Simply put, I lied about attending college for a second semester in a different program. It wasn’t because I failed any classes, I finished all the first semester courses with average to high marks. I had previously done a different one year college course which I completed but did not purse for a second year as I did not enjoy or find interest in it. After a difficult talk with my family, they reluctantly allowed me to change programs (At the time they were paying, along side a small scholarship.)
After changing programs I had the same problem as I did with the first one, but I knew they would be against dropping out after the first semester. Instead I told them I was still attending and took shifts during what would’ve been class time. After “finishing” the year, I told them I was swapping programs and would be able to pay most of it, if they could pay the remainder. I’m now enjoying my current program and have a paid co-op for the summer. I have resolved to tell them the truth (It’ll mess up their taxes otherwise), but fear has me constantly delaying. Mainly I’m putting this out here to help build up the courage and hear what people have to say. Thoughts?
Well hiding stuff like this usually snowballs, so best to rip the bandaid off quickly, get it over with. Once some has deceived you in such a major fashion, it is hard to trust them so you might think about addressing that.
Parent here: Please, just own up to your mistakes and offer to make amends. You didn’t start out trying to pull one over your folks’ eyes, but you made a bad decision based on fear. Sit them down, explain to them that you need to tell them something that will be upsetting, and then spill the beans. All of them. Promise to never deceive them like that again (I’m assuming you don’t have a history of dishonesty) and then prove to them you’ve learned your lesson by working hard and achieving something both you and they can be proud of.
Not a parent, but as a child of parents who always taught me to be honest in every situation, the above poster’s advice can’t be valid enough