Dropping Out Of College

[Era Might]

I'm seriously on the verge of dropping out of college tomorrow. I'm only 9 classes away from graduating (which would be in May), but I honestly just don't care. I have a paper to write right now and I just don't care about it. The only reason I'm writing the paper is to show the professor I'm capable of writing the paper. There's nothing I'm going to learn in the next 8 months that is going to suddenly make me "ready" for the world. So the only reason I would be staying in school is to be given a piece of paper that says I finished a degree. Is that reason enough to stay in school? I love learning, but I hate schooling. I cannot explain to you how much I have come to loathe the process of schooling. I have enough money in the back to start renting my own apartment, and I would just need to get a job. I want to live very simply. I just want an apartment with a cot. That's all I want. But it's hard to justify not finishing 9 classes. It wouldn't be hard to finish them later in life. Even if I just took two classes part time in a few years, I would be finished in a few semesters. And I'm not sure that I'm going to even be using my degree when I graduate, so I may just be starting early on what I will be doing in 8 months. I know this is a drastic decision, but I'm on the verge of making it. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Brother Adam]

The piece of paper will make the difference between a paycheck and no paycheck. It also opens the world of classes on the graduate level should you choose to pursue them. I say get the 9 classes out of the way and get the degree. Those credits are only good towards a degree for so long and then you have to retake classes should you change your mind about needing the degree down the road. I understand where you are at. I'm 1/2 way done with my MA and am finding it insanely hard to care about doing the work even though I love theology. There are tons of books that come and go that I want to read but can't right now because I'm stuck taking my classes. Argh. Plug away. Get it done.

[Era Might]

[quote name='Brother Adam' date='27 September 2009 - 09:20 PM' timestamp='1254100838' post='1973495']
The piece of paper will make the difference between a paycheck and no paycheck.[/quote]
That's just the thing. I'm not even sure that that will be the case. I'm an English major, so there's no specific job I can get with my degree. And the kinds of jobs I could get I probably wouldn't want. I seriously just want to be a janitor at this point in my life.

[Brother Adam]

There is nothing shameful about janitorial work. In fact many people you see that do that type of work are highly skilled and have trade classes or apprenticeships they went through. I think having the piece of paper opens up too many opportunities for the future not to get it when you are so close. Also, what if 10 years from now you decide you want to pursue an MA in something or another, never got your BA degree, and have to retake 75% of the classes in order to start your MA work.

I'd say get it faster than slower. Like pulling a bandaid off, get it done in one or two semesters if you can.

[Sternhauser]

[quote name='Era Might' date='27 September 2009 - 09:22 PM' timestamp='1254100975' post='1973496']
That's just the thing. I'm not even sure that that will be the case. I'm an English major, so there's no specific job I can get with my degree. And the kinds of jobs I could get I probably wouldn't want. I seriously just want to be a janitor at this point in my life.
[/quote]

While I sympathize with and understand where you're coming from, as the Poet said, "git 'er done." You can be a janitor with an English degree. There's no point after going so far to get something which could be very beneficial a few years down the road. I think the time you long for, a time where people respect the individual and his wisdom, virtue and attitude, rather than "a degree" is coming. But let that piece of paper be your insurance policy against it. It can't hurt to have a B.A. on top of your wisdom, virtue, and a good attitude.

~Sternhauser

[Brother Adam]

It's funny, now that I think about it, the janitor at our community college was only a few classes away from a degree and he was very wise. So wise he was publishing books. When the college caught wind they forced him to finish his degree and made him a professor. I had him for one of my English classes (Shakespeare). Brilliant, humble man.

[Era Might]

[quote name='Sternhauser' date='27 September 2009 - 09:32 PM' timestamp='1254101555' post='1973498']But let that piece of paper be your insurance policy against it. It can't hurt to have a B.A. on top of your wisdom, virtue, and a good attitude. [/quote]
I certainly can't argue with that, and really that consideration is the only reason why I [i]haven't[/i] already dropped out. But I need a challenge right now in my life, and school is just...just killing my sense of being alive. Robert Frost is ringing in my ears right now:

[quote]I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.[/quote]

[BG45]

Go for finishing, it's just a few more classes.

I know I've been having a lot of problems finding a job in my field with my degree; I've been really bitter about that fact too. That said, I still don't regret getting my degree, or working on my Masters now. Just have hope and pray, sometimes that's all we can do.

Free your mind from all that troubles you; God will take care of things trust him, you will have what your heart desires. - Saint Vincent de Paul

[Era Might]

I have a really good professor friend who will know exactly what to say about this situation. I think I'll go talk to him tomorrow, and sort of let his advice guide me.

[rachael]

senioritis

[BG45]

Sounds like a good idea Era!

[CatherineM]

Sounds like a typical senior. I had to drop from my theology program lacking 2 classes because of my injuries. It haunted me for 15 years. When I finally finished, I felt so fantastic.

[Sojourner]

Quit, if that's what you think is right. If you're going to do it, though, be smart about it. I would recommend not quitting in the middle of the semester. All you've done so far this semester, should you decide to take it up again later, you'd have to redo. Plus, if you quit mid-semester it looks bad on your academic record, and you have to go through a lot of explanations if you decide to pick it up again. I would also recommend researching how long your credits are good for finishing the degree. Your prof should be able to help you find out that sort of stuff.

My husband stopped short of getting his degree. He has since worked very hard in his family's business, and now makes a comfortable living, more than enough to provide for himself and a family. He is very like you in terms of self-education, and over the years has accumulated a deep knowledge of history, along with a sizeable library. It is quite possible, with enough work and ingenuity, to be successful doing exactly what you would like to do. I say, go for it. If you find your way would be smoother with the degree, then come back to it when you know what you want to do with it.

[EcceNovaFacioOmni]

I don't mean to make the decision for you, but I don't think you'll regret staying in. Just having a degree in any field can make a world of difference, even if you don't think English is going to get you anywhere.

[Era Might]

Thanks to everyone for your advice, I really appreciate it.

[quote name='thedude' date='27 September 2009 - 10:34 PM' timestamp='1254105244' post='1973515']
I don't mean to make the decision for you, but I don't think you'll regret staying in. Just having a degree in any field can make a world of difference, even if you don't think English is going to get you anywhere.
[/quote]
The thing is, this decision is about living, not about "making a living." In terms of "making a living," staying in school is my best option. But in terms of actually living, I'm not sure I can endure school much longer.