THINGS I WISH MY KIDS WOULD ASK ME

Editor's note: Barry Courter has a 24-year-old son who is a college graduate and a 19-year-old daughter who is a sophomore in college.

Q: Dad, is there ever a good reason to drop out of college to take a job?

A: I think I'm supposed to say, "No," but there are countless examples of people who did very well without college. Many more who didn't, of course. I've always thought a big part of college is networking and meeting the people or careers that will impact your life forever. Some people do it in year four and some in year one. Another big part of life is seizing those rare opportunities that might come up. The answer is it depends, but the smart move is to get the degree. Most of the time.

- Barry Courter