Is it wrong for me to not want to continue with college? help.?

Question

My parents think so. They just don't understand and I can't even talk to them about it in an adult-like manner. All I hear is that "life is tough" but it's not all about the "tough" part. Granted, this is my 2nd semester of college starting up, but I still don't know what my interests are and I don't want to have to pay for school when I don't want to be there. I'd rather be working and not having to live off of my parents all the time. People can take breaks and go back when they feel more secure about their position in college, right? It's not just the schooling part either, it's more of an emotional thing for me. I just don't feel up to it. But people think I'm so much better than this. I don't think they really know me..

Answer 1

No , it is not wrong. There is a huge misconception in this country that everyone should have a college degree. College is not the right choice for everyone. I say take some time off. You can always go back later. I graduated in 4 years and am miserable in what I am doing. My brother went to college for 6 years and still didnt graduate - he now has a good job that he enjoys.

Answer 2

Well...if you will be paying for it yourself than there is no reason to think twice about it.
This what your parents see:

College degrees give you a better chance of getting a job than people without degrees.

Even if you work for a company for 10 years you might not move up because you dont have a college degree. But some kid who just graduated from college will get a higher position and make more money than you because he has that degree.

Also, being in college, you develop more social skills and make long lasting friends.

Being a college drop out is fine, because your right you CAN always go back. PROBLEM: always saying that you can, putting it off till your 60 and never actually going back.

Work is important, making money is a very nice thing. You could stay in school and work part time. Or, work full time and be a part time student.

I dont think you should drop out because having a college degree can get you very very far in life, its hard to see that now because your in it. But than again who can stop you from making your decisions . Only yourself...think hard about this.

Answer 3

You need to at least finish the core classes before you drop out, get ur associates. Then you can go back and focus on a major later if you want. As long as you have SOME college it shows better than dropping out after just 2 semesters. Take some different classes into things you think you could be interested in (i.e. Journalism, Police Science, Law, etc) to see what you could be interested in. No matter what your degree it's tough to get a good job. And it will be even more tough to get a good job with only a h.s. diplomma. Please stick it out, cut back to the minimum credits to stay full-time if needed. You may not think of this, but once you are no longer a full time student you can't stay on your parents health insurance, and thats a big deal...good insurance. I have several friends in this boat now....not fun. College is still a time where you can go out and have fun, maybe you need to switch schools or just go to a Comm. College. Once you get in the real world, your life changes dramatically. I've gone through this myself in the past couple years.

Answer 4

well .. the first years of college can sometimes be the hardest b/c of those terrible gen. ed. classes. So understand that it is stressful for most freshman students. it takes a toll on you after a while. first off yeah you could take a break if you feel it would do you good. but realize its hard to go back ask anyone that has done it.. most dont. Like someone said earlier.. once you get out there and start making money waiting tables or something and having your freedom it will be hard to go back.. (and i am a server telling you this). It sounds like you are at a school that just isnt workign for you .. this happened to me my first year, it was a large university and i just didnt do well emotional at all. I went to a junior college and took a few classes and realized what i really wanted to do without having the stress of a large school and the peers around you. I would suggest going to a community school and taking just a few classes to keep you in school and motivated and then you can also work as well if that is what you want to do.

Answer 5

I understand how you feel cuz right now I'm in the same position...On the one hand it would be better to start studying when you know exactly what you want to do with your life.But on the other your current age is optimal for studying - later things get more complicated - people get married, have kids...it will be very difficult to study when you have kids you know. And besides if you don't feel like studying now it's much less likely that you'll feel like it later. You say start working but what ? Some low-payed job while all your friends from high-school study something and later obtain respected jobs? You have a few options though, but you'll have to see what is allowed by your college. You might be able to quit for 1 year and go on later but that usually has to be for a serious reason - like an illness,pregnancy or low marks at the exams. You can also change your subject if you already know what exactly you want to study. Whatever you decide think over it seriously, don't let temporary emotions spoil your future!Good luck!

Answer 6

Today everything is competitive, a BA/BS is becoming a norm, those a few years above us are aiming for Master's, so maybe it's better to take some classes for you, even if it is 2 courses, something is better than nothing. I am RIGHT there with you only my situation's moderately worse: I have been in community college for a year and a half, as of spring I'm entering the last semester, and have to transfer in the Fall. I have no critical thinking skills whatsoever (and the little I had were depleted further by clinical depression). Stay in school, stay in school. If I weren't a mental case, I wouldn't second guess the idea of leaving school... just know you aren't alone.

Answer 7

You are in a tough position. We both know that your parents just want what is best for you. However, what is best may not be the college route just now. Look at your options. Do some research and present these ideas to your parents so that they know you are not just making a spur of the moment decision. As an educator I believe that college is NOT for everyone. It may or may not be for you. You may need a time away to explore other avenues. It will be difficult for your parents to let go and see you as an adult and to let you make your own decision on this especially if they disagree. Good luck!

Answer 8

So, you are about 18 or 19 I'm guessing. I realize you are going through some tough times. I would suggest at least sticking out through the rest of this year. If you are unhappy with where you are at, you could look at transferring to a different college. I would not suggest just quitting college all togethter though. If you do this, it will be hard for you to make a good amount of money to support yourself. If your making minimum wage, you will be living with your parents for along time. If you're at a four year college and don't like it for various reasons, you could transfer to a smaller community college or technical school. I realize you're going through some tough times, but just think how much easier it will be to support yourself and possilby your future family if you have some more education. I hope you stick it out, and I encourage you to contact me via email if you want more support. Good luck! And always remember, God is with you through the easy times AND the tough times.

Answer 9

What comes to my mind is that you could take a little time and make sure that *you* know yourself. Imagine taking some time alone and looking at your life in the area of "Challenge". Do you feel you have faced some hard challenges recently? Or avoided some? Is there a reason being more financially independent is especially important to you now? Ponder honestly about whether you could benefit from a real challenge, because college isn't really about knowing what you want to do, or even about wanting to be there. It's about being willing to undertake something arduous and complete it. I finally did at age 29, after originally not going to college after high school, and then dropping out once. There's no right or wrong answer, just your well thought out one. My bottom-line opinion to you is that if you have the freedom (hours in the day) to attend now and feel up to a challenge despite uncertain goals, stick it out and stay in school. You'll be done sooner! Good luck!!

Answer 10

I've been through the same thing with myself, my kids, others - my advice after all these years is that you get a degree as fast as you can - doesn't matter in what, really. If, by 22 or 23 you have a bachelors degree, you can build on that to do anything you want, and everything you do from then on will be easier.

Yeah, it's hard now, but if you accomplish it, remember that everyone KNOWS it's hard - that's why, if you prove to yourself and others that you can do it, life will be easier.

You'll also have more self-respect, and more respect from others. You think that's not important, now, but check back when you're 30. And, you will be 30 one day, with or without your degree.