I want to drop out of college because I have no idea what I want to do and I'm wasting money?

Question

I tried the career center at my school. They help a little but I'm still very undecided. I'm a sophomore and still have no idea what to do. I've heard horror stories about people who spent five years in college, but never graduated because they kept changing majors and have loads of college loans to pay off. I've seen people with bachelor degrees working in fast food because they can't get a job related to their major. My favorite subject is math, I started to major in math but I haven't been doing well in my courses. I feel like maybe I should start looking into something else.. I think I should drop out and take a year off to decide what to do. I already know my parents would go crazy if I told them about thinking about this but I want to know what other people think. If I do drop out what do you suggest I do? I don't want to work at a fast food joint, I want to do something productive.

Answer 1

I think that a viable option is to look at the community college near your parents. This way you can take a couple courses in different subjects and see where your passion(s) lies. If you really enjoy math, perhaps taking a math course in addition to another course such as american history (or perhaps a physical education/health course) at the county college can allow you to really learn the steps and concepts of math as well as also taking another liberal arts/general studies course. Attending college on a part-time basis may allow everyone to be happy instead of taking a year off from school entirely :) And you can still feel productive since you may choose to continue attending some type of college.

They say 'if you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life' and I certainly agree with that ;) Farrah Gray, author of 'Reallionaire' and young male multimillionaire says to ask oneself this question about a career, "What would I do for years and years to come and not have to get paid?" That makes perfect sense :) Just my personal opinion is to continue some sort of schooling. And please stay away from those expensive private schools as the county vo-tech school is just as good providing that the course is accredited within the industry. Former university of phoenix (an online, for-profit school) students started this site: http://www.uopsucks.com just fyi. And just to add to that, ITT tech has numerous complaints posted by former students at http://www.ripoffreport.com (just search 'ITT Technical Institute'.)

For a website on careers: http://www.bls.gov/oco and search 'accountant' or such.

Answer 2

If you like math, you might want to consider engineering or physics. It doesn't matter how long you take to go though college as long as you end up doing something you like. If you drop out the best you could home for in a manager at a fast food joint but if you stick it out, who knows what you could do.

Answer 3

Sounds like you might need a year off, but participate in some sort of structured program. AmeriCorps is one option--you can spend nine months in community service and you will have some money for college at the end of it. It's hard work, but very rewarding. You may need to "experience" things more than others, and this will give you time off, with motivation to return and finish.

Answer 4

Take a part-time courseload at community college

That way...

You will keep your mind buzzing with knowledge (transferrable course credits) AND you can decide what you'd like to do

Remember...

You are a member of a community. So why not let the community be there to help you?

Answer 5

Business, economics, and accounting are three majors that use a lot of math, and help you get good jobs in the business sector.

Answer 6

Keep talking to your family and/or keep thinking about what you want to do in life. Keep the wondering.

That's what I'm doing.

Best wishes,