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Ask HN: Should I quit my job to pursue a degree or join the “dropout league”?

2 points by space_invaders ↗ HN
I'm currently 23 and have been studying software development and computer science since I was about 14. I'm now working at one of the most wanted “startups” in my country, one that's worth more than $1 billion — an “unicorn” — and have a very nice salary, colleagues and feel recognized for my work there.

What makes me feel insecure is the fact that I have no college degree. I'm planning to start a undergrad next year, but I know beforehand that I won't be able to get through the end of the course unless I quit my current job, specially when the course reaches more advanced subjects I'm less familiar with, like Compilers and Physics.

I've self-taught myself in some theoretical subjects, like Linear Algebra, Discrete Optimization, Type Theory, Algo Complexity and such, but since I have no degree, I have no way to “prove” I'm not just a “bootcamp coder” and I fear this may impact my job prospects in the future. On the other hand, I also fear that working hard to get the full diploma may not payoff the effort — the old saying that things you learn in college have little to no application in most jobs. I also have no interest in pursuing an academic career.

Should I get that degree?

11 comments

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diminoten
Are you working as a software developer at your current job? If not, do you want to work as a software developer?

Degrees are for people who can't do what they want to do with their current education/training. If you're not one of those people, you should not get a degree.

If you want to change something about your career, get a degree.

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space_invaders
Yes, I'm a software developer. I'm currently a Developer III — which they rate as “Senior”, but there are higher ranks like IV, V and even VI, which goes as “Specialists”.

But I know no Spec-rated developer there that don't have a degree. If I recall correctly, almost all of them have at least a Masters.

diminoten
Yeah, because that's what they needed to get a job. You didn't.
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coolyd
If possible, I would explore going part-time or even full time if you can make the schedule work with the current job. I am finishing a full-time masters program and working full time, and it is hard but perfectly doable.

Having at least a bachelors will open doors. My employer excludes many candidates without a degree.

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space_invaders
> Having at least a bachelors will open doors. My employer excludes many candidates without a degree. Yep, that's my biggest concern.

However, I can't work part-time here, they don't have part-time positions for developers. I would have to quit.

gus_massa
Can you work half time? I worked half time during the university, and it is possible. The drawback is that you will need a few more years to get the degree.
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space_invaders
Unfortunately, no. My company doesn't have part-time positions for software engineers right now. I would have to quit my current job anyway. And I don't want to quit, since it's a big opportunity and I know working there not only enriches my résumé, but also because I'm learning a lot every day.