Becoming a Professional Breeder: Is it too late?

[wilomn]

Dude....you're young.

Find a Cougar.

Then, once she kicks the bucket, you can do whatever you want.

AHAhahahaHAHAhahaHHAhahAhahahHahahahAhaha

Ok, seriously now. Trades are great. I used to do construction. Stay away from framing and manual labor. Get into finish carpentry. Rich folks always need work, no matter how the economy is. Electritians and plumbers will always have work because no one wants to poop in a bucket in a dark room.

Metal workers are, for the most part, insane. But well paid. Are you insane now? If not, can you be soon?

Also, and a lot of people your age don't know this, but even if it takes you 5 or 6 or more years to get into that school, you're so young that when you graduate, you've still got most of your life ahead of you. Don't sweat it if you don't get in next semester. Really.

The Cougar thing though, I would look into it. Doesn't your mom have any single rich friends?

LOL

[starmom]

It's never too late to do something you love if you are dedicated enough.

That's it, Heather hit it on the head. I understand that this is part of our American culture: If you want something bad enough you can get it with hard work. And, I understand that you're in Canada and have a different culture. However, I think that if you don't go for your dreams then you will forever wonder if you could have made it.
So, follow your bliss. You are a kid and so you have that luxury. Take the adventure that is life and make your dreams into your goals. Life is fickle- grab it now!!!

[frankykeno]

I should have thought to ask. Did you actually apply to other universities other than Guelph? Just because Guelph turned you down, doesn't mean everyone will. Guelph used to be, and I assume still is, one of the hardest schools to get into, generally has a wait list on most of their programs, and offers animal husbandry courses you just can't find anywhere else in the Province of Ontario.

You used to be able to do community college and if you picked the right program, use that to springboard into a good university. Not sure how that works these days (it's been more years than I want to admit since I graduated high school in Ontario). Have you spoken to a good guidance counsellor at your school?

[Brimstone111888]

My cousin wanted to be a vet and ended up having to take classes in Rome, because vet schools were so tough here.

Also don't become a super-senior, just graduate and take some college classes elsewhere, even maybe online courses. Most people don't know but it doesn't matter where in your state you take your first 2 years of college are going to be the exact same. Its all gen ed classes.

Also don't adhere to the "4 year plan". Its pretty silly to try and graduate in 4 years, but some people do it. If you don't like school and find little use in it, then it will take you longer like 4-6 years to graduate AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT.

I personally have tried about 5 semesters of college and find it to be a waste of time, so I am not making college my main goal anymore, but more of a side goal along with working.

[littleindiangirl]

Hey, college and universitys aren't for everyone!

I'm a late bloomer. I cruised through highschool and some college... not knowing what I want to do with my life.

I must have changed my major 7 times in college.... I've since been on a break, my best friend has just graduated from nursing school 2 weeks ago. I just don't know what I want to do. LOL

Since then, I've worked a lot of jobs, different areas, and still, not entirely sure what I want to do with my life. I've once in a while decided, but never followed through.

Can I get a degree for procrastinating? I hope so.

My advice is to not do what I did, and try as many things as you can in highschool, get set on a goal, and follow through. Avoiding making that decision will hurt you more in the long run.

If anything, just get a general degree, associates or equivalent, and go from there. (if you want )

I don't believe everyone has to have a PhD to have a successful life. It depends on your definition of success.

[CeraDigital]

AndrewH,you made $123,000 in 1 year!?!!?!?!? if i had $123k, i would buy 1 super expensive ball python, and a porsche!!!!!!!

Haha yes I did. I did invest some of it, but the majority of it (around 80-100K) went into a bank account to sit for when I needed it, rather than wanted it.

Metal workers are, for the most part, insane. But well paid. Are you insane now? If not, can you be soon?

This is priceless words of advice Most of the Iron Workers you'll meet will literally appear insane with the work they do. You'd have to be to do this line of work.

I don't believe everyone has to have a PhD to have a successful life. It depends on your definition of success.

I just have a GED, and make 3x as much as most people wish they could, in a year Then again, I'm technically insane compared to most people

[CeraDigital]

One more thing to add, pup. In all honesty, do what you love to do, and do something you enjoy. If you can't have fun at work, your in the wrong line of work The more fun you have with work, the better you'll get. Why? Because you enjoy it most. Good luck with what ever you pick; but the Union construction trades are something to greatly consider. You will honestly make more money than majority of the people that go through college. College is paid for by your hall, AND you get different degree's and certifications that will help you get side jobs as well. Let's say the seasons slow, and not much commercial work is coming out....you could do some side jobs/houses/what have you, and make a little extra money on the side

[Ladydragon]

AndrewH,you made $123,000 in 1 year!?!!?!?!? if i had $123k, i would buy 1 super expensive ball python, and a porsche!!!!!!!

thats what the pay looks like on paper my dear. Union pay is a large package pay.. your physical take home pay is less. Hubby is a Union sheet metal worker in NY. he looks fabulous on paper, however, his take home pay is much less after distrubution to all the various things in the package, ie. medical, vacation, annuity fund, etc. So there is no running out and getting a major expensive morph snake and a porche. Just food for thought.

[JimiSnakes]

Ahhhh, if I could only take what I know now and go back to my senior year in high school....

[daniel1983]

Just some food for thought.....

If you are considering being a professional reptile breeder, I would put a strong focus on BUSINESS. Most professional reptile breeders run their own businesses...and most people overlook the fact that they spend almost as much time with business operations as they do caring for animals. Go take courses (or get a mentor) to learn how to run a business. In your spare time, breed reptiles as a hobby (and stockpile money for startup expenses). Then combine the business and reptile knowledge and attempt to form a successful business.

Everything you do is about your education weither it be from college, a mentor, trade school, or 'the street'. Never stop learning. Try to understand how to apply what you learn and work hard....then you will do well.