Do You Think It's True?

Question

That once you stop attending school, it's hard to go back? I'm in the middle of working on a 2nd degree, and feel very burned out. So, in the interest of preserving my sanity, I wanted to take a semester off. Unfortunately, nobody is supporting me in my decision, because everyone believes that if you stop going to school, you're not going to want to go back. Anyone experience this, and found it to be true? If this is the case, then how do you deal with school when you're burned out?

Answer 1

The only thing I can say is keep your eyes on the prize! You want that second degree for some rational reason, or you wouldn't be putting yourself through the stressful (yet gratifying) pursuit of higher education. I got through nursing school (my 2nd degree and 5th and 6th years of consecutive college) by knowing that I was getting married as soon as it was over, and I was going to work in a pretty cool field. I was so sick of school when I was done, but so glad it was over with. I had a nice 3 year break to work full time before I became a full time student again for my masters degree. It's daunting and stressful, but I really want it, so I work for it. You have to do what you have to do. If you really do feel burned out, you probably aren't learning the material well, and the whole point of school is to learn, not just go through the motions. Just be sure that it is ok to miss a semester with your program. I know some programs have a pretty strict schedule from semester to semester and it can set you back pretty far if you take one off (like a spring class is a prerequisite to a fall class, etc). I liked the advice someone else gave about working in a field related to what you're studying. Not only will it help you realize if you still really want to pursue it, but it gives you real world views on the field and something to put on your resume. Then again, if you feel the only way to spend your time off is something fun and crazy like backpacking through Europe for a few months, more power to ya! You're only young once. Good luck with your decision!

Answer 2

I'm in grad school and burning out too, but I'm chugging along. I took a semester off because of a serious illness, and while I dealt with that, it was kind of a mental break from the schoolwork. While I was away, I was constantly thinking about my thesis work, and I felt like I came back clearer than before. I think it all depends on your motivation. Personally, I've come way too far to quit now. As long as you remain committed to finishing while you are away, I don't see why you can't redirect your energy and save your sanity with a semester off. Or maybe just a semester working on some other aspect of your work instead of the same stuff all the time. Don't forget to get some sleep, exercise and socialization as well. Any of those 3 things can improve your outlook on an otherwise bleak daily grind. Hope this helped.

Answer 3

It is hard to go back to school once you have stopped for a while. I do not think one semester will make it hard though. Maybe after a couple of years off, then i can see it being difficult. if you are already in a routine and attend school that is great, just do not stop the routine for long because that is when it becomes difficult to go back. If you want an education you will return to school. If you need a break, maybe you should take it. If you let yourself become burned out, you will not be productive. I stopped going to college for many years and then i went back. I was a much better student once i went back. This is because I was ready mentally and I was focused. No one thought I would go back, but I had to do what I thought was best for me. Hey maybe you just need a short break. Go somewhere for the holiday break and have a ball,blow off some steam,relax. When you return you may feel better mentally.

Answer 4

I did a BA, took two years off and then couldn't wait to go back and do a BEd! It was really hard to go from working full-time (and living in Italy) to returning to Canada and living on a student budget, but it's worth it! Believe me, if you spend a semester, a year, or even a few years working a job where you're not treated well, you'll be DYING to go back to school!

Answer 5

That's exactly what happened to me. I graduated HS, went to a local college for a year, applied to a different school. I only got Spring admission, so I took Fall semester off. When I went back to school in the Spring, I just couldn't get into it. At all. I ended up dropping out, never got my degree.

I've done ok, but the degree would have opened a lot more doors for me.

Answer 6

Half -True !!! It is handy to fall in love however to stick in love may be very particular. There is one second in lifestyles whilst you're with anybody. And think just like the World has stopped and your lifestyles turns out superb, Make certain you on no account lose that character ...... Is this True Love ?????

Answer 7

Sometimes taking time off is just running away.
Decide if you are trying to rest your mind and take a better slant on your work or just wanting to skip out of the hard and boreing part.
If you rest...you can come back strong, but if you skip out, you'll never get back.
After I got my BA I took a job and a long rest from school.
I went back to get my MA, but got burnt out and skipped out...
never to return. I can honestly say I regret it to this day.
Stick to it the first go round, you won't be sorry.
Treat yourself to something special at least once a week. It will perk you up and get plenty of rest.

Answer 8

Depends. Take a break and go work at a dead end job where the money sucks, and you get treated like dirt. That might give you the incentive you need to continue your studies. Good luck with your decision!

Answer 9

Look into assistant-ships,volunteer for major related activity in a foreign country, stay close to your major but do something that will enhance your resume'.

Answer 10

Take a hot bath with a good book, pamper yourself, take a night off! Trust me, it'll help. And maybe they're right, you won't be able to go back; I think it depends on you.