Hi all, This post is a little different from my usual posts. I'm hoping this generous community, frankly, the older and wiser side of the community that has more life experience then me - can lend me a few kind words of suggestion on my thoughts on this topic revolving around my life. It's super appreciated. I've seen plenty of posts and talked to plenty of "buzztouch fanatics" that have left their jobs, their only source of income for their families and themselves, to "do apps full-time". I think this is awesome, we live in such a crazy world that this is possible. Clicks, mouse movements, and some typing - this can earn us money. Awesome! I believe a few super active BT members have left their jobs to do apps with buzztouch, and are happy. So we can hopefully conclude that if you are making a decent amount of money pursuing this app making goal - using buzztouch, or any other platform, it's reasonable to say that it should be acceptable to leave the job your at to pursue it even further, and become a better developer, coder, designer, make better money, improve yourself and help others, pursue your business dream and so on and so on. I'm in a position where I have always been able to make money online, with and without buzztouch - super lucky I think, I have never had or needed a real job - I'm not rich - but I'm content with my life, and the people around me. I love my girlfriend to death, the little family I have, and the close few friends that are usually there for me. I'm currently attending Edinboro University, finishing up my third semester, and I'm probably around 20 thousand dollars in debt already, if not more. I've learned almost nothing from school, although my grades have been good. I have been working harder then I ever have on my education, but feel that I'm learning nothing of use, and nothing I'm interested in, while gaining enormous amounts of debt for a piece of paper that tells me I can get a job and make money, if I'm lucky to get hired, rather then be the employer. I'm in no way stating that education is not important, far from it. Where would we be without it? But it doesn't seem to be right for me. I learn so much about things that interest me online, if it's not code and buzztouch, it's something else. I'm a creature that learns what he wants to learn with utmost ease, but sleeps in a classroom if the subject is not what I'm interested in. I don't intend to stop my education, but, rather, the method of which I gain my education - does that make sense? Now more then ever going to college is more about "getting a job and making money" then it is "educating and learning" although, both go hand in hand, one has much more emphasize. I've already reached the "end goal" of income, I make a decent income, I could make more if I focused on my business and app making skills, focused more on clients, work, and updating my skill-set. Money is not my ultimate goal here, although it's needed for my ultimate goal. I want to support a family financially with a business that I can be passionate about, something I love, something I can put everything into. So what does this all mean? Should I continue to go to school, learning about american history and working on calculus and trigonometry equations, while desperately trying to get loans from anyone who will hand me a dollar? or should I pursue my dream with this app thing and work on my dream business idea? Like many of you? Here goes: I want to leave school to pursue making apps. I've told a few people this here at school, and they all want to burn me to the stake. Out of the say about 50-70 people I have talked to here over the past 2 months, 80-90% or so have told me that I will fail (not bluntly, but I can take the subtle hints), that education is needed, that I'm an idiot (very bluntly). I'm not exaggerating. In fact, the only people that have told me to go for it, is my girlfriend, a professor, and my sister. None of my friends support this decision. So I guess my question to you guys, the ones with life experience is simple. What's the difference between you guys leaving your jobs to pursue your "app making dream" and the difference between me leaving my school to pursue my own app making dream? and if there is a difference, is it substantial? (I'm 21 if anyone wants to know). ** I've already told the university that I'm withdrawing, I've packed up, and have left. I'm super passionate with this new project I'm working on and I've decided to put my all into it, regardless if I have support - I just know it will work if I dedicate myself to it. I make enough money to get by (again, as long as I have a roof and food, and can take care of my girlfriend I am happy), I'm sitting in my new one bedroom apartment, sharing with my girlfriend who is not on the lease, typing this up - now I just want to see if you guys have any thoughts on this. I'm getting no sleep. The decision that I made was 2 months of thinking, 1 month of no sleep and talking, thinking (while trying to finish school work and finals), it was not made with haste - I wanted to be 110% sure this is what I wanted to do with my life. This project (something I told david I wanted to talk to him about a long time ago, but never had that chance) is my main focus and goal in life to pursue, something I love. Hoping to propose to my girlfriend at the end of this month at a California Zoo (she loves animals and zoo's), I don't have enough money for a good ring, but like me she is happy with little, and she's been the biggest support in my life, she knows many of you from just listening to me bable on every day. "You won't believe what Mark just posted!" or "You gotta see Danny's new plugin!". I know David won't be too happy to read this, and a few others that have told me education is important over the past few years when I first was accepted by my university. This decision sucks to deal with on many ends, I am disappointing a lot of people, and it's super scary to be alone for the first time in this cold apartment away from my warm, loan funded college dorm, but it's something I really really believe in. Any comments, suggestions, anything, on this would be super super super appreciated, most of you have much more life experience then me and can lend a better hand in possibly easing my mind and clearing my head, or maybe making it worse - whatever is truthful? I know you guys are all good people, and many of you have made a impact on me personally. Sorry for the super long post. Heading to bed, and thanks in advance.. you guys are awesome. I owe you one for throwing this at you. Cheers, David

Hey David, Its simple, do what you love and you will love what you do !! Brave decision to take, perhaps "school" isn't right for you, but education in some form is needed. I was terrible at school, later on in life I found my interests, now I have an MBA !! Who would have thought, I try and say that without smirking to my old teachers and class mates ;) So follow your dreams, find a suitable education path to compliment your lifestyle and interests, possibly research into some kick ass entrepreneurial courses, read about and meet amazing people, learn from others. If you going to continue this path, makes sure you equip yourself to run a business effectively. Just because someone might be an awesome photographer, doesn’t mean they are able to run a photography business, VERY different kettle of fish. Have faith in your abilities, keep your ear to ground and be on the lookout for developments in the industry, there is no better education than life itself. Now propose to your girl and make sure it is memorable ;) Invite us all to the wedding via a “Goto meeting”

@MrDavid: "I know David won't be too happy to read this," - on the contrary my friend, it's very very WISE of you to get your thoughts out, typing, talking, however you need. My opinion of you has zero to do with whether or not you go to school, graduate, fail, whatever. I'm quick to offer my two-cents when asked and if my memory serves me right, you asked my opinion about school awhile ago and I recommended you stuck it out. However, the details in you posted here were unknown by me when I gave my "stick it out" opinion. Now they are. And, it doesn't sound like it's possible to stick it out anyway, right? You've left. You're not able to get any more funding for the University (or so it seems) and you've made some decisions. GOOD FOR YOU. Making decisions, seemingly life changing decisions is never easy. Ever. You got through the the tough part by simply deciding on a direction. You may never know if this decision you made was right, wrong, whatever. But, for sure you'll look back on these days and smile. Guaranteed. Not too many folks know some of things about my younger years that I've shared with you. But, our late teens and early twenties sound alarmingly similar. I smiled when I read the bit about you falling asleep in class because it was "boring" and learning in "other ways." It seems I've made a life out of that exact approach. LOL. Ultimately I earned three different college degrees at different stages of my life. I didn't earn any of them "when I was supposed to." I do think that getting a formal education when you're young is easier as compared to later in life. But, only if you have the resources to do it. My daughter is applying for colleges as we speak and she and I have had this very conversation countless times. She's struggling with it too. It's not easy. The $20,000 in debt you mentioned is CHEAP considering what you got out of it - a wonderful girl who won't give a hoot how much "the ring" costs. I'll bet you at least that much that two things are true: 1- Without Edinboro University and all the BS and all the debt and all the stress you would not have the girl. Period. 2 - Without taking the path you've already taken, exactly as you've taken it, through the challenges and difficulties, through the good and the bad, you would not be in the same situation you're in now. It would be a much more difficult situation. If you took even one turn from the path you've already followed you would not be who you are today, probably nowhere close. You've told me of some of the "turns" you avoided in the past. It's those decisions that you made then (that were very very hard then, remember?) that made you who you are today. You're a great person, a smart person, an energetic and motivated person, a person who cares about somebody that cares back, a person with a very bright future, a person that learns from mistakes and works to avoid them in the future, a person that has courage enough to pour his thoughts out in a public forum because the replies and feedback are more important than the ego. You're not alone my friend, go get some rest, smile at the girl, and start chasing that "idea" you mentioned when the sun comes up. All will be well.

Man, if its what you want then it's absolutely the right move. I've never been in your exact situation as far as leaving college, but in a lot of ways we're in the same boat. I made the decision to quit my job and go into this app making thing full time - I have a girlfriend of three years who I hope to propose to sometime next year. If I think about the negative possibilities it can be daunting - if the apps stop making money and I run out of profitable ideas I'm back at square 1, but at the same time it's really exciting. She's totally supportive of what I do, and if it somehow fails I know I'll figure something else out. What's so awesome is that with most jobs/careers you basically have a general knowledge of the maximum you will be making, but with apps (and I suppose the whole entrepreneurial field in general) there is always that small exciting chance that you could hit something massive

The beauty about life is that we are all different. Not everyone goes straight to school, gets a job, gets married, buys a house then have kids. I guess what I'm saying is that you should really find this answer somewhere in yourself. Kaybee said it perfectly...its simple.."do what you love and you will love what you do" If you have the passion for something, do it and the money will come. Education is an important factor amongst many other things. You want something, go get it. There is nothing stopping you, you are your biggest enemy and fear. If you want to make this app making your number one priority, continue it. Learn about it, do it, preach it...the return may not happen fast but if you enjoy it, thats all that matters :) "Happiness is a choice"

Hi David, What a story....... I know what you are going thru because I've been there when I was younger. I did quit school too to follow the dream(s) I had at that time. Now that I'm older, and looking back at my life, I had a great time and don't regret any decision I made. But.....education is so important and although you sometimes don't see the purpose of what you are learning at school, later on in life you'll get that "aha that's what they meant" moment. If you don't like what you are studying try to change the course and maybe look for a school that teaches computer programming (languages). Just like Kaybee said (I'll use my own example) if you know how to work with Microsoft Word doesn't mean you are a writer. Running a business involves more than just creating a few apps and plugins....especially when you're dependant on the income of your business. Make sure you have a backup that will cover the fixed costs every month - deliver newspapers in the morning for example. Life is the best education you get. If you get some education, your life will be better! Good Luck with your decisions. Best Regards, Danny

Hi David I had the same dilemma when I was your age, but I as lucky that I was doing a degree in design and broadcasting which is my career today, so I stuck it out. But what I would say is, if you really feel strongly about this and you would be happier developing apps full time, I would say go for it. We all know the mobile industry is a rapidly growing industry therefore this is a good time to make your mark,as the market will become saturated in time to come. When I decided to go self employed about 15 years ago, I was terrified, but I'm still self employed today; yeah had many lows, but I have had many highs. When you work for your self you are able to develop a stronger network with other like minded people, opportunities will suddenly appear and you will be able to make a decision with no pressure without having to consider you current employers. You are a young man and you are clearly good at developing, so why not do a job you love, which fulfills you and makes you happy. That's what I did and never looked back. As Danny mentioned above, life's education is the best education! One useful bit of advice, make sure you have some money to keep you going whilst you build your business, this is important.

Decisions can be hard but its a step forward always! I agree with Kaybee and PSMDanny.. Make decisions with your heart and your passion will give you the momentum to go forward. Also, I think its important to keep in mind like they said above, being involved in a business takes hard work and is not for everyone. However, I'm sure that you will succeed for sure and prove all of those naysayers wrong! Look back and smile. Congrats on your pre-engagement :) Good luck with all!

I am in awe of a 21-year old that has such ambition and the wherewithal to make a mature decision. Applause, applause! (This is coming from a parent of three just a few years less than you) The college education provides you the methods and the skills by which to do problem solving -- for Engineering and Business people. The college degree also provides you entry into a big company job. A decision now to walk away from college should simply be viewed as pressing the pause button. Later on, life circumstances may put you back on the higher-learning path. Hopefully, by that time, you will have realized what truly excites and energizes you such that you'll have chosen the appropriate courses. After 27-years in the big company, I look around and see people whose college education has been left way behind (including me). I also encounter people daily whose college education is absolutely critical to getting their job accomplished. For the type1 category of people, those folks learned how to re-invent themselves -- constantly. They have adapted to the needs of the company. With this decision, you too will learn how to adapt. Do it with a plan for survival to pay for the bare essentials and for comfort. More importantly, make a plan for growth in the next 3-months, 6-months, 1-year. Write down both types of plans -- use pen and paper, that makes it an official commitment to yourself and your lady. Goal setting and goal accomplishment is the key to achieving your path of independence. As David Book said, you made a decision. Goal #1 achieved! Congratulations! :-)

Hi David, Sounds like you already made up your mind. Education is very important, but there are various levels of education. You can have a degree from buzztouch for free and it sounds like buzztouch is a "learning path" to your passion. I have a masters degree and I'm paralyzed in my legs and fingers. I just found out that I may have skin cancer. Life is short! The average person changes their degree at least 5 times while in undergraduate school. I can't comfort you and say what you want to hear, which sounds like to drop out, and pursue what you love to do. All I can do is advise you and treat life as a business. Create a business plan for your life for 2-3 years and if your not reaching your goals in your business plan of life then adjust or change direction. I hope this helps in some way. LA

Mr. David. Appreciating your vulnerability. You made a very big step just coming to people. Too many stories I have read and experienced of depression and suicide from people going against their passion. On a personal level, I have been in your shoes too. I think we all have in some aspect of our life. Scary stuff when bills are coming in and your life feels completely out of control. You are not getting enough sleep. You are angry all the time. You can't concentrate. I left my real job almost two years ago. I had no real coding experience. I paid the internet guru's so much money that my family is experiencing some real debt right now. REAL SERIOUS DEBT. Then buzztouch came around and I have been able to say hey....I can make this work. This what I am hearing from your post. Just recently have felt comfortable enough to say. Hey I am going to be ok. I can make this work. If I just do the work. David, don't expect to leave school and everything is going to be easy for you. Because it won't. However, you will be living! Stay true to yourself. Listen to your gut. Keep reaching for advice. Let me get a bit "woo woo" on you but here is a book that I am studying right now that may help The Success Principles(TM): How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be -Jack Canfield. Great read. Essentially it says. Go for it. You have a great backing behind you no matter what your decision will be. Thank you again for reaching out. It is very brave and I respect you even more right now. <Buzztouch love> Sheri

Nothing deep and meaningful from me, just be true and honest to yourself and your family. I feel your mind is (almost) made up after reading your brave and honest post, if that's the case go for it and have no regrets. Don't forget, here on bt you have WORLDWIDE support!

Good luck with your new path Mr.David, I think education is more about timing. I rushed through a two year program that bored me so I could "get a job". Years later I went back and got my 4 year business degree. It clicked this time and I truly enjoyed the process, and what I learned. I have plans for my Masters, but I have a few other ideas as well. A word of advice, have a business plan, short term - long term. You will need a lot of focus to succeed. There is a lot of comfort in having a job working for someone else. I think most people take that for granted, unless they have been responsible to run a business on their own. Good Luck, Jim

I'm actually quite jealous of the Buzztouchers that have abandoned "real" jobs and spend your time instead in coffee shops around the world making apps for yourselves and others. I myself though owe just under $300,000 from med school so don't think that'd work for me :) But sounds like you made the right choice. And as you said, you're not giving up on education per se, just the traditional university route, which is become more and more nontraditional. I do have one idea for you full-time coders out there (and David in particular) that may help, and think this may have been mentioned on the discussion board already... I wish there was an easy way to hire fellow Buzztouchers to do some coding. I know most of us try to help each other do it on our own for free, which I GREATLY appreciate, but sometimes it's just beyond my understanding. Twice now I've hired people on fiverr.com to help put a plugin together for me. I'd rather keep that work within the Buzztouch community, just not sure how to go about it! Josh

I barely made it thru HS and only attended a few courses of community college. Around your age I just wanted to party, tour with the DEAD and get my own pad so I had a place to hang out with my girlfriend at the time... What I wanted to do at 21 and what I wanted to do at 30 and what I'm doing now in my 40's.... so different.... life is all about changes and adapting. Expect few setbacks and a few months of surviving on ramen noodles. Expect to work a few odd gigs to keep the landlady at bay and pay the house rent. That's all stuff that'll build character and you';ll meet somecharacters along the way. the biggest issues you'll have trying to run your own gig is benefits and health insurance. mobile industry so hot right now, if you're done with school - Why not look for a job in the sector and wow them with your current portfolio/support site? you might find a company that sticks you back in school for training. make an app out of your resume and be creative. build your own gig on the side while you get paid to learn. major congrats on the proposal - save the wedding for a few years down the road tho! and shout of you need to talk or want to come visit - Chicago's a killer job market ;)

Mr David, Not much else I can contribute here, as it's all been stated so wisely and with much love from the community. It was a given in my family that we'd all attend and graduate from college, and I did that. But more importantly my mom was all about making sure my brother and I were well rounded. The more you know about lots of different things, the better you can be at making decisions. I have no doubt that you'll be a huge success doing apps and pursuing that idea. Just make sure you spend time learning other interesting things as well. Learn to play an instrument. Write a book. Work in retail or with troubled teens. Join the military. I've done all those things, and feel better for it. Ultimately, stay true to yourself, your soon-to-be fiance, and your faith. We'll be here for anything you need. And I love the idea of a wedding Webinar! Mark

David, 1st I will say I am 55 years old and have been in the software industry for 35 years working for NASA, AT&T Bell Labs, Exxon, GE Research, Lockheed and others. I left all that in 1987 to work on my own. I have raised 6 children working as a consultant and since 1997 working online. In fact, I teach others how to make a living online and create software tools for that purpose. I have a couple of engineering degrees, but to be frank, earned them before the Internet was readily accessible. We're I starting out now, I would do things differently. I suspect I would do as you have done. Bill Gates is a Stanford drop out. He never finished and I seriously doubt that has been an issue or that he cares. His career was built on what he DID, not what he "learned" in a school. If we can manage to keep it "free" the Internet represents an amazing paradigm - it can be used to both teach you what you need to know, and provide a way to be as successful as you wish to be. Nothing like it has ever existed in history. It represents a humanity-impacting development that is probably more kin to that provided by the development of movable type and books. My advice would be to take your cue from people like Bill Gates - if school is not providing what you need, it is no longer a necessity for an assured future. What you do and have done - like Buzztouch - is more important than what you "learned" in some institution. And I am quick to admit I have learned more on my own and from what I have done then formal school ever came close to teaching. So go for it lad. :-) And if you have more direct questions or assistance, I am more than happy to assist. Just give me a shout anytime. You already have my number. Joe Clayton CEO

Thanks for sharing MrDavid! Sounds like you have thought long and hard on this. It is scary. It's supposed to be. I have been there many times. The fear of the unknown is the worse part. You have smarts,drive,passion... And hopefully good health for a long long time. You have what it takes:) Feel free to message me anytime. Cheers! Ian

David, I applaud you on your courage to share your heart with the BT community. From reading your post it seems like the #1 goal you are seeking is support about your decision to leave school and pursue your passion. Well, you made your decision and here is the support I can provide to you: Life is about discovery. You discover what you want to be and take the steps to become it. Sometimes the steps may include going to college/ trade school to attain a degree or taking a temporary job, which ultimately leads to your end goal. It seems that you have discovered a passion for making apps and desire to own your own business doing it. Awesome! Keep the following in mind: 1. Do I have a business mentor? 2. Do I have enough money saved to cover my bills for aleast 3-6 months? 3. Do I have a business plan / vision for my business? 4. Is this a business that solves a solution to a problem? Example is Buzztouch, which solves a solution for people who want to create apps without knowing Objective C or Java. 5. What is my niche? 6. Do I need to intern with a company who is successful at the industry I want to pursue. 7. What is your strength / weakness. 8. If my business fails do I have a plan B? 9. Do I have enough work to keep me busy and keep income flowing? 10. How am I going to market my business? 11. Is my business going to be a Sole Proprietorship, LLC or Inc? 12. Do I have an accountant that I can ask tax / business questions? These are just a few things that I can think of at the moment but I’m sure you probably thought about some already. For your friends who think you are going to fail, I leave you with the words of Chris Gardner from the movie Pursuit of Happeiness: “Don’t ever let somebody tell you…you can’t do something. You got a dream..you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves..they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something go get it, Period!“. BTW, what is your major at Edinboro University? Perhaps like one of the BT Community members mentioned maybe you could of switched majors and also applied for an internship with a company that makes apps to gain exposure to how they make apps and how the company is ran. Then you can apply these skills to your business. A college degree is important if you ever decide you want to work in corporate america. But, if finishing college is not for you and you feel you have equipped yourself with enough knowledge and resources to start your business then go for it, Period! Please keep the community updated! The 3 C’s of Life: Choices, Chances and Change: You must make a Choice to take a Chance or your life will never Change. (BTW, this applies to whether you change your mind to give school another chance or pursue entrepreneurship) “Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important & you’ll capture it perfectly.” Good luck! MDG

One idea would be to get a regular job as an iOS developer. iOS developers are very much in demand (at least in Minneapolis where I live). Essentially, you will then be paid to learn. If you go this route and you want to return to finish your degree, it is likely your employer will pay for your education. My entire MBA was paid for by my employer. There is a real value in a liberal arts education, but the value of it must be weighed against the alternatives. There is an opportunity cost (if you know your economics) to a decision to pursue a degree. I know you well enough to know that you will succeed in whatever you do. I am so glad you are in our community!

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NO WORDS can put how thankful I am to have you guys. Thanks so much for the advise, wisdom, and words from all of you... Lots to think about and lots to do.. thanks so much again. Take care, and happy holidays.. I will be around! David

Lots of solid advice on here @MrDavid. Not much I can add. Follow you heart, shoot for the sky, chase your dream. School will always be there if you need it but I get the impression from our to and fro's on here that you'll succeed with your dream. Peace buddy.

Thanks @MacApple. Appreciate the post, I'm going to do just that! and thanks again to everyone, you guys have no idea what it means to me. David.