My mom really wants me to take a year off. I’m a sophomore so it’d be before my junior year, after my sophomore. She says I could work my seasonal job, work at home, and get an internship at my local police department. I think it’s a good idea in theory (things are crazy at home, not a lot of people are home to take care of our dogs, and my mom’s boss and long-time family friend is dying so she’s working overtime). I just don’t like the idea of ‘quitting’ halfway through and spending an extra year in school when most of my friends have graduated. I’m also concerned about what my school would think, if it’s possible, possible repercussions, accepting me when I come back, etc. (I go to UCONN). I want to help out at home, though, and I want to be there for our family friend who I’ve known since I was 6, and I think it’s a good idea to make some more money and get an internship under my belt. Plus, I’m really not sure what to major in at the moment and it’s freaking me out. It might give me time to think, I don’t know.
Please, any advice? Thank you and have a good day!
It is very common to take time off during college and there should be no issues. Go see the academic advisor and you will probably be given permission with no problem. However, if you extend it beyond a year, you may have to reapply, so do be sure to get it all authorized beforehand. I really think you have valid reasons for leaving and it seems that your family needs you home.
In regards to your graduating a year later, please don’t sweat it. It took me six years to get through college. I had a lot of fun and saw the world, and had plenty of friends. You are young and have plenty of time.
Thank you! That was very helpful and kind 
Parent here:
I would try to understand why your mom wants this.
If all is goign well I would completely not support this…why not finish?
Taking a year off college to watch the dogs is not going to get you to where you need to be.
Is she having financial issues and cannot afford a year and needs to save up? Then perhaps you should talk to the financial aid office.
Also, what if everything is not resolved over the year? What then?
I say help out by getting a seasonal job over Christmas and use the money to have someone walk the dogs during the year. Let your mom find other support…you need to have a firm foundation so you can start your life …finish college!!!
Help your mom brainstorm other solutions…can they hire someone else so she doesn’t have to do so much overtime? Can a relative take the dogs?
@bopper Why does taking a year off mean the OP won’t finish college? What is the rush? I took whole semesters off, for totally selfish reasons. I have a house, husband, kids, pets, job. I spent six years getting a degree. Many people take more than four years to graduate and have great careers. I personally think OP using his own money to pay for dog walking is not a good use of time or cash. There are lots of reasons why students take academic leaves and colleges don’t penalize students for doing so. The OP has several valid reasons for wanting to take a year off, and doesn’t seem to be using it as an excuse to not go back.
You have to look at what’s best for your family and also yourself. It’s probably easier to do college in one shot without taking a break. Complications can come up making it hard to go back.
Do you have a major? I have known parents that encouraged a break if the student reached this point and still didn’t know what they wanted to major in. At some point you have finished gen ed requirements and are spending money on classes that may not count toward a degree and not finishing in 4 years anyway if you keep changing your mind. I can think of at least 2 people I know personally who had their kids take a break, work and get more focused. Both returned to school.
I know this isn’t what OP described, but if it’s the case it could play into parents encouraging a break.
@Lindagaf It doesn’t sound like the OP wants to take a year off…only that he is being pressured into to it…and the issues that are there may not be resolved in a year.