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School choice based on part-time work opportunity.

I have been working as a teller for a credit union since I was 16. I am now a high school senior and my employer will allow me to work part-time while I attend school full-time in the IT Dept. Would it be irresponsible to attend college out of town and miss out on the opportunity to gain IT experience while pursuing a degree in computer science? #work-while-attending-school-full-time #college

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Thank you comment icon The cu only has branches in my hometown. Plus, IT Dept. is only at headquarters where I currently work. J'Kory
Thank you comment icon if i was in your position i would continue the IT work momentarily maybe a year or so and then explore college options the reason being is that a degree opens doors but does not guarantee a job in your field unless you have experience. in my opinion experience out weighs education. Also pursuing online education will allow you to stay local to your current job and you will still be going to school in pursuit of your CS degree. jose
Thank you comment icon Exactly what the parentals say. Thank you. J'Kory
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Kristin’s Answer

Is there another branch closer to school that you would be able to work at?
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Beth’s Answer

I followed this very same path as a teenager. I started working at a bank at age 16, and worked there until I finished college at 21. First, in the bookkeeping dept, then into accounting and finally into IT and operations for 5 years. The experience I gained was valuable and while I don't regret it because it was the responsible route, I do often wonder what my life would have been like had I gone the more traditional route and moved off to college, finding another job there. The latter half of my high school career, and all of my college time was spent in class, studying or working. I had little time for fun and making friends, and that is all part of the college experience. While it's noble and responsible, consider what is important to you, your future self and what you want to experience in your college life. The pros for me were: stable job, lived at home to save money and commuted and thus little student loans upon graduation. The cons: lacked the entire college experience most of us grow up dreaming about, including lifelong friends and learning that sense of wild independence in our youth, in the safety of a university environment.

Beth recommends the following next steps:

journal about what you're seeking in both scenarios
explore what's more important and what you want to do after college, and how each choice will get you there
enjoy life responsibly, but do enjoy it!
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