Agreed, save the skipping college part. The debt incurred from college was paid off more than a decade ago. The gain from my education opened my mind and doors of opportunity. Even if you are smart, sometimes those doors will stay shut.
Making so much money that the debt wasn't really a big deal...and knowing that finding more jobs that pay the same (or more) isn't really a big deal...not hitting a glass ceiling every couple years because I wanted to enter positions that required a B.S. and then an M.S., etc. etc. etc.
(1) in-depth knowledge of math, which has always been an asset. Those that don't go to college have issues here.
(2) met like-minded friends that were inspiring and most are quite successful now.
(3) allowed me to go to grad-school and specialize in machine learning. This specialty opened doors that ultimately resulted in company ownership (yes it ended well)
(4) personal satisfaction in knowing that I can finish something with long term vision. College is only four years, but when you are young it seems daunting.
