Contemplating the dangerous alternative

I have long believed that our educational system is broken, lacking, and utterly stifling of the innovation and creativity that inspires people to drive themselves to greater things, to push the envelope, and perhaps more importantly to be happy in their chosen careers. So when I was told that, amongst other things, I cannot reasonably expect to get a job in my field of choice at the time (Software Development) without a degree from a recognized college, I was filled with despair. For me this meant that if I was to pursue my dream, I had to endure a system once again which I had abandoned and for all intents and purposes had abandoned me long ago.

So after four and some years, I will soon be released on my on recognizance for my misdeeds from a system that I have grown to despise even more than before, and the question that I ask myself on leaving is “is taking a risk worth it?”. This question worries me on many levels, not least because merely asking the question means that I’ve grown more cynical about my abilities.

Everyone surely has asked themselves at one time or another whether they should take a big risk and throw caution to the wind to risk something for the chances of something so much greater but how prepared are you to risk it all, and could you live with the consequences?

My thoughts are more and more consumed with such questions, is it worth taking a big risk for the chances of something potentially life changing? I think its a valid question regardless of what your particular “big idea” may be. On the face of it, the chance to win big can be incredibly alluring, so much so that it may make you wonder if it is really a question of “if I should?” and not “when should I?” without adequately considering the consequences.

I suppose that everyone has a fear of failure to some degree, worrying that they may not live up to their full potential, or the expectations of others. The problem with taking big risks is that not everyone wins at the game of life, sometimes people lose their way, sometimes not always due to circumstances under their control.

The question that occupies my mind most is whether it is best to leave college and bust my ass like every other poor sod on this blue planet working for a company where I am likely little more than a number, or to take the plunge and start my own technology startup. For years its been ‘the dream’, but after nearly 7 years of being ‘educated’, I’ve fallen out of the habit of being the risk taking optimist.

No doubt I will do it sometime, but whether that time is now… well, the jury is still out.