In reference to: FTL2009-08-18 - 00:32 Alex in New Jersey
“Stealing is wrong, even when it’s human capital.”
I have always had hobbies; I have always molded my hobbies around activities that can provide a service. Through seeking opportunity to "show what I know" I was able to get my first real paying job doing programming (one of my hobbies) without a degree. There is a huge difference between someone who has a degree and someone who has passion for what they do. It is not hard to distinguish between the two.
I did not sign up for the Selective Service when I turned 18. I lived on my own at 15 and I was not aware that I was "required" to do so. I knew nothing of government and never "updated" my hole in the wall address as I was a minor and did not want to be suddenly returned to a bad situation (home); I just washed dishes, ate a lot of Chinese food and paid $250.00 a month for a room. I attended night school through my high school years. The college informed me that it is considered a "crime" and that I will not be attending without submitting. What a shock, for real! It is not a matter of someone’s dime where I live (Utah), I don't know about other places; I cannot go to college whether I pay for it myself or get someone to steal tuition from you.
As a result I was forced to give up meeting the employer expectation of an approved education. Not a good thing to say when it comes time to your annual corporate review… So what has come from it? One word explains it best, DIVERSITY!
A few years ago I quit my corporate job, began working with a good friend part-time and doing the programming and tech support for myself from home. I began home schooling my 8 year old son and that has been absolutely unchaining. He is such a smart person. I don't steal and I do not support those that do, I still manage to pay my bills. I cannot afford health insurance but I do trade my services with a few select health professionals that I know personally. They have provided better service than we have ever received via co-pay.
Had I been accepted, I likely would have accepted where I was and kept living the 9-5 lifestyle which provided ammunition to thugs, no happiness and a ditch to dig in. Be it a battle I may of considered differently at 18, I have no regrets at 36.
Thanks for being a free thinking individual Alex!
GO FJIA Activism!!!!