Deciding to Drop Out of College

College preparation begins at a very young age as parents instill the importance of higher education. Yet, while a degree has long been the springboard to solid career placement, this conventional mindset has come under scrutiny of late. The advent of new technology has restruc-tured the prerequisites for good-paying jobs to focus more upon life experience, making the standard college education a less likely mandate for success. The decision to quit college, therefore, encompasses more than just the academic aspect.

Turn your passion into a secure livelihood. Recognize that you do not need a college degree to start your own company, according to entrepreneur Nathan Lee. Take a few community college courses to provide you with the right business foundation.

Gauge whether your earning potential justifies paying skyrocketing tuition fees as administrators struggle to offset declining attendance with increased costs. Consider how much of an impact a $30,000 to $50,000 degree will have upon your ability to pay off student loans, advises Lee.

Assess if you're attending college because of social conditioning or because you see higher education as a stepping stone to a desired career. Re-evaluate your perspective if more time is spent struggling than achieving, especially when it comes to meeting financial needs.

Originally written for and published on eHow