Don't want to go back to college?

I have been in school for the past 3 months as a freshman in college and feel like I went through alot. I’ve been feeling stressed and depressed lately, not only because of the work need to be done (which I always manage to do) but also because I’m not happy at all in college. In all honesty, I don’t have much ambition for my future. I just want to get by and live for the moment, I thought I could have that easier if I went to college now. To me, it seems like college is just in the way. I don’t mind working an entry level job as long as in 4 years I’d have the experience to rank up. I also feel education is important but at my school, I learn nothing from the professors and just self-learn from the book. My grades are good, however, I’m just not happy at all. I’ve also dropped High School and got my GED because back then, I thought school was a waste of time. My family and I always fight about school, I’m just not happy. I’ve always wanted to join the military and then when I’m matured enough and know what I really want, that’s when I should go to college. I feel like I got pressured to enroll since my hs class are also going to college while I was just stuck at home. It got me thinking about withdrawing because today is the last day for a w grade and I really need advice.

You say you always wanted to join the military, so what’s stopping you? That sounds like a great idea.

I wanted to join the military since I was in middle school but I was diagnosed with depression that I had to go to a facility and take medication which is disqualifying. I am in the process of trying to talk to my doctor and get a waiver though.

Pick up a trade. College isn’t your only option.

I went to (about half of) a semester out of high school. I dropped out, grew up a bit, and figured myself out. I started a job in a field that I discovered I’m passionate about and went back to school at 21 with goals and much more motivation. College may not be right for you, or it may not be right for you right now, and that’s okay.

I was going to suggest that you be evaluated for depression. The i don’t like school/I don’t care about anything makes me think about depression.

  1. ** Do everything you can to finish this semester with good grades.** No matter what you do next, having the grades will allow you to return to college in the future if you wish it. Withdrawing now will throw out all your work and money. If you are having problems with grades, perhaps withdraw from one class (assuming it keeps you at full time). Talk to your adviser.

  2. At this point, pick out your classes for next semester. You aren’t going to decide yet what you are doing next fall.

  3. Before you go home for the summer, talk to the Dean of Students about what the process is for taking a leave of absence. If you don’t return to college in the summer, you want to do it “the right way” without any bills/failed classes and the ability to come back in the future.

  4. This summer, do everything you can to work on your depression. Take any medication, and get into a regular exercise routine. See a therapist. No matter what you want to do/end up doing, taking care of this is the right thing to do. Also looking on google it seems as though if you treat depression and then are off anti-depressants for a year, it is possible to get a medical waiver for the military.

  5. Really try not to make any decisions about what you are doing until the depression is addressed. But don’t sabotage yourself by getting bad grades.

  6. Your parents are pushing college because they know that a college degree on average leads to much higher salaries.

  7. You seem to be running away from college because of depression…but what are you running to?

  8. You want to start at a low level job and work your way up. What is your plan for housing/food/car/insurance/phone while you do that? Would your parents let you live at home?

  9. Do you really think that you will feel better working at a low level job versus taking college classes? With the depression, I say no.

  10. Imagine you are 30 years old and have a family. Are you going to look back as the manager of a McDonalds and say “I wish I finished college”? Or are you going to say "I am glad I learned a trade as I like working with my hands " ?
    Or I am glad i addressed depression and went through process to join military?

My nephew started college and also realized it wasn’t the right thing for him at that time. He joined the Air Force for 8 years. Now he is going back to get a teaching degree at college.

Tl:dr Finish this semester if at all possible. If you don’t go back to school, do it the right way. Address depression.