College--Taking a Year Off?

Question

I am a freshman in college, and struggling immensely both academically and socially. I would REALLY like to take a year off after this year to work full time, and maybe join the Air Force. Has anyone else taken a year off and gone back? Do you think it's a good idea?

Answer 1

Taking a year off can be an excellent decision. I think many people are not ready for college immediately after high school. I completed my degrees in stages as well, and did two undergraduate degrees and a graduate degree. One of my daughters took several years off after her first year, under circumstances similar to yours, explored a number of options and adventures, and went back in 2000 and has since finished two degrees, one of them with a double major. Do what makes sense for you. Joining the air force, giving yourself a little time to mature and grow and experience life is a great preparation for college in the future. When you go back, and you WILL go back, you will be much better prepared for college academics and college life.

Answer 2

i'm fantastically confident the college could take you decrease back. I do exactly not comprehend even if it truly is an outstanding theory. i imagine it will be a large mistake. in case you go away for a three hundred and sixty 5 days, who's acquainted with, you are able to get used to that subject and also you may not in any respect end college. i imagine the a lengthy time period between 20-26 are all about truly looking your self and figuring countless issues out. i imagine it truly is an truly significant part of your existence, and as such you should at circumstances be egocentric and look out for your self extra. you should ask your self how a lot do you want your boyfriend and how a lot are you prepared to sacrifice. once you artwork that out, you'll determine out what to do. From what you defined, i imagine you should stay in college and not in any respect go.

Answer 3

I really wanted to take time off after my freshman year, for pretty much the same reasons that you're considering it, and my parents wouldn't let me. Instead I got to the middle of my senior year - still not very focused and not getting good grades- before they made me drop out. Once I'd been out for a few years I went back and did very well. It would have saved a lot of time and money if I'd taken time off at the beginning, so I'd say that if you think it would help you, you should take the time. My oldest sister also took a few years off in the middle of college and we both believe that most 18 year olds aren't ready to make decisions about their future career path, etc. Take the time. I'd tell you to make it count but, unlike a lot of people who want to take time off, you're clearly already thinking about that. Sure, not everybody finishes... but its the people like you who realize that college is for you, just not right now, who do go back and finish. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I think there is definitely no harm in taking time off and working, but if you join the Air Force won't you be committed to at least 4 years of duty? On the other hand you could probably get some great educational benefits through the military after serving.

Answer 5

Yes, I did it twice, and I came back not only to graduate, but to get three graduate degrees (a masters and two doctorates). I was so depressed by the beginning of my sophomore year that I never could have made it through. While it was a difficult time of my life, I was working, and I think that when I came back (and I graduated at 23, so it wasn't like I took decades off), I was much more focused, knew what I wanted to learn and why, and I am so glad that I gave myself time to figure out who I was and what I wanted.

I think in my case the problem was that my parents were so interconnected with my life that I never got a chance (before college) to think about what I wanted to do, rather than what they wanted from me. It was hard handling their disappointment, but that was very temporary, and I think they were very happy with what I eventually became.