.Getting a degree.
Honestly, I didn't need it. Contentious subject I know, but from the Hacker perspective, I have always relied on self learning in concentrated bursts to get me through - want a thorough understanding of TCP/IP? Spend 3 weekends going through the documentation and then playing around. Not 6 months in rigidly structured classes with no leeway for progression above and beyond what is in the curriculum.
I could have got a job that paid my pocket money, whilst learning more and coming out with less debt.
"but would this have paid off?" I hear everyone say.
My degree or time in education has absolutely no standing of where I am now, apart from the fact that I feel I could have been here by early twenties instead of mid twenties
I can understand this sentiment, but from my experience a lot of the value from doing a degree isn't from what you learn in class.
For me, the biggest value came from meeting other like minded people and being exposed to brand new concepts.
There's also value in learning how to finish things. I can understand that people drop out (for many reasons) and that's fine, but I think it's important to learn how to finish things off.
Although, knowing when to bail is probably also just as important. :)
