<p>I am 21 years old and currently attending a community college. I have been at this college for almost 4 years and still don't have an AA. Why? Because I have been through a lot of crap within the last few years (brother died, I was sexually assaulted, depression etc..). I'm posting this thread because my oldest brother (27) suggested that I take a year off maybe more to "find myself" and focus on working full-time at my minimum wage job. Because I am easy to persuade and do things based on my feelings I agreed and told my family (who I live with) that I'm dropping out to take a gap year. My mother and my brother BOTH think that college is not for me and that I should try to find that job I'm satisfied with. My father however is the only one telling me that I shouldn't do it because I'll regret it. At first, I thought it was a great idea but now I'm having mixed emotions. Am I doing this to make my mom and bro happy? Or am I doing this because I WANT to do this? I feel like school isn't my thing, but then again for the last 4 years I honestly didn't try my hardest. I went to school in sweat pants everyday, barely did the work/reading, skipped. It was all my money too, I wasted thousands of dollars because I wanted to be a lazy ****head. </p>
<p>My grades weren't that great. Failed more than I passed. What I want to know is, should act like an adult for the first time in my life and do what is logical (stay in school). Or do what I feel like doing and drop out and risk never going back? I'm really confused, my heart is telling me to stand up for myself and continue with school even if it's one class at a time. I have taken gap quarters before and did absolutely nothing to better myself. I have failed 3 consecutive quarters and if I choose to continue I will need to speak to an adviser to register for Spring Quarter which registration has already started. I was thinking about taking a P.E class in Spring to take a break from academics and get healthy so I can go back refreshed and ready. I just don't know what to do anymore. </p>
<p>I have already talked to a psychiatrist about my depression and was on meds for a year (been clean from anti-depressants for 3 months), I want to move past that and I am doing fine. I don't want to make excuses anymore. I want to mature. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!</p>
<p>From your description, you are not getting much out of the college experience. Until you are really prepared to take advantage of it you should take a leave of absence and work. Don’t be afraid that you will never go back. When and if you are unsatisfied with the opportunities for employment available to you with your High School diploma, then you will have the maturity to return and do really well in college.</p>
<p>If you are able to build a satisfying career without college then you might not go back but there won’t be a good reason to do so.</p>
<p>Don’t give up. You’ve had a rough few years, but your words tell me that you truly want to stay in school. Even if it is only one class at a time, don’t drop out entirely. Your depression hasn’t helped you. Go talk to the school counselor and let them know that you want to stay in school for one, two or as many classes as you think you can handle. Get a part time job if you can and just keep yourself busy. You can do it !!! You are obviously intelligent given the well written post - so use Your smarts. You can’t lose anything by trying. Good luck!</p>
<p>Life can get in the way if you drop out and then like you said never go back. I think you are on the right track of really analyzing why you do the things you do. The statistics are out there, those without college degrees earn significantly less througout their lifetime. You need to ask yourself is working hard to get a degree for let’s say 3-4 years worth a lifetime of increased security. College is not for everyone but you said you are working a minimum wage job, is that what you want to do the rest of your life? What are your goals, what can you see yourself doing?</p>
<p>Thank you for your advice everybody. I’m actually going to withdraw from a class and then discuss my plans and frustrations to a friend today. I think I might stay.</p>
<p>Good luck. You will make the decision that is best for you! :0)</p>
<p>The great thing about this Country is that a college dropout can build a business and hire and fire graduates who think a college degree is the be all, end all of existense. BTW, they will quickly learn that it is not. My advice is to give college a rest and find a job to support yourself, but more importantly keep both eyes open for a great business opportinity. College isn’t going anywhere. If the business thing doesn’t work out. It will still be there.</p>