<p>I thought about dropping out of college one summer. My dad helped me think through the ramifications of that decision.</p>
<p>Dad really didn't say anything, but he did help me get a job. I worked that summer in the shipping department of a factory that made personal flotation devices (life jackets) and car seat covers.</p>
<p>The factory was in a one-story, un-air-conditioned, concrete block, tin-roofed building in a tiny little town in the middle of the south Georgia swamps. And it was July and August.</p>
<p>Starting time was 6:30 AM and we worked until the trucks were loaded, which usually was about 6:00 or 7:00 PM. I believe I made about ten cents an hour more than minimum wage. I did get time-and-a-half for overtime, but they sometimes sent us away mid-day so we'd not have so much overtime. I didn't have a car, so I'd have to cool my heels around the factory until we re-started work.</p>
<p>We'd work Saturday mornings, but we had all day off on Sundays. It was a dry county so I couldn't even get a beer, even on a Saturday night.</p>
<p>I was derided as the "college boy" if I tried to read a book or even a newspaper and whenever anything came up other than the latest country and western songs or what was on TV.</p>
<p>When September came, I was more than eager to head back north to school. And I left in awe of my father's quiet genius.</p>
<p>So to summarize here:
-talk to your guidence counselor at school
-get your health-physical and mental-checked out
-talk to your parent
-get through the semester
-take a gap year (or two or more) until you feel more focused
-return to school when you are feeling motivated and focused </p>
<p>These are reasonable steps that a mature person takes. Remember, you get no prizes for going through school on a continuous trajectory, especially if you aren't getting out of it what you want. Nor is struggling alone miserably evidence of maturity.</p>
<p>yesterday, You sound depressed. As others have said, it's a good idea to get help, and the counseling center is probably the best place to start.</p>
<p>I was in a similar situation when I was your age (and also related to Mme. Bovary!). I ended up taking time off and transferring until I was in a school that was better for me. It took me years to finish college, but I needed the time to figure things out. </p>
<p>It sounds like you are looking for some structured, hard work to give some meaning to your life. Personally, I think that might not be a bad idea. It will give you something productive to do while you wait for your own maturity. Other than some counseling for your depression, it sounds like what you need is some time to grow up a little.</p>
<p>Do not fail to act in some positive manner to alleviate your circumstances.</p>
<p>Military service will teach you to get out of bed at regular times. LOL</p>
<p>There are a lot of other benefits to a term in the military. You must be willing to do what they tell you to do with at least a modicum of enthusiasm. If you are unable or unwilling to do this, do not join.</p>
<p>I think college, in general, is just a difficult time. Its almost sensory overload in a way but with way more pressure. Some kids are more mature when they get to college and some less. I'm not saying OP has a maturity issue but I do know that my D had issues her freshman year. My D is smart, responsible, and one of the hardest-working people I know and despite this, she still had some troubles to work through. We spent hours on the phone, invited her home over the weekends, and even went with her to a counselor on campus. In the end, it worked out okay and my S is now doing fine at MIT. </p>
<p>OP, try and talk to a counselor and even your parents (we are smarter than we get credit for). As others have advised, don't try and handle this advice. Best of luck - we're all pulling for you. </p>