family? You will have a responsibility to them let alone buying the homestead in the first place.

I'm excited that at your age, you are interested in providing for yourself. But, being a momma......... and you've struck that old 'momma chord'.

What is the expected annual income from your stated job? It's foolish to acquire a ton of debt for a job that won't pay for that education in a couple of years - one year would be better. I have 4 kids plus 5 in-law kids that have graduated from college in the last 3 years. Only one had any school debt. All of them had families and no one had to take a semester off to earn money. (and no, I didn't pay them a cent after their first year). It can be done TODAY. It will take a lot of sacrifice. Get a job or 2 or 3 if that's what it takes. Custodial work/grounds crews at the college is a good place to start. The hours stink for having fun, but they're great for studying. Three of my kids are now in graduate school - they are paid by the school to attend.....about $18K a year. It stinks. They do without a lot but they will have PhD's with NO DEBT. MY DSIL that is headed for law school did a stint in the military because he felt he had no prospects for education or otherwise. They have paid for his college and will pay 2 years of in-state law school for him - now he will have a quite a bit of debt before he's finished with school. The point is - HE HATED high school too. Look at him now - straight A's. If my non-brainiac kids with no super skills that didn't really like HS can do it, so can you. If you find you can't do it - find a cheaper school. Get to know your instructors - they are also avenues for jobs.

Too many today are borrowing more than a year of college costs - and that's where they get into trouble.
I double ditto- College is way different than HS. If you cannot discipline yourself to sit through classes or some kind of schooling that will help you attain your dream of a homestead - you will not have the discipline to maintain a homestead.

I am a HUGE advocate for college educations but I feel that the trade skills are just as valuable to a person with those kinds of talents. I agree that college isn't for everyone - nor are the kinds of jobs those degrees will get them. But there is no excuse for not furthering your skills with some kind of post HS education. You will never regret it (unless you pile up so much debt that you can't shovel out from under it.) Good luck. Keep us posting on how you are doing.

[johncotexas]

Definitely go to college. I agree with most of the other posters. I was miserable and did terrible in H.S. but college was the best years of my young life. I learned way more about myself than I ever learned of any subject. You will be exposed to so many new people and ideas, your head will explode. You shouldn't deny yourself the opportunity. I am 42 and still paying off college loans. With Sallie mae and the like the interest rates are so low and the payments are so reasonable that it is just no big deal. Plus, any time you need to take a break for income reasons, you can do a hardship delay on your loans and put them of for a while. I did this myself a couple of time during the Peace Corps and such. Good luck and you already sound like you are on a good path!

[highlands]

No, you don't need to go to college to homestead. What it will do for you is incur a lot of debt and take up years of your life. Nobody has ever asked me for my college degree. I applied myself earning multiple degrees, in the fields I have done, learned a lot but the reality is 95% or more of what I've learned was outside of school. If you want to learn something, do it.

What appalled me about college was how many people I saw wasting their time and money there. Just about all they did was party. A triple waste.

That said, there are some people who can't motivate themselves to learn and for them college is what does the trick.

If you want to do something like being a doctor where they require a college degree then you have to jump through the hoop.

What ever you do, make the most of it.

[Macybaby]

If I had not gone to college, I would not have the job I have now that allows DH and I to live our homestead dream.

I went to a cheaper college, and only had about $20,000 in debt when I graduated, paid off over the next ten years. I had my kids first, struggled and could not make ends meet no matter what. When I went to college I was motivated to do my best, got a high gpa because I was paying to learn, and B and C meant I wasn't putting forth the effort to get my money's worth. I was in my mid thirties before I finished my four year degree.

BTW - Trade schools are very valuable too. If you go to school, it should have a purpose to help the rest of your life. I know too many people who went to college for something to do, graduated and have no idea how to use what they learned to help them the rest of their lives (and some graduated 15 years ago). So far, almost everyone I know who went to trade school and were serious about it -have been able to use what they learned to help them in their future lives.

Both of my kids attempted to go to college at 18. Both dropped out for a few years, and both have gone back at an older age when they were MOTIVATED to really do well. Son graduated top of his class (trade school) and loves what he does and just bought a house. Daughter, after first semester made the Deans list and was able to get scholarships to pretty much pay for the rest of her BS degree (she has a few classes left to go).

But both would have come away with nothing but a lot of debt had they continued going before they got personally motivated to make the most of it.

[sunflower-n-ks]

Lots of great advise so far. You do not need to owe payments for the rest of your life to go to college. Check into grants (don't have to be paid back), scholarships, etc. Avoid loans if possible. Part time jobs are good.

My youngest DD came out of college with money in the bank. She had scholarships, grants, and part time jobs. One job was on campus and because of it she had on campus housing so almost no car expenses. She could walk everywhere she needed to go, almost. She studied and worked hard, got all A's with a heavy loaded class schedule.

If you have not researched grants and scholarships, HS or college counselors can help you. If the first one doesn't help go to another one.

And, check into ag colleges to see if they might appeal to you. In Kansas it is Kansas State University.

[Joe Prepper]

Originally Posted by Wolf

Well, I'm already going. I start Monday as a Freshmen. But something I really need to know is if I want to have a homestead when I start living in my own place, is it smart to go to college? I know I'm going to need some sort of income..I always hated school and never felt like I belonged there, but society has made me feel that getting a degree is the only way I'll probably be able to make a decent income for my needs. Is there anything else I can do? Having to pay off college debt for so many years sounds so awful if it's not even necessary.

Let me say that I think "everyone must go to college" mantra is overated, untrue, and harmfull for the people. As a matter of a fact, unless you are entering a field that requires extended study (doctor,biologist,,,,etc) then I would say it can be close to useless.

There are many overeducated, underpaid, out of work people in the world. If you are considering homesteding you might want to look at a hands on job or trade school that will compliment this. You might not work in an office, but it doesnt sound like your that type anyway.

Welding for instance would give you a practicle skill that is universal in many industries as well as the homestead. Electrician with a core knowledge in solar would put you in the right direction to take advantage of a possible future movement to partial solar. You could also just chose whatever interests your.

The technicall school will most likely be less expensive and be more field intense. Your likely to be able to convert youe knowledge to income faster and you will be able to use what you learn to take care of yourself or work for yourself even if noone is hiring.

Look at how much college costs both in time and money and make sure you are getting the return you want. I know several people that went to college for 4+ years only to go back and become a RN becasue those jobs were available.

Sorry...this was my rant for the day....but its early still,

[Pony]

Do not go into debt for college. As has been mentioned, it is a debt that cannot be discharged through bankruptcy. The money is too easy to get, and the repayment plans can be onerous.

Pay as you go. If you do not have a burning desire to be in a particular field (medicine, mental health, whatever), really think long and hard about it.

The field you've chosen is not one of the higher-paying career tracks, and there is incredibly stiff competition for jobs. Think long and hard before accruing debt that you may be unable to pay.

I have an advanced degree in a field I loved (do note the past tense). The grad school overstated the need and pay for professionals in my field, and the politics of the field made it incredibly distasteful (read: soul-sucking) for me.