Hi, I'm Mark Holton -- a security savvy REST, Ruby, JavaScript, Rails, and Ajax practitioner. I am in the process of earning an M.S. in Computer, Network, and Information Security.

"Focus on the core things that do not change"

College Degree worth it, but Nothing in Life is a Guarantee College Degree worth it, but Nothing in Life is a Guarantee

Ignore the title, but read this article. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/16/weekinreview/16steinberg.html

My commentary: A bachelor’s degree (and even more) is not necessarily a complete end goal for a graduating high school student or a working adult. Nowadays it takes education, experience, and a constant pulse on the market for most jobs. That is, “where is the market going?”, “what are the credentials, skills, instincts of the top professionals in that area?”. In software, and in most disciplines is constantly changing and evolving, and imho it will only get more competitive. So how do you compete? The next step towards higher education needs to be inline with your own analysis on where there is a need, coupled with what you want to do. Stay in tune with what skills are needed, where the “stretch” jobs are in your area, and where your skills are lacking. It’s a bonus if you can relate what you have been doing in your career to date with the advanced degree. My feeling is, you can only succeed if you are energized to get out of bed and push hard towards your goals — because accomplishing goals that lead to success are not easy to achieve.

Continue to sharpen your skills in a focused area, learning surrounding disciplines — this brings more opportunities. Always work on your communication skills and your attitude as these are applicable everywhere, and can make or break you in a hiring decision at any level. Add higher education that is applicable and gives you a competitive advantage. Most of all, take care of business in your present job while accomplishing the above. Balancing all of your work aspirations with a healthy family life and social life is not easy, but it is possible, and worthwhile.

Good luck!