<p>To start things off, I've been through my first year at a four-year Jesuit college. It's a great school, tight-knit, and many of the teachers are always willing to help if you're struggling. Which is wonderful and all, but I'm not completely sure that this is what I'm looking for right now.</p>
<p>My first semester was difficult; taking 16 credit hours and working 20+ hours a week. I was also a commuter, as I can't afford to live on campus. Despite this, I did pretty well and passed all of my classes. Come second semester, and I did a total 180. I took 14 hours, still worked often, but I was completely and utterly unmotivated. I hated waking up to go to classes, and skipped often. I also barely did any of my work, and honestly didn't even pass most of the classes I took. </p>
<p>Because of this, I have decided that maybe going back to college isn't the right thing for me. I'm thinking of taking a semester off, at most, a year. Maybe even go to a different college (since I'm not a very religious person, and it's a very overwhelming theme at my current school). During this time, I plan on working my butt off and saving up for an apartment with my friend. I've talked to my parents about taking time off, but they didn't take it well. I just don't know what to do! I don't want to go to school and waste my time/money when I have no clue what I want to do with my life. But I also don't want to disappoint my parents and family. Please help! I would really like some advice on if I should take a break or not (or even switch schools!), and how to approach my parents again. Please and thank you!</p>
<p>I’m surprised no one has responded to your post yet. It seems like you’re a diligent student who just suffered a burnout due to complexities arising from your financial situation. If you have to work long hours, it might be wise to take courses at a community college and then transfer the credits to your four-year institution; that way you can save up money and explore major choices with less stress.</p>
<p>Talk to your parents about your situation. </p>
<p>You can tell them that you are unmotivated and that you aren’t succeeding at the moment and need to take a break from studying and working too many hours. Tell them that you don’t know what you are going to become, nor what you need to study, and that you would like to take a year off to save up money.</p>
<p>No, they won’t take it well because their dream for you was to be accepted to a university and complete your education. They will be hurt. So you need to ask what each of them would do in your situation. Make sure that they understand that you were miserable last semester.</p>
<p>OR return to school but take fun classes on a part time schedule.</p>
<p>I think that you should just take the fall semester off. During this time, apply to transfer to another school. I feel like maybe if the religious school thing didn’t get in the way, you would really have a better experience. </p>
<p>It makes so sense for you to go to school and not do well because you don’t like it.</p>
<p>Just beware of being that person that takes time off to reevaluate their options and ends up never going back because that choice is much easier than you would think.</p>
<p>I think taking a break for you would be a good idea, and taking breaks is underrated. It is better than being unmotivated for another semester and jeopardizing your GPA. Also when you come back, maybe take a lighter load so you are not burnt out in the future.</p>
<p>I took a break from college because of depression. Actually my school forced me to go on leave. But it was very good for me because
(1) it made me less burnt out
(2) it made me really appreciate college</p>
<p>During my break I took classes at a less rigorous school as a non-degree seeking student. That instilled in me a great love for my original school. When I came back I was super motivated and did really well because I was so glad to be back.</p>