Hello,
I was a college student attending the York College of Pennsylvania, studying Biological Sciences with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. However, I work a lot and have these other circumstances that have posed a detriment to my mental and financial health. I am still in debate on if I should take the remainder of the semester off or if I should wait a whole year and work to make money and so forth.
More importantly, I want to utilize this break time, regardless of its length, to be productive and advance my knowledge of my field in a way that makes me marketable. Currently, I am looking for a job where I will be residing but do not think I can a job relevant to my field since I am limited in experience and so do you have any ideas on how to ‘better myself’ as a mid college gap year student for lack of a better phrase?
Also, has anyone felt like they no longer enjoy what they do? I work a lot and everything but it has caused me to doubt my major because the classes I was excited for seem more like a chore now and I was not sure how to resolve these doubts and feelings? Thanks in advance!
Is it possible to withdraw for this semester? I am not saying you should, but is that even an option with a refund still possible?
I think in general, if you are not feeling motivated, it is fine to leave school for a semester, a year or even longer. If you are working a lot, you can also take classes part-time. Usually you have to take two to get financial aid.
There are many degree completion programs to choose from. One of my kids left school and is almost done after doing two classes at a time for the last half of her college, in a situation similar to yours.
That said, if you are working a lot and suffering other stresses (including COVID), It may be hard to be motivated in school. If you can reduce those stresses, maybe motivation will return.
Hey @compmom
Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to get a refund from the school in full. Hopefully, and I messed up my withdrawal period because I did not have a home to go to, but should get 25% back for tuition, a prorated meal plan (so charged per day and reimbursed for the rest) and then lastly, 20% back for room and board. I attend the York College of Pennsylvania and it is not too expensive for me fortunately, so hopefully the refund goes through but I have already withdrawn so I have to wait and see.
So now I am going to live with my roommates parents for a while and try to work full time but do you think there is anything else I should do to make myself more marketable during this time? I don’t want future employers or graduate school admissions to see this as a period of laziness or dead spot where I did nothing productive with my life. Thank you for your comments though thus far as it is truly helpful and insightful.
I do not think that you need to do anything special to make yourself marketable. Hard work is respected everywhere. My kid worked in restaurants and a dry cleaner for a few years, then found an intro job with autistic kids that provided some clarity on future goals.
I think you can find a job or continue a job that pays your expenses and that you can stand (or even like?). Keep an eye out for jobs that might help motivate you if/when you return to school. You can also volunteer, if you have time. That can be a great way to explore your interests.
I always encouraged specific vocational certificates and degrees at community college, as well as artisan type schools, when my kid was floundering, but they found their footing by working for a few years, at one point also taking a couple of classes/semester and now have a degree in a field they really want one in. Degree completion programs tend to have mixed ages and backgrounds, often have online options, and accommodate working adults.
There is no hurry. Living with the kind of stress you may have been living with interferes with motivation, as does depression. If you think you might be depressed, seek help because medications can help a lot. Not saying you are, but just in case.
Do you think you will continue in CS? Maybe a job with Apple, Best Buy, or some other computer-related job would appeal. You could volunteer in an ER. Work as a lab tech. Look into Semester at Sea. National Outdoor Leadership School. Give yourself time!