From Dimes to Dollars

I’d like to try this challenge as a regular weekly/bi-weekly feature from now on, but let’s see how it goes during this first round.  You can submit your comments below via Disqus or Twitter/Facebook Connect, shoot me an e-mail (Lopez.M.Benjamin@gmail.com), or send an @Reply on Twitter (Dimes2Dollars).  

Please be honest and stay within the requirements if you’d like to participate.  Even if you attempt the task, but aren’t able to complete it, leave a comment and let it be known that you were one of the few willing to tackle it!

THE CHALLENGE:  Name 3 job titles that require absolutely no social interaction.

Restrictions: Use of online resources is not allowed.  30-Minute time limit beginning immediately.

Last night, I saw an article from the co-founder of Flickr, Caterina Fake, entitled “Want to be an entrepreneur?  Drop out of college.”  As you can imagine, it was viewed as a bit controversial, and not all of the feedback was exactly kind.  But is it really such outrageous advice?  After all, it’s exactly what I and many other entrepreneurs, both of today and historically have decided to do without regret.  I believe many of strongest opinions were coming from people that may have misinterpreted the post, or formed a very strong bias based solely on the title before they even read the article.

I won’t talk at length about it, but here is the reply I gave to the critics of the article:

“I think some of the readers are grossly misinterpreting this article. In no way is Caterina saying college is a waste of time, or that you should avoid it entirely. Her entire point is that once you’ve discovered your passion, if you are ready, you should take the plunge. I say get the groundwork of a few classes in your field until you feel comfortable with it, then take a semester off to focus on entrepreneurship. By the end of that semester you’ll know whether or not you’re ready. You can always go back, your life will not be irreparable. I had plans for 6 years of college and dropped out after a year and a half because schoolwork was eating so badly into the time I needed for my projects. It took me a few years to realize it, but it was the best decision I ever made in my life. If I hadn’t been decisive, all I’d have to look forward to right now is another 3 years of school, tens of thousands of dollars in debt, and the task of finding a job in a tough economy only to work for someone else starting from the bottom. I have absolutely no debt and get up every morning loving life so much I can’t even express such a feeling.

I’m sure Caterina wakes up every day thinking the same thing. I’ve met a lot of entrepreneurs the last few years, and most have one thing in common: they want to share the message with everyone. Why? Because we want people to know there is an alternative if you’re not happy with your present life. Shit, it’s hard hearing about others or seeing my friends working for years at jobs they hate, or graduating from college but not advancing at their company after years of service. I genuinely feel bad for them. That’s why I started an entrepreneurship blog, why I meet with people and stress this possibility with those who are disheartened. Now, whether you’re a college graduate or not, if you’re working for someone else and you love what you do, by all means, keep your job. What’s important is that you’re following your passion. But if you’re not, just know that becoming an entrepreneur gives anyone an opportunity to do exactly what they love, something to live for.

Entrepreneurship may not appeal to everyone, but it’s my goal to show others that it is always a viable option. In our current age of incredible technology and invaluable tools, many of which are completely free, the rate of success is at an all time high. I wish you all the best whichever route you choose.

Benjamin M. Lopez 
Author, From Dimes To Dollars”

I’d love to hear which side you fall on; sound off in the comments below!