EPTShould I leave school? I need some perspective. - Page 2
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Zorkmid
4410 Posts
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MisterD
Germany1338 Posts
how many hours a week do you put in your jobs and how much money do you get for that? i don't think i'm in a position where i can really put that into a proper reference frame, i don't know how much harder financial stuff is when getting absolutely nothing from parents, i don't know how high of an education you have documented completed. but getting financial aid from the state and working two jobs at least sounds like it's more than what a person should need to live. Over here, there's actually regulations in place that the state ceases financial aid if you work too many hours besides your education, and at least all the guys i know (me included) frequently make work contracts specifically designed not to break these limits (which is not that hard to accidentially do). in any case, your working habits sound way to bad. with the load of ailments you have, working college and two jobs, not having 5 minutes spare time a day? That's certainly beyond responsible, but i'd assume you know that and just cannot really do anything about it. if you see a chance (a "take it or it's gone" chance, not the all time available option of dropping out of college) to ease up on the workload, it seems like you should certainly take it. but dropping out of college .. uhm, no advice on that one. I myself have to figure out if i want to continue with a phd after my master thesis, my prof kinda dropped the bomb on me asking if she should reserve a spot of the available positions she has a week ago, because she'll be on vacation over the next month or so (we had spoken about it earlier, but now a sudden more or less deadline of one week) .. well i have pretty much no clue on that one either. I guess the thing that's going to decide it for me is that i like the university environment, and so i think i'll probably do it. I guess that's something you should consider too. If you really don't like being in college (there are surely other places to be away from family), i think you should drop out, because you either need to put a lot more mental effort in motivating yourself to get a good degree, or you don't get a good degree (or in worst case even fail to get one). But if you like college or even feel more or less neutral about it, i think staying is the better way, and rather than thinking about dropping out you should think about how you can improve your workload on the job-side, because having a degree is almost always better than not, if only for future employees impressions of you as chef stated. | ||
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Taeng
37 Posts
 GLHF!! | ||
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OpticalShot
Canada6330 Posts
I'm not a college dropout. In the Asian scheme of things though, I am a "graduate" dropout because while many of my colleagues went straight into Masters programs, I decided to find a job - a risky move especially during these economic times - but I got the job, and I'm really building a lot of useful experience. Also I calculated just tonight (yes, tonight) that I should be able to pay off all my college debts within the next year as long as I continue working, all while fully supporting myself financially, living independently, and making small investments in tax-free savings and stuff. This doesn't mean I've given up on studying though, but the stability makes it easier to plan ahead. Putting myself in your shoes, I would resolve problems one by one - and take things a step at a time. Finishing your degree is a step you must take. Going for graduate programs is another. Gaining financial independence is an important one. So take these steps... one by one. You don't have to do everything at once. | ||
Klogon
MURICA15980 Posts
Some background about me: I also had a full-ride to Penn and I also worked 20 hours a week because I refused to let my parents help pay for my school as they were too poor. Penn cut some of my financial aid my last two years, so I graduated with a little bit of debt as well. I took five classes every semester, was heavily involved in extracurriculars (about 20 hours of weekly commitments), and worked 15-20 hours/week. Despite all this, half the people I knew were busier than me and got better grades. I graduated in 2010, so we may have even ran into each other. That said, my semesters were BUSY. Finding time to study 4-5 hours a day, going to every class, work, gym, activity meetings, and partying had me sleeping very little the entire year. The key is to find some joy in being busy and productive. Don't want to make this too long, but I'm saying all this to say I understand where your fatigue is coming from. Being busy and being the best you can be is good, however I do realize how mentally draining it can be if you are "down" on life. I experienced that Soph year and I remember it being a very difficult year. However, make the most of it and college can be magical (much like BW! haha). You said you wanted some perspective. How about this: you have an opportunity for a world-class Ivy League education for almost 90% FREE. Sure, you might end up with 10-20k in debt or something, but how many people in this world would literally kill to be in your shoes? Don't waste it. You're not entitled to anything. If you give up here and now, you might give yourself an excuse to quit and give up everytime hardship comes up later in life (work, marriage, etc). Don't do it. Suck it up, get through it, and prevail. Don't short change yourself. Don't waste this opportunity. Perhaps study something else and in addition with "art" so you have a marketable degree as well? IDK, there are lots of options. But don't waste it. | ||
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babylon
8765 Posts
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SpoR
United States1542 Posts
I read an article just yesterday about this kind of burnout, lemme see if I can find it. Here is another article I just found though that may help http://www.debtfreescholar.com/2010/01/recovering-from-college-burnout-10-tips/ edit- ah here they are http://calnewport.com/blog/2009/02/16/the-danger-of-deep-procratination/ http://calnewport.com/blog/2011/07/15/how-to-cure-deep-procrastination/ PS- Before you make any decisions talk to a guidance counselor, I mean that is what they are there for right? | ||
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TabyLing
Australia69 Posts
Last semester I almost died, my lectures started at 8am cause the stupid uni decided to try out some whacko timetabling system, and I had pracs till 6pm. I didnt have time to sleep was barely eating and then this one week where I had 8 things due in 5 days... I finally cracked and talked to my lecturers about extensions and my course supervisor about if I should drop something. I was in the same situation as you I needed a full load to keep my scholorship. Well surprise surprise some of my lecturers had worked while they studied and completely understood, they gave me the extensions and were super nice. I wasn't the only student to go to the course adviser about my problem and they were able to give me really good advice and really helped me out. I ended up dropping a subject since they count 3 as a full load here. Really talk to your course supervisor and ask them for advice, they will be able to help you alot, and they probably have helped people in the past in similar situations and so will be able to give you great advice. Explain to that lecturer about that assignment due on Jan 8th about your schedual over the holidays and beg for an extension, I would be really surprised if they didn't understand. | ||
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