Should i do what would really make me happy?

Question

I just want to quit school and move around the country and just work odd jobs and meet new people and places and just be a free spirit until i get tired of it. Then i can settle down and look at going to school or getting a job w/ a salary and crap like that.
I'm currently enrolled in a fairly expensive school and i don't want to just throw away thousands of dollars. But i just feel unhappy and depressed being here. I just feel like it's not for me.

So what should i do, stay in school and be miserable, but get a degree. Or do what i really want to and worry about financial security later.

I'm 18 and a Freshman by the way.

Answer 1

If you are truly unhappy, then staying there will only become more miserable, have you thought about trying a different school?
It could just be the environment there and the people. If this is really not an option, then if you have enough money to start doing what you say you wanted to do, then, I say go for it! You only get one chance to live your life and be young, and even if this doesn't make you happy, then so what? At least you did something that you followed your heart on, and that is what being young is all about, learning from our mistakes, and you are young enough that you have plentley of time to make mistakes, and do it all over again if you want, it's not like you are in your Senior year or something, and most of the time, if we do what our hearts tell us to do, it work's out for the best!
While you are out traveling, maybe you can look at diffrent school's and deside on what one you want to go to after you get done, "discovering your self"
This is not "abnormal" for a young person as your self to want to go out in to the world before collage, lots of kids do it, and it is because after going to school for 17 years when you were living with mom and dad, you need a break to find out what it is you really want to do with the rest of your life and also find "who you are", I think it sounds great, and I am excited for you, just make sure to think about it for at least a week, and if you are still 100% sure, this is what you want, then I think your heart is trying to tell you something,you probabley need to do this for lot's of other reason's to, but just did'nt ( or could'nt) share it on here. I wish you the best of luck, and go out there and find yourself,a nd be free spirited what ever the desision you make!

Answer 2

How about do both? I imagine you've already paid for your courses this semester, so don't waste it, but make plans to travel or whatever it is that grabs you. Finish the courses you've enrolled in, then take a year off, go do things, but don't just throw away what you're already halfway through, because you'll regret it later when you have to come back and re-do it. Find a convenient point where you can tie up loose ends and take a break. In the meantime, you can plan where you want to travel to, where you want to stay and what you can do. I'm sure that you can keep the courses you've already finished, so it isn't like you're throwing away your education. Lots of people take "gap years" and so on - and I'd say it's worthwhile. Just don't dig yourself into a hole with debt and so on, that's why it's important to plan, so that you can return to your studies when you've experienced what you want to.

Answer 3

I don't think you should take a time off because most people who do don't go back and a college education is very important today. You could combine studies and travel though by study abroad for a year or a semester. I know how you feel about school, I am in my 4th year of college and off all the days I went to school not once did I actualy feel like getting up in the morning or staying up all night doing homework but I just did what I had to do and now I am planning to study abroad this spring in Europe. Trust me you can do it, and you'll be glad you did once it is all over.

Answer 4

You only live once.. a life is a terrible thing to waste. Do what makes you happy. I happen to be in school getting a rather prestigious degree, but that's where I feel like I belong.. I feel like it is what I should be doing with my life. If that is what you truly feel your calling is at this point in time.. go for it. You'll learn a lot about yourself and the world along the way. Best of luck!

Answer 5

I totally agree with you, but my parents would kill me. You got options

Stay in school and get a degree get that out of your way, but hey when your done and with that, you can move around the country etc, do whatever you wanna do.

Or you can just drop out and do what you wanna do for 2 or 3 years and then finish getting your degree.

Or why don't you just finish your freshman and sophmore year and rest for 2 years and then come back to finish your last 2 years in college?

live your life and have fun

Answer 6

Check out this book: The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education" by Grace Llewellyn. They have it at Amazon. com and Buy.com.

Also, there are other ways to earn college credit such as CLEPing out of classes.

There are many creative ways to live your life, follow your passions and your heart, make some money, get an education and be successful!

Answer 7

that's a good ?. the problem with doing what ever u want to do is not very fulfilling either. trust me i know. not only that but the situations u may enter could have life long circumstances that actually hinder your adventure in life. trust me i know? lol. i started college at 27 with 2 kids. if i had done it the other way around i would be able to provide for my children, move where i wanted and have done the things i dreamed of. now i leave that dream to my kids. what I'm getting at is sometimes its best to sacrifice today for a better tomorrow. hope i help with whatever your path may be. good luck!

Answer 8

I think you're giving it up- too soon... Didn't the School year just start in August or September??? Finish your Freshman year, & then sit down and have a talk with your parents about what you want to do. They might not mind you're taking a year "Off"- if they see you've given it the "old College try..." Give it a Shot- & good luck! :)

Answer 9

Don't let your heart run away with your head. Be smart. Think about what makes you happy. Your life will be better if you do what you should during your young adult years. Things like getting married and finding a good job is what will ensure your happiness in the future.

Answer 10

I know what you mean. Was there myself a few years ago. My suggestion would be to finish school and then travel. Trust me! you will feel like a huge load has been lifted. If you don't finish school you will always feel bad about it...Good Luck!