Forum Post: I am 99%
Posted 12 years ago on Oct. 6, 2011, 3:37 p.m. EST by johnreed
(8)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
I am 99%.
3 events mark my life as milestones:
When I was around 10 years old, I came to the conclusion that understanding math was more imporant than working in a group copying other's work.
I dropped out of college in 96 after studying Computer Science and Mathematics. Took all the core classes; however, the feel good crap was irritating.
In 2006 I found Jesus and because saved.
I had around 10,000 in debt from college. I worked my ass off while in college as I studied CS and Mathematics. I worked 50+ hours per week programming (that I had taught myself).
Within two years, I was making 70,000 per year on the skills that I had taught myself. Specifically, Oracle database programming and administriation.
I paid my student loans off by 98.
During the tech boom, I worked as an independ consultant make > $200,000 per year for about 3 years. I hated running my own business, so i decided to get a corp job.
I currently make > 125K per year, have full benefits, 22 days fo paid vacation per year and really enjoy fishing in my off time.
I work with nothing but folks from India now, as there are not enough U.S. folks that are competent or willing to bust their asses.
I have NO DOUBT that under any circumstance that my drive and competency will always land me well paying employment where ever I wish to live on this planet.
I am good, but God is GREAT!
I am the 99%.
decribing the 99% can't be wrapped up into a nice neat package, i'm not the same as you but i'm still in the 99% - rock on brother
Exactly! I think there are lots of tools on the table for people to use; however, they chose other paths. For example, in college, I gave up partying in bars. I partied at the office pouring over a stack of Oracle manuals 3 feet high. They were availbe to all, but I was the only one that read them. I could never figure out why others would not do it. People make choices..some chose to play XBox and some chose to read up on how to make XBox games.
Rock on right back at you my friend! Good luck! ;)
I think your story is great! I am a young kid and I bust my ass. I have worked in many restaurants paying off college debt ( which I feel is incredibly high and unattainable) but over and over I work with kids that have a poor work ethic and are simply lazy, it is frustrating. Many of us have been pampered, I admit. Work on a farm.. that will whip you into shape lol..
Man..really..I wish I would have gone into welding like my granddad. I love working outside in the heat of the FL sun in the middle of summer. Just work hard, have integrity and a good attitude.
Most jobs I've ever landed was not based on my skill set. Rather, it is attitude. Skill set is imporant too to do the job at hand..but really..anybody can do anything they want. Where there is a will, there is a way!
Are you saying that everyone should be like you? Many people are willing to work hard, but not willing to be computer programmers. Does that mean they don't deserve to live comfortably?
Its true, the odds are overwhelmingly against you, the American dream is obviously dead.
Of course not. I really wished I would have become a welder. I would have been the best. My mom did not like us hanging in the garage with my granddad when he was doing some weekend projects. Too dangerous.
Figure out what you good at..then see if it makes money.
When I was in college, I used to go thru the want ads to see what kind of programming was being sought. I say Oracle all over the place. I went to the chair of the dept and asked what Oracle and SQL were. He told me to forget about that. They are fads. I should focus on BS degree, then Masters then PhD.
That is when I got luck and landed a typing job. The IS dept found out I was studying computer science. They said if I read the books, they would give me a shot.
Within 1 year I ran the programming dept for the Department Of Elder Affairs in FL. Within another year, I was the Senior DBA. Then, I quit school. A year after that, Oracle Corp found out about me and hired me on the spot with a 10 minute interview.
I had drive, posittioned myself and was in the right place at the right time.
I still wish I would have gone into welding to this day..even at a quarter of what I currently make.