Drop out or stay?

Question

I'm a freshman in college. I'm starting to realize that I really don't like college. I'm not a people person or a partier so the social aspect does nothing for me.
I want to write & publish books for a living and I know I don't need an English major for that. So I'm wondering...should I finish up this semester and then not go back?
If I didn't go back, I would probably go to tech and learn a trade, then get a job so I could earn money while writing & waiting to get published. Is this a good idea?
And how do I tell my parents if I decide this? I'm so afraid that they'll be disappointed in me. I've always been a good student, but I just DON'T like college.

P.S If I'm a little confusing, sorry. You can ask me to clarify if I need to.

Okay: If I dropped out I wouldn't be relying on my writing. I'd go to tech and learn a trade to make money. Maybe you should read the whole question before answering.

Answer 1

I think you should drop out, at least for a semester or a year. You need to find exactly what you want, and a supposedly voluntary education doesn't educate someone who doesn't want to be there. You can ALWAYS return to college. You don't want to spend your next four years there, acting like a robot, and when your done you haven't really learned to the potential that you could. Parents will understand, especially when you publish your first book. :)

Answer 2

Not everyone needs to go to college-- at least right out of high school. Leaving college and learning a trade is a possibility. Fitting writing into your day when you have a full-time job can be a difficulty. It's not impossible if you really want to write, but a full-time job can be both physically and spiritually draining. Good luck. I don't know what your parents expectations for you are, so I am not sure how to approach that question. You may say that you don't feel ready for college right now and want to work for a while until you are more mature. Let me add that being a writer if a difficult path to follow, so unless you are prepared to not make much money, I'd think you should reconsider you vocational options.

Answer 3

The education is the important thing here. It sounds like you just dont fit into the traditional mold our society has created. You should finish your degree while you have the time and are young. It really makes a difference. Your life will be so much easier with that under your belt. But you do NOT have to go to a college to do that. There are so many schools now that you can get your degree online from. Check out that option! Trade school is fine but you had better love the career you choose. The programs are specific. I am speaking from experience - I hope it helps you!

Answer 4

Eh, you have to decide to do what makes you happy.

Maybe your not in a good school... Is it a party school, where lots of drinking and social events happen? It sounds like to me that you dont like the college, not college itself.

I think writing and publishing is a good goal, but (and I may be talking out of my ***) doesn't a degree vastly improve your chances of actually acomplishing your goal and become a writer/publisher?

I would think being in college is a good idea for you for a while, because you can write books while you are taking classes. I know far too many people that took the tech trade route, just for quick money and they are still stuck in it. Not that its a bad route to go, but if you aren't interested in it, you'll regret it forever.

I would talk to your parents and any close friends before you make that choice, and also check out some other schools. It just sounds like your enviornment is no good.

Answer 5

I'm really not a person to tell you to do something, but I hope you will take my opinion as a consideration. I believe that education is everything even if you are not the college-type of person. I, too, am not a college person. But I truly believe that education is everything. Even though you don't think you fit in, you should do it for yourself. You can get your education first and then do whatever you want after that. Like I've once heard, everything can be taken from you at once--EVERYTHING, but your knowledge from education can never be taken away, and if somehow you can't find a job or fail to make money in the future, you have your education to back it up and you can find a job at least. That is just my opinion. I hope everything works out. How about some classes online? Or taking classes with friends of yours? In my college, no one really cares about anyone, really. Everyone is pretty much on their own, and they know what they want. So, you, too should finish off what you started--since you have your parent's support! =) I hope it all works out. Tell me more about it

Answer 6

I'm not a partyer either and the social aspect did not much for me either. I do think college is useful though and will lead to better opportunities for you. Have you ever approached your profs to get some support or ideas how to do better. Sometimes not liking it is code for not doing well. College is very different from high school and much more challenging. It takes time to adjust to the new way of learning and working. The workload is much heavier and things are much tougher. I wouldn't judge in your first semester whether it is for you or not. It takes a good 6 months to a year to adapt. Give it time and know that first year sucks for everybody. The courses are much dryer then. By third and fourth year, things are much more interesting. So I think hang in there for awhile longer. You may want to try academic advising to help make this decision.

Answer 7

If the college you're enrolled in is only about partying, then transfer to a real school.

Is there no subject taught in college that interests you at all? If there is, study it.

Stay in school and get from it all the valuable things there are in college. Partying isn't one of them, so don't "major" in partying.

But then, partying is NOT what college is for, anyway.

Why learn a trade you don't care for to make a living? Instead, take advantage of being in college to find a way to make a living at something you truly love?

I don't know what you want to write about, but whatever it is, having a better education will only help you do it better.

(To me, the only confusing thing in your post is your assumption that the only reason to be in college is if you are into partying.)

Answer 8

Honey don't drop out. I felt just like you when I was a freshman in college. The problem with me was that I wasn't mature and dedicated enough. And I didn't have anyone to help me find the right college for me. If its the college you don't like did you do thorough research on the school you wanted to attend. My advice to students who our about to attend college is that you should go to a 2 year college first just to see if this something you are serious about rather then spend a sh!t load on a Ivy league college you dont even like.

Answer 9

A GOOD EDUCATION IS NECCESSARY TO ACHIEVE ANY AND EVERY SUCCESS IN SOCIETY. ON THAT BASIS:
I would recommend that you stay in school, if you are having trouble getting into it? reach out and ask for support, that is why school is a community, not fior the parties or the sex, that's all bonus.
there are rescouces that you are obviously ignorant to the existance of or your problem would not have reached this magnitude
talk to your counselor/ academic advisor about what troubles you.
ever been to the forrest?
ever been to a forrest of one tree standing alone?
it sounds absurd doesn't it?
a forrest of one?
ask the trees they'll tell you
a forrest of one tree is not a forrest it's a tree
school is designed as a forrest and you are a mere tree amongst the forrest that surrounds you. do not quit, finish the semester
only taker one or two classes next semester that would comopletely engage your enthusiasm(classes you enjoy)
in addition, seek out internships in the area's of storytelling.
Consaider it practice for you writting career.

Answer 10

Its a very promiscuous time for you. Not in the fact that you want a social life but that fact that so many other thing are appealing to you. Unfortunately, no matter what people say here your going to do what you feel is right for you. People have to lead there own paths and make there own mistakes. So whatever decision you make stick to it and know that you have to live the good or bad consequence of that decision. Good Luck!