should i go back to community college, stay, go, what?

Paying for College
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<p>Thank you all so much. I have taken all this advice into consideration, and thought about it a lot. I’m still stuck. I’m basically shamelessly bumping for more opinions, as right now it seems pretty mixed.</p>

<p>I think it’s great to say, in a theoretical world, that a social science degree can prepare you for many jobs. But in my job hunting experience- which is not brief- as well as experience with intelligent, talented peers- also extensive- it’s mostly theoretical hypotheticals that don’t translate to real world jobs for people without rich, connected parents in the new economy. History majors working their way up through banks and large corporations are not a thing of the past, but it’s incredibly unlikely these days. The reality is that accounting majors have their own job fair, whereas liberal arts majors are only invited to the main job fair out of pity. There are a half dozen employers that will even talk to liberal arts majors here: the military, a few shady sales jobs, and one or two internships with USPS And Fedex.</p>

<p>I’m not saying that people don’t make it work with English degrees. Some obviously do, with the right mix of luck and talent. But I don’t know if I’m in a position to take a risk like that. I just can’t envision the scenario in which a bachelors in whogiveash** leads me to some low-level job that sparks an interest that translates into a career, as alluded to above. Maybe I’m wrong about that. </p>

<p>It’s very hard to motivate yourself to do well when you can’t even see the light at the end of the tunnel; all this sh** for what? Maybe, if I’m lucky, some awful sales job selling grannies breathing machines that don’t work, or some other psuedo-shady activity? But alas, what else can I do, realistically? Suicide would be the preferred method, but I can’t do that to my parents, unfortunately. When they are gone, I will be within the week. But right now, I’ve got to keep moving.</p>

<p>Finally, I don’t think I’m depressed. As I understand the term ( I don’t) depression is an *irrational *state of mind caused by stress, genetics, and whatever else. I don’t think my misery is irrational: I’m the epitome of a loser, judged by my own criterion, completely divorced from the need for peer approval. I came to this conclusion rationally; I’m not emotionally charged when I say this. I’m a bona fide, Grade A, failure of a man. Everything I thought was up was really down; everything I’ve tried out I’ve failed. That’s not depression, to me. Rather, that’s being beaten into submission by the realities of life for so long that you’ve lost the desire to keep your ego flowing at high capacity.</p>

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<p>As I understand the term ( I don’t) depression is an irrational state of mind caused by stress, genetics, and whatever else. I don’t think my misery is irrational: I’m the epitome of a loser, judged by my own criterion, completely divorced from the need for peer approval. I came to this conclusion rationally; I’m not emotionally charged when I say this. I’m a bona fide, Grade A, failure of a man. Everything I thought was up was really down; everything I’ve tried out I’ve failed. That’s not depression, to me.</p>

<p>Actually, depression can be the result of a self-analysis that results in a belief that you have failed. It’s not the same kind of depression that some other people have for different reasons. But, it’s still a type of depression that needs treatment. </p>

<p>So, please see a professional. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>And, BTW…you’re too young to be a failure. (so, in that regard, your conclusion that you’re a failure isn’t rational…do you see that?) You have a lot of time to turn things around and have a very successful life. :slight_smile: </p>

<p>If you had an arrest record for felonies, and/or had a low IQ or other significant roadblocks, then your future would be bleak. However, you’ve just been a bit slow to get going. That does not equate to being a failure!</p>

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<p>I am the poster who originally suggested screening for depression, and after reading OP’s latest post, I reiterate that opinion even more strongly. I have several family members who are being treated for depression - with both meds and talk therapy. A classic sign is when someone feels they are a failure and that their life is awful. Other people view this person as at least moderately successful - but all they see is despair - in their career, family life, friends, etc. When you describe yourself as “the epitome of a loser” and a “failure of a man” - you need to seek help. Even if you are not clincally depressed - you are in a funk and need help.</p>

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<p>^^^</p>

<p>Totally agree. </p>

<p>There are different types of depression. I like to call one type “situational depression”. That can happen after a series of disappointments, or an unexpected divorce or death in the family, or loss of income/home. A person can feel like there’s “no hope” or that the rug has been pulled out from underneath them. You seem to be in the “no hope” category. </p>

<p>Right now, you’re not happy with your situation and you don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. You may have a more serious depression, or you may have what I described above. Only a professional can diagnose, so please see one that specializes in depression.</p>

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<p>Anderson, you have succeeded at finding out what you don’t care to study and what you don’t regard as interesting potential careers. I think many people wish they had discovered that in college! Look, I think you’re in a funk too and hope you can talk this out with someone who will see you as an intelligent young man with unlimited potential. At the same time, you may want to do career exploration on your own by asking some professionals if you can shadow them or at least sit down and talk with them about their careers and experience. You can find these people through family, friends, employers, alumni, your old high school, even the newspaper. You may even come across an internship opportunity. I’m fairly certain that, once you choose a path, you’ll find that your passion and enthusiasm return if you let it. Until then, try not to beat yourself up about it…this is the perfect time to think things through and to allow yourself the freedom to do so. Meanwhile, you might try a new sport/hobby to keep your spirits up and get the creative juices flowing!</p>

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<p>Lots of kids like you. Big risk you are not going to get any degree. Just get the danged degree so you have one big thing checked off of your list: Get College Degree. Then look for the best job you can find.</p>

<p>Yes, if you get an Accounting, Engineer, Nursing, Computer Science Degree, or any degree that is vocationally driven–technical writing, medical transcription, physical therapy,pharmacy, you will be in much better shape in getting a good paying job. But that is going to take time to get your credits in place, and if you find you don’t like the courses, you’re going to be right back where you are now. I’ve known students who have started in ever so many majors and never got the degree because some roadblock cropped up. If you are that way, it’s more important to get the degree, and then look for a job. If you find work you like, take the courses needed to further your career. With direction, you’ll do better.</p>

<p>My oldest son was in the same predicament. It wasn’t till he found a job that he got more direction. The fact of the matter was that he really did not like academics. Needed a pragmatic purpose to get through courses. Getting a general degree and then taking advantage of employer paid education for specialty course was his best route. He would have otherwise never gotten a degree.</p>

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<p>andersonsp - please see someone about possible depression immediately. You seem to have lost the perspective that your situation is shared by many, you are struggling but you are not a looser and I think you need professional help to get back on track so the other peices of your life - college plans, career choice etc. can come together.</p>

<p>Do not hesitate on this - make an appointment today and keep it. You are obviously a bright, articulate person and you need to get to a place where you can see this for yourself.</p>