I don't know what to do with my life. (long, sorry!)

College Life
1

In high school, I was basically a golden child. I had the highest SAT scores on record in my school, graduated Magna Cum Laude, and went to college on a full-tuition scholarship. In my first semester of college, however, this all started to decay. I’ve always struggled with mental illness, but it really blossomed in the college environment; I missed tests because I was too paranoid and afraid to even leave my dorm, I slept through classes because I didn’t have the motivation to move or shower, etc. This, in turn, made my already rocky relationship with my parents even worse.

Through this rather difficult situation, the only person truly there for me was an ex-boyfriend from high school, who I reconnected with early in August. We had broken up due to the disapproval of my parents (who literally threatened to disown me if I continued seeing him), and when they found out we were speaking, they did just that. All of a sudden, I had no monetary support - no job, no car to get a job, and no professional/medical help for my problems.

With debt piling up and no way to pay it (or even take out loans, as I was under 18 and still technically unemancipated), I dropped out of college. I moved back to my hometown, living with my boyfriend’s parents and eventually in my own apartment. At the moment, I don’t have much direction in my life; the only thing that I do, really, is work a customer service job for barely more than minimum wage.

I don’t want that to be my life. I always had a lot of ambition, especially back in high school, and I want to find a career that I actually enjoy (and one that can support a family). The thing is, though, I have absolutely no idea how to get back on my feet from here.

I would go back to a four-year university, but I’m afraid of living in debt. I would attend a technical college (there’s a pretty well-regarded one in my area), but not only did my parents hammer a stigma against two-year colleges into my mind, there are no programs offered that I actually think I would like (save for the education transfer program, but that brings the debt problem into question once again, and the job market is pretty bad).

I guess that’s the root of the problem. In high school and during my first stint in college, my parents were quick to plan my life for me. They told me that I liked Finance, so lo and behold, I majored in Finance. The thing is, though, that was never my dream, but theirs. Now that I’m on my own, I have no idea what my dreams actually are. I just want to make money and live comfortably.

I know that this post was incredibly long-winded and doesn’t have much of a point to it, but is there any advice that you all could give me? Thank you!

2

Give the military a try. You seem like you could use an adventure.

3

I would strongly advise against the above.

What are your community college options? Can you do work and classes to get back into academics slowly? Try to spark an interest / feel out options?

4

@Mandalorian, I support people who go in the military but OP says she struggles with mental illness. She is disqualified from military service.

OP the fact that you have no idea what you want to do might indicate depression. Get some help for that first. I’m pretty sure you can’t qualify for school loans on your own until you are age 24, or married, or legally emancipated from your family.

Maybe you can afford a community college and transfer to a four year after you turn 24. If you can check into city/county type jobs they often will pay tuition, even for a fairly low level clerical job. Check into that. But you must conquer the demons that kept you from going to class freshman year or you will wind up with the same result. Most cities and counties have some sort of mental health provider through the health department. You are smart and with some help you will probably blossom. You are young but I think you shouldn’t worry so much about your parent’s expectations. Good luck to you.

5

First things first: you need money so you can support yourself.

You need a better job than that minimum wage one you mentioned. Put together a resume today, and get started. You want a full time job with benefits if possible. Think outside the box-- everything from dentist offices to store management to UPS. This isn’t necessarily about a career path so much as putting the food on the path for now. Career can come after your basic needs are taken care of. And, while you’re looking, take a look at the education benefits offered by possible employers. If you’re thorough and lucky, you may just find a job where they’ll help you cover those college expenses.

The best of luck to you.

6

Thank you all very much!

@bjkmom, I appreciate it, and I’m trying to do just that! The problem is, though, that all of the jobs in my area tend to revolve around the tourist industry (and are, in turn, mostly retail). Jobs like those that you mentioned tend to require at least two years of experience. I can’t get my foot in the door because I’ve only ever worked retail and food service (that, and I’m only seventeen, as I went to college early).

7

OK, I did a little checking on companies that will offer college reimbursement. Let’s see whether any of this helps:
http://www.estudentloan.com/blog/10-companies-will-help-pay-college
Note that Starbucks is on that list, as is UPS. For UPS, the eligibility begins on the day you begin work; for Starbucks it’s 6 months later.

Here’s another similar list, and it includes company like the Gap, Best Buy, Disney and Home Depot
http://www.businessinsider.com/companies-that-will-pay-for-your-tuition-2014-6

From here on, the lists are bound to overlap, but you may find something. And be sure to read the comments afterwards as well.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mariahsummers/9-companies-that-will-pay-most-of-your-college-costs#.avd2KAao9

https://collegeplus.org/blog/33-companies-that-can-save-you-from-college-debt