Ok...I really think I want to do it. *Massive Rant*

[Peter Williams]

This year was my first year of college. I've always been a straight A student. As important as it is, by now I've realized just how much I dislike being in school. Some time in high school, I really got into ball pythons, as many of you know. Over the last couple of years I've gotten more and more into it, making some serious purchases. This is my first year breeding, and so far, it's going well, I should be producing a 3-4 clutches, thats with breeding about 8 females. Next year my breedable female count will jump to about 15, and the year after that to about 25. Thats just with what I own now, not including future purchases. I think I'll be able to produce some really cool stuff. I really think I have found my passion, my true purpose in life. I'm on this site about 6-7 hours a day, and am constantly thinking of ball pythons. I think the only thing in the world that I want to do, is become a full time ball python breeder. After I finish this year of school, I will be done, no more college, no university. I have a full time job secured with 40 hours a week and a good hourly wage as soon as I am done school. I plan to stay at this job for the next few years, as my collection grows, and I make more profit. I am only 18 years old, so I believe I have some time to play with this and if it doesn't work out, I can always go back to school. My parents have agreed to let me take this path, and do what I love. The have agreed to let me take over most of our basement and expand my collection on a very large scale. I really believe I have a legitimate chance at having a decent business up here in Canada, because there really isn't too many big boys up here, Corey Woods, Mark Mandic, Don Patterson, Henry Piorun. I really believe I can do it, I think I have work ethic, the diligence and the attitude, to really make this a reality.

My question to you guys is, do YOU believe in me? Could Peter Williams really be the next big name in ball pythons?

[starmom]

Yes- Peter Williams could be the next big name in ball pythons

Follow your bliss... Live your dreams... Be brave... Be kind.

And thank your parents and let them know you love them for their unconditional love and support

[mainbutter]

It's quite possible you could make it work! I like that you are going to be working a full time job for a while instead of thinking that you can just jump into being a full time ball python breeder and make a livable profit from selling snakes.

Don't ever forget that this hobby always has the chance to fall to its knees financially, just like anything else, except that since you are working with living animals there is even more serious financial risk.

If I only had your guts I'm taking the safe route, since my priorities are more about a girl than snakes right now.

[bigballs]

My question to you guys is, do YOU believe in me? Could Peter Williams really be the next big name in ball pythons?

keep doing what youre doing and it could happen!

[Crimpy]

You should definately go for it. You sound a lot like me. I think about ball pythons all the time too but I'm in Australia and so cant own or breed them haha. I keep a few of the aussie species which are pretty cool but nothing compared to balls. One day I hope to move overseas to europe or the US and make my living breeding balls. If I was you I would definately go for it!

[Wh00h0069]

I am in college now, have a full-time job, and breed snakes on the side. In my opinion, you should stay in school. Think about your future. You don't know what is going to happen with snakes. What if in a few years they ban them? What if in a few years all are worth $20? You just never know. You can be certain that if you stay in school, and get a degree, that you will be able to successfully get a good job.

Do what you will, but think about your future first. You may make a fair about of money now, but what about if you decide to get married, have kids, but a house and a few new cars. Will you pay be enough then?

[JLC]

There's absolutely no doubt that you could do big things in whatever you set your mind, heart and will to do. But why does that mean you should drop out of school? Instead of considering no school....why not consider which educational paths best promote your dream? "Business and Marketing" is one possibility. Successfully breeding animals and building a successful business in a competitive field are two very different things. Another possible path might be the biological sciences that lead you to greater understanding of the animals you are so passionate about working with.

Just a thought. I wish you the best in whatever path you choose for yourself.

[Melicious]

I agree with Judy and Wh00h0069. I'm moving in and around the same path that you are, and I eventually want to start breeding, but I want to get my education to fall back on as well. You have to have a backup plan. If anything else, you'll throw some amazing animals and in a few years you'll be up there with people like Adam, but just in case life throws you a fast one, be sure you can handle it.

[Lucas339]

im going to have to go with stay in school. stuff happens and that full time job you think you have secured might be change coming in a year or so. you'd be at the bottom of the latter and would most likely be the first to go.

i finished my undergrad in 05 and almost went into a masters program (marine biology). almost. i didn't because i was hired a month before i finished school by a marine laboratory in the area. all the teachers said everyone who stops before they are completly finished will not go back. that is completly true. stuff piles up. responsibilities add up and before you know it you will not be able to go back to school because you won't have the time. trust me, i know this very well!!

my suggestion is stay in school and breed snakes on the side. you can do everything you want to do while your in school just as you would be able to if you were working. it is always nice to have a formal education to fall back on incase things don't work out. yes college is boring for the first couple of years but it gets better. my last two years were the best. this is when you start doing what you went to college for.

so stay in school, get that degree, and breed snakes at the same time.

[sg1trogdor]

Hell I say go for it otherwise you will always have that what if taunting you in the back of your mid. You already have a good name for a snake breeder lol. Worse case scenario is you dont make it or atleast not as big as you may have wanted. Either way you get to spend time with all your animals.