Time Management - Should I Focus On School?

Stay in school and go to college. Believe it or not, unless your Bill Gates, that 'piece of paper' means a lot in the corporate world. At least if something ever happens to your IM business, you do have that 'piece of paper' to fall back to.

College was fun, lots of girls, lots of parties, lots of drugs. Meet cool people. Lots of sex.


The downside, lots of homework, and BS from divorced "Deans" that come from broken homes. Lots of BS project.

I learned a lot when I was in college and most of them were from the social experience I had. I've always felt like the education I got was a waste of money though. Whatever I learned was never used (forgot 90% of them) so go figure.

College offers much more than a shared mindset and refined course work!

As a student myself, I have a few thoughts on this...I dont plan on working a 9-5 job either, but theres sooo much more to it...Heres a glimpse into my life as a student...

College has offered me an opportunity to meet like minded people! I actually found two of my closest CPA partners in college - whom without - I would probably be making a fraction of my current income...

Plus, lets be honest, its a lot of fun being the 'internet businessman' in a college setting! From my experience, my peers respect me and I have been told that I actually inspire them to work harder in their chosen niche...

Join clubs and help make a difference in the Uni. You feel like people are becoming zombies in the educational system? Take some action I just got hired as the lead event promoter for a campus wide dance marathon! Help out with charitable causes on campus...Where else will a school find an executive level internet marketer?! Your talent is SO rare and valueable...Although we wear black hats, we often have good hearts....Lend your talent to the school and help make a difference!

Last and not least, the prestige of having a college degree is something that nobody can take away from you...
For example, who will you trust more in this forum? A newbie member or a Jr. VIP with 400 posts? A degree gives you a certain level of trust...

Also...
Heaven forbid a day when your business might not be doing well, at least you'll have your degree and your experience to help launch the next phase in your life...

I feel like this post kinda comes off as a 'self promoting' thread - but I want it to be seen as a different college kid's experience...I graduate this year and I know that I'm going to miss the opportunities that college presents...The opportunities...the people...the future business connections! I loooooove college!!1111!!11!

PS - If you fear that school will hurt your future online income....While doing a full load each term 16 units +, I have generated a considerable amount of money...Lets just say, I'm not filling out any applications for next year...Not to mention the 100s of IM'ers who enter the market while working their FT job! 9-5 and then going online...I would argue its easier to get IM work done while in school, lol!

Clade tells much truth.

Go there for the lolz - don't rely on it.

College is rarely the path to successes - although it really depends on your definition.
Not mine though.

I don't mind putting time into subjects which I like, those which I excel at especially. Maths, economics, politics are all thinks that I'll be able to attain top or close to top grades in. I'm definitely above average, in fact in the top 5% of our year. The problem however is, I'm not already in college. I've got about 5-6 years to go until I'd actually graduate from university, 4 of which could be swapped for complete focus on business building. I argue that we're currently looking at a very prosperous time for building business, especially on the web where we're still in the starting blocks, and developing at a very rapid rate.

I equally agree with the statement that 90% of what you learn you never use. Another point of why I think the entire system is complete bullshit, works for if you have absolutely no fucking idea what you want to do and end up going into a very obscure subject, but otherwise, it's a bullshit system .

I think thanks is appropriate for your great ideas.

Within my own school, I've always been at the top portion of the class, and like the others (many of whom are complete twats) have been expected to go to a school like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE or one of the other "top" deemed schools. The sheer workload and bullshit to get into these schools is not for me however.

Should I look at perhaps relaxing and going for something like ABB at A Level, and then going to somewhere that's not as twattish/has more lols/doesn't have as much work?

College offers much more than a shared mindset and refined course work!

As a student myself, I have a few thoughts on this...I dont plan on working a 9-5 job either, but theres sooo much more to it...Heres a glimpse into my life as a student...

College has offered me an opportunity to meet like minded people! I actually found two of my closest CPA partners in college - whom without - I would probably be making a fraction of my current income...

Plus, lets be honest, its a lot of fun being the 'internet businessman' in a college setting! From my experience, my peers respect me and I have been told that I actually inspire them to work harder in their chosen niche...

Join clubs and help make a difference in the Uni. You feel like people are becoming zombies in the educational system? Take some action I just got hired as the lead event promoter for a campus wide dance marathon! Help out with charitable causes on campus...Where else will a school find an executive level internet marketer?! Your talent is SO rare and valueable...Although we wear black hats, we often have good hearts....Lend your talent to the school and help make a difference!

Last and not least, the prestige of having a college degree is something that nobody can take away from you...
For example, who will you trust more in this forum? A newbie member or a Jr. VIP with 400 posts? A degree gives you a certain level of trust...

Also...
Heaven forbid a day when your business might not be doing well, at least you'll have your degree and your experience to help launch the next phase in your life...

I feel like this post kinda comes off as a 'self promoting' thread - but I want it to be seen as a different college kid's experience...I graduate this year and I know that I'm going to miss the opportunities that college presents...The opportunities...the people...the future business connections! I loooooove college!!1111!!11!

PS - If you fear that school will hurt your future online income....While doing a full load each term 16 units +, I have generated a considerable amount of money...Lets just say, I'm not filling out any applications for next year...Not to mention the 100s of IM'ers who enter the market while working their FT job! 9-5 and then going online...I would argue its easier to get IM work done while in school, lol!

You certainly put time into your post, thanks a bunch . I see your views, and definitely quite agree. College definitely should have a fun factor, and as a successful business person, even more so (money to splash please?). However, can I go to a lower tier college on ABB (sorry if you're not from the UK, ignore this if so) and still get a degree that will be worth anything?

I wouldn't settle for a 9-5, not when I know the potential of business opportunities out there. God forbid, if I were to slip, I think I'd be looking at getting into something else other then a office type 9-5. I'd rather work shifts helping people in some way.

Clade tells much truth.

Go there for the lolz - don't rely on it.

College is rarely the path to successes - although it really depends on your definition.
Not mine though.

Click to expand...

Words of inspiration .

EDIT: @Clade, just fully realised what you said in your second post. Very interesting point, "re-coup" and build back stronger, will definitely take this into mind.

Get a degree in either business, marketing or IT. Business and marketing are probably your best options from what I've read. There are a couple of things to consider. You might go belly-up in your online marketing one day. The game is always changing, and sometimes even the best marketers today don't make it tomorrow.

You will actually learn things is school about business. Many of those things you probably already know, however have not put the proper terms or connected the dots. At some point you will be dealing with business savvy people. How much they open up to you depends on how well you can talk their language. Hell, even affiliate managers on your CPA offers will be more open and helpful if you know how to talk in a way that they understand.

Also, there is more to school than just that little piece of paper. There is the networking. Think about it.. you might want some help down the road and university can be a 4 year long interview process to find the right partners. You'll never know it all, so it's important to joint venture a bit. And besides, if you are making good money, you wont have to do a JV, just pay some of your classmates a couple of bucks that would generally be expensive.

By the sounds of it, you will basically be able to pay for school with cash, and come out with a valuable education debt free. Enjoy it while it lasts.

mic000 said:

Get a degree in either business, marketing or IT. Business and marketing are probably your best options from what I've read. There are a couple of things to consider. You might go belly-up in your online marketing one day. The game is always changing, and sometimes even the best marketers today don't make it tomorrow.

You will actually learn things is school about business. Many of those things you probably already know, however have not put the proper terms or connected the dots. At some point you will be dealing with business savvy people. How much they open up to you depends on how well you can talk their language. Hell, even affiliate managers on your CPA offers will be more open and helpful if you know how to talk in a way that they understand.

Also, there is more to school than just that little piece of paper. There is the networking. Think about it.. you might want some help down the road and university can be a 4 year long interview process to find the right partners. You'll never know it all, so it's important to joint venture a bit. And besides, if you are making good money, you wont have to do a JV, just pay some of your classmates a couple of bucks that would generally be expensive.

By the sounds of it, you will basically be able to pay for school with cash, and come out with a valuable education debt free. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Click to expand...

I see your point, but I've already got a firm grasp of business and business terminology, even more so then my business studies teacher in some cases. In my business exams, I attain the highest level in the class @ around 90% due to my keenness for business. I now own my own limited company .

Thanks for the kind words though

@Everyone: I'm very glad to see the amount of positive, constructive responses, really wasn't expecting such great detailed answers. Thanks .

Go to college, and work on IM when your in college. College is a great experience, even if you never use your degree. Plus you will build up some great connections incase you ever get into trouble.

Yes, it is all bullshit but at the same time it's quite an easy option and you can still have time to do IM.

Go to college and do some online marketing to pay your way through. Seriously if you can do this it's a lot better than going straight into work, coming home doing IM and never seeing the light of day. Plus as many have mentioned there's parties, girls, drugs etc to be enjoyed.

Yousef, you're right. School is mostly a bunch of bullshit that prepares your for everything and nothing. But consider this: when you apply for a job where the person doesnt know what a amazing, smart guy you are, their first impression of you is that silly piece of paper with your grades. Thats all they go on, and if that isnt very good, you usually wont get a chance to meet them unless you write an amazing cover letter.

It's a flawed system, but honestly? I cant easily think of a better one, considering that many companies get hundreds of applications by people. Taking the time to meet each one in person is not feasable. So that's why you need that piece of paper with the good grades -- to make a decent first impression. After that, it's all about your personality and work ethic.

Then again, with the way you view school and college, you probably will be an entrepreneur one day anyway. I had a similar mindset at 16; I'm 26 now and a serial entrepreneur. I could never work a 9-5 grind; its just not my thing. But I'm glad I went to college; it really changes the way you approach problems. And you get to build connections with people that will help you later on.

College was a complete 4 year joke for me that I never wanted to attend. Without it I wouldn't be the person I am. Even if you weren't listening the fact that ideas came from the mouths of hundreds around you sparks thoughts in your mind that otherwise you wouldn't have ever thought of yourself.

I barely did projects, cheated on homework, and bullshitted my way through tests. I somehow got in and out on time and flying colors. It wasn't that part that I went for, it was the experience of college and you can only really have the one time.


Plus, it is the closest you'll get to sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll with no care at all. You'll meet people just like you too. Its an experience of a lifetime.


ALSO! I always told myself I would never work for anyone, ever. In college it gave me the free time to fuck up really bad while also trying to make it myself. I opened a store and sold it for profit in those 4 years, I made money online, and I worked in real estate. You can't fuck around that much in the real world....all that in 4 years while not being wealthy in the real world is much harder than all that in college while not being wealthy.