Should I still be in college, what else is out there?

Question

I'm very depressed right now. This semester has been a nightmare and I wiped out. I failed almost everything.
What I need to know is , do I need a major or do I need a break?

I dont know what to do anymore, any idea's guys?
thanks.

Answer 1

Obviously, something is not working for you. And I can relate--been there, done that.

Quitting is probably a baad idea--but at the same time, pounding your head against the wall is definately a bad idea. Here's what I would suggest:

1) Next semester, take a light load--1 or two courses--and stay away from the subjects you find difficult. If you are attending college away from home, you may need to stay home while you do this (take the 1-2 courses at a local school--colleges will let you do this and they have people to help you with the red tape involved).

This will give you time to "decompress." But USE this time. Talk to parents, advisors at whatever school you are at--including counselling programs, if you need to. Focus on two things. First, there are programs at all schools to help you develop study skills and othe rstrategies to make you able to do better. Second, think about what you WANT to do. You may be taking a major in a field you just don't like. If that's the case--switch majors. Forget the hype abot what jobs are "hot"--because its nothing but hype.

If, by summer you are still spinning your wheels, you may really need a break for a few years. But don't just quit. find something to do that will help you develop. But your best bet is to stay in school--even if you stay part-time for a while.

ONe thing. If you go to a "name" college. Don't worry ifyou end up (by going part-time) with a degree from somewhere else. That is overrated. a good academic record (you'll need to work on that, but believe me, it's doable) counts for more. And here's a tip most people don't know: if you need to transfer, your GPA starts over. And anyone--anemployer or a graduate school, will look at all of your transcript. But if they see (just as an example) that someone averaged 2.1 for the first tow years and 3.5 for the last two (with or witout transferring) they will be more impressed by the improvement than anything else. A "name" school is fine--but it cuts very little ice with graduate schools--and most employers. Your actual record is the thing they want to see.

Answer 2

Do NOT take a break. You won't go back. Take it from someone who has been there--if you take a break now, you won't want to go back.

You don't need a major until you're a junior. Don't feel pressured to chose a major right now. Start looking at what you enjoy doing, but there's no one to say you have to stay nailed down.

Was the semester hard because of the classes? The school? The people? What?

1) Take fewer hours and learn to take hard classes WITH easy classes. Don't take 15 hours of hard classes; take 2-3 hard classes and the rest easy.

2) If the school is the problem, look at other options. Do you need a smaller school? A larger school? Do you need more options? Less options?

3) If the people are the problem, try either an attitude check or a new social setting. If it's your roommate, get a new one. Take control of your situation and change it.

4) Don't work more than 10-15 hours a week. You NEED to have some time to work on your homework and to just to be a student. While money can be tight, you don't need to work 20+ hours in a week to get it. You're going to sacrifice your schoolwork, making the money you earned worthless.

But do NOT quit.

My husband quit with a semester to go. Guess what? He's spent the last 5 years trying to get a job that paid more than $30,000.

Answer 3

I think most people will tell you that they hit a hard spot at some time or another when they get to college. I myself flunked out when my mother died and I just couldn't deal. Things happen and colleges understand this.

The good news is if you did indeed fail you are allowed a chance to take those classes over and make that bad grade disappear. You could also take some time out if you are feeling stressed.
when you do start again don't take a huge class load and make sure you have enough time aside to devote to studying.
Don't give up just yet. It's hard but possible.

Answer 4

No one but yourself can tell you if college is right for you. While some make it seem like in order to suceed in life you must go to college, those with brains would beg to differ. It's not for everyone, you just need to decide weather it is or is not for you.

It also doesnt hurt to take a break. Maybe a semester off would help. Chances are your still young, and have time to decide your future.

Answer 5

I hate to break it to you, but if you failed 3 or more classes this semester, your school may decide to give you a break by academic dismissal. If you think college is hard, try making it in the real world without an education. Get your act together and do your school work. Ask you adviser for some help with your scheduling.

Answer 6

It sounds like you need a break. Don't take a semester off, it will only make it that much harder to go back. Try a lighter schedule. Choose fewer classes that are general requirement courses that shouldn't be that difficult for you to handle. And last but definitely not least, make time for yourself. Do some soul searching and find what's important to you. Find your passion. If you still have a dream career, go for that dream. You only live once.

Answer 7

Get a job as an intern in the field that you think you are interested in. You will quickly see the advantage of finishing your degree by interacting with other people. Plus you will get a glimpse of life after college.

Answer 8

I was in your situation once. It is really hard. Stick with school if you can. You might get more depressed if you quit. Can you see a counselor or psychologist to help you with the depression you are feeling? Things will get better. Good Luck. If you need to vent email me at [e-mail]

Answer 9

It depends on how passionate about what you want to do with your life. If a degree is what you need, keep your head up and keep at it.

There's always the military, too. It's not so bad, a lot of people actually love it. lol ;-)

Answer 10

nope im goin to appreciate the subsequent month through fact after that faculty starts besides to my already 2 jobs. its gonna be loopy b happy with what u have through fact u in no way understand what's around the bend.