Some people just don’t have time to sit around as teens, biding time to get a piece of paper called a high school diploma. There are dreams to fulfill, and this list from Forbes.com of eight of those who went ahead and pursued what they loved found the money really does follow; in their cases, in million dollar increments.

"All had a demon drive to build something of their own."

“For all the new entrepreneurship programs popping up at business schools, there will always be a slew of born entrepreneurs who prove that high school diplomas, let alone fancy graduate degrees, might well be (barely) worth the paper they’re printed on.”

If you’re homeschooling your kiddos, take heart. If you’re thinking about homeschooling your kiddos, take a few minutes to visualize what life can be like for those who develop an early sense of purpose. Even the sky isn’t a limit anymore.

Here are some of your favorite high school drop-outs, “all had a demon drive to build something of their own. Even at a young age, that commitment and passion can win over investors.”

Jayo-Z (Shawn Carter) – Hip hop star

George Foreman – 1968 Olympic gold medal boxer; hamburger, anyone?

Simon Cowell – because Simon sez

Gisele Bundchen – model

Carl Lindner – United Diary Farmers

David Murdock, Chairman, Dole Food

Richard Branson – Virgin Group

Jim Clark – Netscape and Shutterfly, among others

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