So, after answering someone's youtube comment about electronics I kinda opened up an old wound:
College isn't for me, but I need to prove to employers that I know my shit. And there's still much I need to learn. The obvious choice for most would be go back to school, but, like I said: college isn't for me and I can't be the only one. Don't get me wrong; I love my job right now (unrelated field), but I don't want to do it forever (i figure 5 years is my limit); I casually aim to be partially FI and work in the electronics industry by the age of 30 (I'm 22 now).
I've been to 3 different colleges, been kicked out of two and flunked out of one. And it's definitely not because I'm an idiot. I know my shit. I remember nearly everything I was taught! I just don't excel in academics. I always have personality issues with academic-types, namely stuck-up professors. And especially TAs! Also the format just sucks. If I wanted to listen to a lecture I'd do it at home or just read the book. Why am I paying $30,000 for someone to read a powerpoint to me and give me hassle? And that's without mentioning how much of a ripoff college is. Not to say there isn't more I need to learn, but college *isn't* for me. And I can't be the only one.
Many people would just say "deal with it". But that's never been my style. I don't just "deal with it" - I find solutions. If I think something isn't right I'm going to follow my convictions - experience has taught me my gut is usually right anyhow. Maybe I just haven't been (totally) worn down by the world yet, but I'm young I still have hope! (Without hope I won't make it to old age anyways)
I've looked into alternatives like MIT OpenCourseWare, and just reading textbooks (which I do regularly anyways), but it's impossible to prove what you know. There are programs like Excelsior and CLEP, but they only get the fluffy filler classes out of the way. There are also certain vocational certifications like A+ or the Journeyman's exam (which btw is another big clusterfuck...), but nothing for the likes of electronics engineering. There isn't even really a good one for programming. Which, do you really need a 4-year degree to write some code in C? As a former CS major I can confidently say "no".
So TL;DR:
The problem with education is *not* access to knowledge - knowledge has never in all of human history been this accessible - not even close! The problem then, is employability. How do I convince employers that I, and others like me, have knowledge and skills without (at great cost!) feeding the vicious cycle of degree inflation. Is the only solution to find a non-degree job (like mine), and once able become self-employed or retire? Even freelancers need to convince customers of their value. How do I market myself? Are there any groups that aim to solve this issue that I might be interested in? How can I write a convincing portfolio without a degree, because, let's face it: I'm probably not the next Bill Gates - I just don't understand people and I think consumers are bloody retarded. I'm good at things, not people, which is why I even have this problem...
I mean I could always just stick out my current job until my 40s and retire, but I'd rather do something with my life instead. And lately I've found myself in this irrational search for meaning anyhow, who knows, this could be how I make my mark... (unlikely, but worth investigating)
