Just to clarify before we begin, I am not advocating or condoning any of the methods of making money that will be covered in this post. I felt that sometimes people get into tight spots when it comes to paying for their education and sometimes these trying circumstances lead to desperation. Before acting please think about your choices and consequences.
Some people pay for college in unconventional ways that also create negative situations for themselves. I’m talking about both legal and illegal methods of paying for school. There has always been the cliché of the stripper who is trying to pay her way through college, or the young co-ed who goes off to school and pays her way by working for an “escort” service or staring in a porn flick. Some students have even decided that having a “sugar daddy” or “sugar mama” is a great way to pay for school and living expenses. I have even come across some people who sell drugs to make tuition payments.
The most important thing to remember is that you can’t undo your actions. Let’s for a moment forget about whether or not these behaviors are moral. You already know what is right and wrong and I don’t need to instruct you in these matters. Let’s focus on how these “easy” ways of paying for college will affect you.
Probably the worst consequences will be what will happen to your self-worth, self-esteem, your views on the world, your innocence, your experiences, your ability to trust other people. These are all things you will lose or destroy in any of these circumstances. The intangible damages will be far greater than your short-term monetary gain. Some people will claim that they are perfectly happy and at peace with what they do. If they are telling the truth (which I highly doubt) then for every one person like them there are several thousand who would disagree.
The consequences, you will discover, won’t be limited just by how you see yourself, but also in how everyone else sees you. Not everyone will be tolerant or sympathetic with the choices I mentioned above. You may not be able to achieve your goals because those who may hire you will possibly discover your past. Most professionals will not appear credible to employers if their criminal record is checkered, or if their previous employer is part of the sex industry. Even if your past acts are not discovered immediately there will always be the fear that others will discover your past and you may have to start all over again at a different company or in a different field.
Some of you might also be harshly judged by family and friends. Rather than having people in your life that care about you to turn to when you need help or ideas, you will have people who will desperately hoping that you come to your senses and stop.
Just remember that The College Wallet is about helping you find positive alternatives to pay for school. The unseemly industries this specific post addresses are unnecessary when there are so many other healthy and readily available options out there. Don’t fall into traps that are ultimately harmful.
