College or not?

[bryce1564]

Hey guys, sorry for taking the time out of yoyr days to ask this. But right now im 19 years old, i work in construction and i hate it. I hate every bit of it. But the company i work for is my familys and one day i could be pretty high in it making 40-50+ easy. I really want to go to college but my dad doesnt want me to he, of course wants me to stay where im at and make my way up. And his income will make it hard to get more than 5 grand in scholarships and/or grants to pay off school. Im really interested in computing, ive never programmed a thing in my life but i want to learn, i love art and thus feel game design would be right up my alley! Ive been a gamer since i was 7 years old most of which on WoW. My dream is to work for blizzard one day. But to be homest id really like to work on my computer and im not sure what type of jobs that implies. I'd really appreciate someone if anyones imput on this subject to help me out. I have so much ambition to do these things but im just uninformed of what i could do with these things. Thanks for reading.

 

[turkey3_scratch]

If you live in America, there is a serious demand for computer jobs, and there are not enough coders to fulfill those jobs. You should go to a local community college for $2000 a year and take programming there. Even a 2 year cert would be fine. After that getting a job in coding will be very easy in America. There are not enough coders in America!

 

[rgd1101]

Go to a Community college first, just make sure it accredit to the college you want to go to.

 

[OriginalCadaver]

That is a tough one. Why don't you try taking some evening classes at a local community college? There are all sorts of online, computer science, information systems, game design type classes available as well. You don't have to quit your day job to try taking some classes, if you find you really have a knack for it then go full-time. I bet your dad will take you back in to the business if it doesn't work out. Find something you enjoy doing and figure out a way to get paid for it.

 

[boosted1g]

There is a big jump from likes to play games and creative, to being a video game programmer. Not to say that you wont start to dabble in programming and like it, but most people who go into programming because they like to play video games don't last long.

40-50k a year is not bad by any stretch but not great. Construction work defiantly has its pros and cons but one large con is that as you get older it gets much harder on your body. No one should choose their career based on what their parents want them to do, it should be your personal choice. I in no way have pushed my field on any of my siblings nor will I push it on my children. They will know how to do basic troubleshooting and be self sufficient (like my daughter will know how to change a tire, diagnose "the wifi does not work" down to the failed component, etc); but I in no way will expect them to pursue that as their career.

 

[boosted1g]

I agree that you should "get your toes wet" so to speak by taking some night classes.

Just make sure any coursework you do at a community college will be accepted by the 4 year university/degree program you are looking at. Otherwise all the money and time you spend on classes will be a complete waste.

If you are in USA you do have the option to get student loans if your parents income is too large for grants.
There are also many scholarship programs out there that will still give you an equal consideration for the scholarship despite how much income your family makes.

 

[DelroyMonjo]

Just one question; Do you still live with your parents?

 

[DookieDraws]

I know I am preaching, but if you are serious about ANYTHING in life you WILL find a way to attain your goal(s)! Sure, there will be struggles along the way, and you may feel like giving up thinking it's not worth it, but don't give up, brother! You stick with it and all of the hard work will eventually pay off! What ever it is you want to do in life, dedicate yourself to it and make it happen! You CAN make it happen!

Here are a few links you may find useful. Contact some of the individuals in the links below for guidance.

http://johnpdoran.com

http://johnpdoran.com/12-tips-for-starting-game-designers/

http://www.sloperama.com/advice.html

http://www.gameindustrycareerguide.com/advice-become-a-game-designer/

http://www.princetonreview.com/top-undergraduate-schools-for-video-game-design.aspx

Also, youtube has tons of videos related to programing and game art/design, so be sure to check them out.

Best of luck to you, brother!

 

[bryce1564]

I live in Houston Texas, and so san jac is the community college around here. I still live with my parents, yes. Im in no rush to leave bevause it makes my life much easier when they let me stay.

 

[Kewlx25]

I saw programming mentioned. Don't just choose a job because it pays well, because many jobs only pay well if you're good at it. Everyone else gets the shaft and handle all the mundane grunt work.

"After that getting a job in coding will be very easy in America. There are not enough coders in America!" - There's not enough "good" coders in the USA. There are plenty of people who claim to program. A 4 year is easier to find jobs because there is so much noise from people claiming to have a piece of paper that says they can program.

"But the company i work for is my familys and one day i could be pretty high in it making 40-50+ easy" - I'm not one that cares as much how much I make as "making enough" and enjoying my work, but I was getting offers for about 70-80k plus benefits fresh out of college and in low cost of living cities with low crime and great parks and education.

If you're a person who cares more about money, there is decent pay out there for programming, but I'm sure there are better jobs for making money if that's all you care about.

Figure out what you want to do for the next 30 years, then go after that.

 

[RockyMark]

According to your question, it seems that you are really interested in studies. I would suggest you to make up your mind for doing the college and plan accordingly. There are two problems you need to deal with, one is the money for the college admission and second is your dad’s view on your career. So, you should plan properly for the money that would be required and you need to convince your dad regarding the education as to how it will benefit your career and be nice for the family.

 

[TheGrinch]

It is totally up to you, if you think you can make it, go to college! Shure your dad wants the best for you, but you are 19 years now, go and make your own decisions.. However, I hope you or your family can afford it somehow, but maybe you can save some money now! Fingers crossed for your college way! 😉