<p>or SOMETHING. Maybe taking a semester off. Thing is, I've talked to my parents about this even before I started college, and they still pushed me to go. I was never a "bad" student or whatever. I even graduated in the top 10 of my class. I would always joke with my parents, "maybe I'm not gonna go to college" just to freak them out. I got a kick out of it. But now, in 3rd year, I'm actually seriously considering whether I want to continue or not. But I don't know what I'd even do with my life if I didn't go to school...</p>
<p>And by 3rd year, I mean I've been in school for 3 years but I have the credits of a 2nd year because I had some problems during freshman year.</p>
<p>Idk I just feel so unmotivated to get this degree. Or to go to school. I begged my parents for a year off after high school, and they basically just said no. I'm so burned out. I've been going hard since August 2011. I literally even go to summer school, so i haven't had a proper break since the summer after I graduated high school.</p>
<p>What should I do? I'm actually skipping class at this moment. And if I take a sem off, what would I even do in those 5 months to be productive? Cause there's no way my mom would let me get a 5 month break without me at least getting some kind of job. I am looking for a job, but it's pretty hard with the economy. Plus this is a new country and I don't really know how to get around yet.</p>
<p>Suggestions? Anyone?</p>
<p>I had pretty much the same problem a few months back (my reasoning was more about self esteem issues). Everyone basically told me to “stop being lazy and go”, “you need a college degree”, “if you stop now, you most likely won’t go back”, “your parent’s house, their rules”, etc. So don’t expect any encouragement.</p>
<p>I go to a “ex-community college- now ‘small and cheap’ university”, and decided to take only 3 classes last semester, so if it’s cheap enough, you should consider a lighter course load.</p>
<p>And honestly, part of me is happy that I was talked out of taking a year long break because now I have more credits to my degree (and I’m taking psychology and really like it). </p>
<p>The other part of me wishes I never listened to them because it would have been interesting to try something else besides going to school all the time (didn’t have any loans at the time).</p>
<p>Be careful with the loans - dropping out or taking a semester off could mean that you must start making payments right away. Make sure you discuss the implications with your school’s financial aid dept.</p>
<p>A well paying job will be even harder to find without a college degree. I dropped out of college during my sophomore year and decided to work for five years before gathering up the courage to go again. I never made good grades and I figured working would be easier than putting myself through all those unnecessary courses. Well, long story short working full-time in an hourly job I had no passion for sucked. I felt devalued and I knew I could do better. There is something about working with someone in their 40’s at a low skilled job that makes you want to cringe. I didn’t want to end up like that so I grew up and went back to school. I am almost done with my four year degree and I am proud of what I have accomplished so far. My only regret is that I didn’t go straight through college when I was younger. It would have saved me a lot of unnecessary grief. I don’t think that many young freshman know what they want when they start college, but I think they eventually figure out in their last two years. You can either go about this by getting a part-time job in something you are interested in or take college courses to figure this out. If you took out college loans (which I am guessing you did) you will have to pay them back with the meager job you managed to obtain after dropping out. If you want to drop out, try going for a technical degree that isn’t going to take that long. Yes, college is four years of hard work, but it is worth it. I am 27 and I feel like I am at a disadvantage when compared to people in their early 20’s who have already completed their degree. Your early 20’s are for maturing and adapting to the world around you so that you can be your own individual a part from your parents.</p>
<p>Sorry for the spelling and grammatical errors. I worry too much about them when writing papers.</p>
<p>wow, that is a lot to handle. it sounds like you need a vacation. i am so sorry your parents aren’t understanding of your needs, but at the same time maybe they see that you only have two years left so you’re halfway there. however, for your own sanity i would go to the counseling center on campus. they can probably help you explain to your parents what is going on and maybe having a professional involved will be the key to turn your parents into understanding where you are coming from. it is unfortunate in this society that GAP years are considered taboo. honestly i could have benefited from one as well, but my high school doesn’t advertise for that because they want every student to have a plan before heading out into the world aka have a college to go to. personally, talking with a counselor helped me a lot and I feel maybe you could benefit from it as well. i wish you the best of luck and hopefully you get everything straightened out.</p>