I only read the first and last page of this thread, so if the discussion has changed (which it seemingly has), ignore me.
I would just like to address the anti-degree tone in the first page. As someone who has worked as a hiring manager in the Northern Virginia area, I may be slightly off-base with this opinion- but to say that a college education is becoming irrelevant is just.. stupid.
Employers aren't dumb. If you have little experience and some weak major from an online degree factory, you will likely be grouped in with the high school people (a little unfair, imo- but definitely happens). If I saw U of Phoenix, Devry, or Kaplan.. I usually passed judgement before reading the entire resume. But if you put in work at an actual brick-and-mortar university or have serious experience in addition to an under-grad at an online factory, it DEFINITELY, 100%, gives you a leg up over the field. To assert that its meaningless is shortsighted and flawed. Degrees aren't what they used to be, but it's still a sound investment in your future if you're not functionally retarded.
In regards to North Dakota, this sounds like an amazing opportunity for someone who is willing to bust their ass for a solid paycheck (respect to you). Personally, I'd rather make six figures off a job that I landed through good contacts, networking, and a respectable education. I don't have rich parents, still have student loan debt, and abused adderall to obtain my degree.. but it put me in an awesome position to enjoy myself.
My point is.. it's not for everyone. Degree's don't guarantee shit. But they aren't worthless and shouldn't be portrayed as such to people seeking life advice. No one can take an education away from you.
