How To Be A Drop Out

Comments

Ha. Right now i'm sitting at my dorm and i'm supposed to be reading something I don't want to read and write about it...and then get up early and TALK about it. Your flawless argument might just might have been the inevitable push...

on September 9, 2008 at 5:19 PM

that's oddly enough exactly what i needed to hear. i'm currently sitting in the library of some scuzzy community college. i'm supposed to be in calc class, but i'm wondering how much good that would do me as i would most likely sleep through it anyway.

on September 22, 2008 at 7:39 AM

I already support myself through college. I pay for it myself and I already work that shitty (though not minimum wage) job. And I think, bear with me while I get a little melodramatic here, I think college is killing me. I have an ulcer and I have to take anti-depressants now. I was so happy before college, I was even happy my first year here. Now I'm in my final year, miserable, in massive student loan debt, and still no closer to knowing what I want to do with my life. Is college really worth the time and the debt? I'm not sure... and furthermore, I'm not sure I want to stick around and find out.

on September 25, 2008 at 11:42 AM

i bought a 1-way plane ticket to Maui on the 14th and i still have to drop out, tell my parents, and make it there...at least i got a job and place thanks to a good, good buddy that already made the leap. i honestly believe its all about doing what makes you happy. my school got f...ed up from hurricane Ike so we missed about 4 weeks already. my gf of 2 yrs broke up and moved out, and my other roomy bailed on me to go with his gf all within the last 2 months. so here i am, only moved half my shit out or my apt when i'm supposed to be out 2 days ago, and i cant wait to get the hell outta texas right now... im just glad i already made the choice long ago... i just have to figure out how to tell the rents...

on October 3, 2008 at 12:29 AM

I dropped out of community college (which intentions to go back when I figure out what I'm there for)and moved out of my parents house in NJ to lovely Seattle just a month or two ago. I'm broke, don't have 458987 posessions anymore, don't have the luxury of not working and still having shelter, and I have to go grocery shopping all the time. But I don't have to kiss anyones ass (aside from my boss, but that's everywhere), and I'm happy as a clam and proving to myself that I'm independent after all. I began to doubt I could ever be after 22 years in the parents' house. Drop life and go somewhere, and make new life there. Just for the experience. You can more than likely go back if you fuck up that bad on your own.

on October 4, 2008 at 9:30 PM

dude, you have convinced me to leave. I hate college so far. It has only been two weeks, but it really is not for me.

on October 9, 2008 at 8:51 PM

wow. i feel a lot better. ive been in community college for 1 1/2 years and i recently have not been going to class becauase i didnt feel like it was worth it. ive been thinking about trying something new and this story was what i may have needed to actually do what ive been wanting to do!

on October 11, 2008 at 2:31 PM

im currently in my dorm room and and i have a 4 page draft due at 3 45 and its 1:03, i have a page and a sentence od bullshit because i really hate essays and i hate school in general and i really want to live my life and relax and spend time with my family meaning mom dad brother and sister. but i seriously think about how i might go crazy here and grow white hair with this work, even though its suppose to be the easiest year freshmen year. i dont know wat to do
i really dont
ive cried
ive been mad
ive pretended to be happy
ive tried to force myself to do the work
and to tell you the truth im just realllly reallly tired

on October 15, 2008 at 10:01 AM

THAT'S REAL.THANK YOU SO MUCH I DROPPED OUT TODAY AND READING THIS MADE ME FEEL WAY BETTER. FUCK COLLEGE!

on October 17, 2008 at 11:19 AM

I just cried to my mom about wanting to drop out of college. She called my sister and we decided that I shouldn't attend class today and just wait to see how I feel when my head has cleared up. I've already made my decision and im definitely out of school until next semester.

on October 20, 2008 at 3:59 AM

I'm a high school senior. I'm all schooled out. I'm counting the days. All I hear is college this, college that. The more people tell me I need to go to college to make it - the more I want to prove them wrong.

on October 22, 2008 at 1:54 PM

college is the shit, I have never been happier. When I leave for breaks, I usually feel a bit burned out because I push myself hard and then after a few weeks I yearn to go back again to the people and the classes and the sense of community. it's been the best thing to ever happen to me.

on October 22, 2008 at 4:32 PM

Wow, what a bunch of pathetic whiners.

If you really don't want a college degree, don't go I guess, but don't come complaining to the rest of society that you "can't make ends meet","can't afford rent", and "can't afford to buy a house" with your shitty retail-job salary.

That's all on you, not on the Mayor, the Governor, the President or anybody else.

on October 25, 2008 at 11:25 AM

The old zen masters would often say that inner peace is 'happiness.' I agree. They also add that the phrase 'inner peace' in old cantonese translates as: 'the ability to cry on command while simultaneously giving everyone else in the world the finger.'
True story, word is bond.

on October 26, 2008 at 1:57 PM

When I graduated from high school, I moved out and abstained from college for two years while supporting myself. I am now at the UW, five years later, still self-supporting but earning my bachelors degree. So, I understand the value of not going to college, but I definitely would NOT drop out just because not going to college teaches you life skills. That's stupid. It's also stupid to suggest that you can be successful without a college degree. That's true only for a small number of people, and it's unfair to suggest that a kid should bank on it.

So the main gist here is that there are not just two options: going to school or not going to school and working. I would say do the BEST of both worlds. Support yourself and go to college at the same time. You'll be fucking poor as hell, but you'll be getting smart. Awesomeness.

on October 29, 2008 at 7:02 AM

My father dropped out in elementary school. At 18 he came to the U.S. He is now a very successful man. I am, personally, up the ass with college. If you have your mind set on your goals. Actually plan a future..and actually GO THROUGH with what you have to do to get things done then things might go good for you. Is college a guarantee of happiness or success? NO SIR. Just like nothing in life is guaranteed. Good little post. I made my mind to drop out in October and you can bet your ass I'm going through with it. AND you can bet your ass this man Is not working in damn retail. Good luck fellow drop outs.

on December 1, 2008 at 9:51 AM

thankyou, that sounds exactly like what i tell myself everyday, but to know that someone else has the same idea gives me nothing but relief and peace of mind.

on December 11, 2008 at 3:06 PM

Well Sean Nelson dropped out of college, but he also became an idiot. He doesn't know how to write, and his argument is based on personal experience. We are talking about his personal experience, not mine, and not yours.
I am surprised that the only people to comment on this article are the people who agreed with him.
I have found university a satisfying and mind opening experience. Now in third year and getting Cs and Bs, I am not quitting even if I failed a few courses.
Don't let Sean Nelson drag you down. Sure student life sucks sometimes, especially if you're poor. You're spending time writing term papers and reading books. Your other friends your age are working nice working class jobs and have money for cars, beer, and nice apartments. You may not have financial independence from your parents, they may tug your leash and dangle carrots in front of you. But education is the key to good jobs, and class mobility. An education allows you to work a better job. A degree is a status symbol that no car or house can replace. Stop moaning about the tough student life, and get back to studying for your exams, and writing essays. A degree can mean the difference between foreman and factory manager, produce manager and store manager, babysitter and teacher, soldier and officer, bartender and restaurant manager.

on December 11, 2008 at 10:00 PM

I'm telling my parents today. Right now I'm like 20 minutes early to class and waiting for everyone, just thinking about how great it would be to be out of here and supporting myself. I've been thinking about dropping out for months now, and I think I'm going to stop wasting my money here and begin my life as an independant individual.

on February 12, 2009 at 10:39 AM

what an inspirational essay. I do admit that being on my own, without backup money, is my greatest fear of dropping out, then consequently being abandoned by my parent's wallet. But independence is something I need to pursue and get over my fears. I've been attending for 3 years, and have been contemplating leave since my sophomore year. I've only stayed this far because of my free tuition.

on February 15, 2009 at 11:35 AM

Wake up...what do you think it's like taking care of yourself? Life is work! Work is life. No one ever said it was easy.

on February 22, 2009 at 10:22 AM

Im sitting here in Ireland, doing a college course my parents pressured me into. Ive no intrest in the fucking thing. I think Im going to tell them tomorrow that Im done with it...

on March 25, 2009 at 7:14 PM

This article is really enticing. I've dreamt of dropping out of this shit since the first few months went by and I realized I couldn't both succeed in my major and have a life at the same time. I'd obviously rather be out of school, independent from the support of my parents and living my own life doing my own things freely. I hate the chains. They’re depressing, but I’m going to live with them anyway.

The whole idea of whether to drop out of college or not is of course very complex, but it's important if you're considering it to remember that college is an investment -- it will take away from your life while you're there, but it can greatly benefit your life once you finish. Your life might be a lot better right now if you sever chains and drop out of school, but is it better to enjoy these few years more or to wait a few years to enjoy your freedom so that you can do it with a bright and shining degree?

Remember that there is little of value that you could have right now by dropping out that you won't be able to have after you finish college except for what you give to college (i.e. four years and a ton of money). The question of whether to drop out right now or not should depend on whether or not you will gain from college in the end. Once again, are the returns greater than the investment? Will you be wasting four years of your life and a load of financial stress, or will you sacrifice those four years and that stress for a better future?

As for me, I’m staying in college. The majority of it sucks (the rest is a blast, by the way), but I’m waiting in anticipation for that enhanced freedom and joy that I want to have when I get out of here doing something that I find exciting and getting paid plenty for it too. I just hope that I won’t end up chained to a monotonous life by my degree.

All this should be taken with a grain of salt. I haven’t graduated yet. I’m speaking of a future foreseen and a path-not-taken through wisdom that was mostly passed down.

on October 28, 2009 at 11:05 PM

I'm pretty fucking terrified of dropping out but its either drop out or literally kill myself.

on November 18, 2009 at 9:07 AM

Well I'm 68...and I can't tell you how many times in my life I've been SOOooooo grateful that I DIDN'T drop out of college when things got difficult, or boring. Without that degree, no one would have given me those first opportunities to get a meaningful job...that eventually enabled me to start doing my own thing - AND MAKING A LOT OF MONEY. Now I'm financially comfortable, have an interesting life of paid travel and professional success to look back upon.

The above essay is very short-sighted; what are you kids going to be doing in your 40's and 50's? As difficult as it was at the time, staying in school was my single best decision.

chicagoclark on December 13, 2009 at 8:35 AM

I'm curious Chicagoclark, while college is for some people and not for others, how do you know you wouldn't get a different job if you had dropped out? College was apparently a good choice for you and I'm glad it worked out, but just because you got a great job from it doesn't mean if you had wanted to do something else without a degree you wouldn't have found something. Also, it's best to figure out what you want to do while you're young and then decide if you want to go back to school. Otherwise you're in a lot of debt, have changed your major a bunch of times, and still don't know what you want from life. Plus, I've seen plenty of people with masters degrees working as bar tenders because no one is hiring in this economy.

College is not a bad thing, don't get me wrong, but it's not the "perfect" solution. A solution that costs at least $40,000 should be carefully considered before jumping straight in. I think it's irresponsible to tell people they should go to college even if it means going $40,000 in debt. I'm glad I currently chose to stop temporarily until I can pay with cash and not credit.

on December 13, 2009 at 6:40 PM

i dropped out a short while back..
i am so incredibly happy.. in loose state of being it has been the most liberating gift i have given myself yet
i live lightweight off the grid now, enjoying some of the "freer" ends of life.. culturally etc
live free! get lost! lets go out! lets get going!

sahaynee....moonbow??? on December 25, 2009 at 11:23 PM

I'm currently in the last 2 months of a journalism diploma in Ireland and to be honest I've fallen really behind on my past 6 assignments.
I've made up excuses for not having them on the due date and even pretended that I lost my voice for a week to put off a presentation.
I've been skipping my Monday afternoon politics class just to avoid doing a presentation which I haven't prepared.

I've a radio documentary due in on Thursday, and I'm literally terrified of what my lecturer is going to say when he's finished listening to it (if I ever actually edit it to the desired time that is!).

I have a part-time job in retail and the thought of going full time over the summer to pay for repeating this year nearly makes me sick. I absolutely despise the place and can barely hack the 16 hours I already work there.

I've no idea if I'm going to actually drop out/defer/or somehow witness a miracle happen and have all my work finished for the due dates. After reading your article though I feel a lot more self-assured and have a better outlook on what may/may not lie ahead for me if I make this decision. So, thank you.

Kristen90 on March 22, 2010 at 10:48 AM

This is my second time reading this.
The first time was quite a few months ago when a friend of mine showed this to me and then dropped out of school.. I agreed with her decision, but I never thought I would make the decision myself.
Reading this again, It's definitely what I needed to hear... college is not where I want to be.. and as you said.. if i miss it, i can go back.. I need to experience things for myself.. not have them handed to me on this "silver platter" called college...

frankc on March 29, 2010 at 10:47 AM

I hate college. I'm in my second semester at a private christian college (that could be part of it haha) and I'm drowning. I'm telling my parents tonight that I'm not coming back next fall and this article really helped. So thank you. :)

lcc09b on March 31, 2010 at 7:59 PM

This helped me get the courage to drop out. I'm miserable in college and i have my parents to blame. i wanted a break first before i went off to college. because i have the time to waste because i was an overachiever and graduate high school early. Thanks for helping :)

BellaRyn on April 8, 2010 at 9:56 AM

I hated being in college which led me to the decision to drop out. I run 3 successful businesses and I am truly happy. I am not the type of person that can work for other people. I call myself the unsocial butterfly. I have no regrets. The degree I would have obtained would have been in Biological Sciences. I look at my friends who have degrees and I am better off financially than they are. They can barely pay their bills. These friends get loans from me. I have a hustlers mentality and can survive in any environment. The key to my success is surrounding and networking with people that are beneficial to my business. College is important to others, but it was not for me.

on April 11, 2010 at 8:53 PM

i have been trying to decide whether this was the right decision for me and everytime i come up with the same conclusion. i want to leave this place and just GO HOME. i've never missed high school more. i wasn't ready for college life. every day feels a mistake. i want to leave and work in my hometown, and consider college at a time when i feel more ready. but i have NO CLUE how to go about dropping out. who do i even talk to?

Miniturp on October 18, 2010 at 8:42 AM

Miniturp on October 18, 2010 at 8:58 AM

You know what... You people who can AFFORD to go to college should be beaten with the F'n silverspoons you have shoved up your asses.

This BS is the reason why Americans are doing so bad in the world. We treat education like a chore, when its should be treated as a privilege, a right, and a duty; There is no excuse for not becoming smarter and that crap about you can learn everything they teach in College on your own is BS. You can't, because the experiences, the environment, the focus, and the sharing of ideas in College is not only substantially different from the world outside of it, but the outlook having to interact with people as peers, colleagues, as equals not as co-workers, passerbys, and strangers changes everything.

All you whining, self-centered, lazy, goddamn suburbanites should shut the hell up. Seriously. You don't know how good you have it and all you want to do is throw it all away. F YOU!

on November 25, 2010 at 2:18 PM

Man, I know number 8 far too well... I had an apartment at my college (yes, which I payed for) that I shared with 3 other guys. They were on the tennis team like me, but they were all international students. So when we went looking for apts I had to put everything under my name since I was the only American (policy for this real estate co.). Well, long story short I ended up paying for late rent penalties and work that had to be done on the apt for things I had never done, not to mention paying for 3 months of utilities myself. That's why I have an apt by myself right now, and not with an roommates. I love it.

But I'm now contemplating dropping out. I have no idea what I want to do and I'm a junior right now. I've been floating through different classes trying to find anything, but I've been lost since freshman year really. Never had a major, never cared to have one. I've taken 2 semesters off to try and figure it out but to no avail. I'm thinking of joining some international volunteer organization to help out impoverished nations. The OP pointed out that many of us feel as though we may need that "piece of paper" to feel like we can succeed, and truthfully, that's how I feel, but I've been depressed ever since college started, and it has nothing to do with my social life. It's because I have no clue as to what I want to do. I can't keep spending this CRAZY amount of money every semester. And considering prices continue to rise, it's just something I can't afford to float around doing.

To the "you can learn everything a college teaches you outside of college by yourself" statement: Take this for example. This semester in my Abnormal Psych class, I went to all my classes before my 1st exam. I ended up getting a 75. Then I didn't show up to any of them and only went to my next exam's day. Guess what? I got an 85. I don't know if that says more about the teacher or not, but I can certainly learn as much by myself as I can being lectured. Maybe some people can't, but if you're interested enough you certainly can and will.

QuestVibes on December 7, 2010 at 7:37 PM

The only thing holding me back is that I am in my second year and already owe $10,000+ in federal loans not to mention the loans my parents also have. If I do drop out I feel as thought the debt would eat me alive.I'm sitting here waiting for the someone to give me an opportunity to somehow make it work. In the meantime I'm preparing to take off at the drop of a hat by becoming a minimalist and requiring tolls for survival- a sleeping bag, backpacking pack, an army knife and as few clothing items as possible but that can get me through any kind of weather/ occasion.My dream is to own my own farm, to write, to be an activist for sustainable agriculture, and to be an artist.

juniper on March 14, 2011 at 8:06 PM

I've recently been skipping most of my classes because I have no more motivation for college. I really cant live up to my brothers deanslist grades and really never liked school anyway. I'm gonna dropout and spend time with my family. *save up and get married and maybe start a family of my own* and consider going back to college at a later time. life is too short to be stressing out and making my self miserable over. I've lost my grandma after my first semester in school and felt depressed and alone in the dorms *even though i had a roommate* so i move back in with my parents who soon after decided to go through a terrible divorce D: i just wanna be happy.

digitalfashion on March 24, 2011 at 9:33 PM

Some people are really not comprehending what their reading, the author of this article stated and I quote..

"College is not for everyone. Neither is dropping out." and the author also stated,

"I know you didn't ask, but my advice is: Go ahead and quit. If you miss it, you'll go back."

The statements made are both in support of leaving college as well as staying in college the author is just saying that we are taught that everyone must go to college at a certain time and finish but sometimes life happens and we find ourselves depressed and miserable.

Maybe college is not for you at 17 years old and trying something like obtaining a certification at a technical college would be a wiser decision at the moment. It's ok to obtain success in a different way, and lets remember success is not based on extreme wealth but on the type of wealth that aids a person in maintaining personal balance between the things that make him/her happy in life.

If you choose to return to college at 20 or even 30 or better yet if you choose to stick it out and finish that's ok too as long as you find personal happiness and obtain success by your standards and not the standards of persons who proclaim to have wisdom but obviously do not(the language they use in their comments are a redflag has to who legitimately has wisdom and who does not. Profanity and rude comments show a lack of wisdom and maturity.)

Last but not least, your parents aren't trying to control you they just want what's best for you and they don't want to see you suffer because of your choices. Listen to your parents and take what they say seriously and then make your own decision based on wisdom, knowledge, and faith. Remember, you and your parents will not always agree but it doesn't mean you have to kick them out of your life because of it. Thanks for reading!

on April 4, 2011 at 11:31 AM

Thanks. I have recently realized that college≠my dreams and that academic≠scholar. The point about sacrifice and compromise really struck a chord. Since when has it been ok to say, "sure, I'll put off my dreams because I'm getting for them?" That just doesn't make any sense. I pretty much want the opposite of what everyone else does at my school anyway. Mansion? Gag. Picket fence? blanch. Tons of money to be successful? yes sir, right after I sell my soul. Thanks again, sorry for the rant.

on May 10, 2011 at 6:49 PM

ANYONE on the edge of quitting college watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpZtX32sK… or youtube: College Conspiracy NIA.

I'm in my 3rd year of college and have supported myself with minimum wage jobs and endless loans. Loans that I will never, ever be able to pay back. This video highlights it all- Why college is a conspiracy now days and how the government is screwing us academics over. I will not be returning to my university in the fall, I'll be starting a full time job and someday I will finish my degree when I don't have to take loans out for it.

LostInLoans on June 11, 2011 at 2:08 PM

on June 11, 2011 at 2:10 PM

<333

on June 13, 2011 at 3:19 PM

THANK YOU! I'm a freshman at a community college its barely been about three weeks and cant remember being so unhappy. I hate it I hate it. Its simply not my place. This made me feel like I'm not a failure for feeling that way. I'm dropping out today.

on September 10, 2011 at 9:48 AM

Some of the most successful people to start with nothing, no inheritance for example, dropped out of college, never went, and a few dropped out of high school. Most people who stick with college or university through to the end really have no ingenuity, imagination, or drive really. They get the degrees so they can earn a living without being smart. ;) Ironic really, they claim that to get through these schools you have to be smart but the smartest people rarely go.

KittenKoder on September 11, 2011 at 6:10 AM

Drop out! That's the worst thing I could ever imagine to happen to myself. I have been doing my best to finish my study and be the top on my field(Events Management Courses Sydney) . I have no reason to be part of our school's lists of dropped out.

on October 10, 2011 at 8:32 PM

I went into my freshman year with 23 credit hours that I earned from AP tests and concurrent enrollment at my current university.

I'll be classified as a junior by the end of this year (if I decide to stick it out).

I still don't have a major.

I don't have any idea what I want to do with my life, and I have so many interests that it's impossible to imagine doing the same thing every day for the rest of my life.

I understand where the not-so-well-off kids are coming from, being one. I grew up the youngest of three being supported by a single mom who has waited tables for 20 years. We had food stamps, we had housing assistance. My family put so much pressure on me to be the one to "make it," to go to college and not have to worry about money. I'm beginning to realize, however, that money isn't an end in itself, it's just an accessory.

One of the main reasons I've considered dropping out of college is, like someone else mentioned, the College Conspiracy. It's such a blatant racket, designed to make a profit not to produce employable people. I made a 29 on the ACT, had a 3.5 GPA out of high school, and had all sorts of college credit, and I STILL have to take out loans just to afford going to college full-time because I can't get a scholarship unless I'm taking 12 hours or more.

I quit my last job waiting tables at my aunt's restaurant, making upwards of $450 a week (working 45+ hrs/wk, though), which is twice as much as I make every TWO weeks working on campus.

I would rather have experience in different fields, gain employable skills (welding, sewing, web design, etc.), and be able to travel as much as I want, than be sitting in a classroom taking notes when I could be experiencing life first-hand.

I think college is for the kids in high school who made 4.0 GPA, were in fifteen social clubs and school organizations, and DO rely on their parents' wealth to pay their way through college. I can't afford to go into debt without even having a major; I can't afford to go into debt period. I come from a family of hard-working women and I intend to carry on the tradition, whether or not I end up with a college degree.

on October 20, 2011 at 7:18 AM

Truth is; I've been so scared of dropping out only because I worry about how my parents are going to react. I've been going to cosmetology school 9-5 monday through friday for more than a year, (and believe me, it's not as easy as some people stereotype it to be) and after I transferred schools, I found out that without friends, I fucking hate it. I'm not happy. I just want to have a job again... I have real anxiety, and I haven't been good about going lately...So I'm pretty frightened about quitting on Monday and then telling my parents. They are going to freak out on me BIG TIME..... But I know this isn't for me...

saralanae on October 29, 2011 at 3:52 AM

I just dropped out of college. I don't know how to feel right now but thank you for putting those words into my head.

on November 9, 2011 at 8:19 PM

I'm thinking about dropping out of school. I haven't even finished my first semester yet and I'm already sick of it. I don't know what to do with my life, but wondering around in a $40,000/year school isn't a smart idea. I'm just scared I'll be a disappointment to my family. I'm just tired of pretending I belong here, when I'm miserable.

on November 29, 2011 at 7:57 PM

This article just saved my sad, little life. Thank you. <3

EmilyDawnn on November 30, 2011 at 10:26 AM

A couple years ago a counselor asked me what my "Absolute worst case scenario" was and I said "Failing out of university and disappointing my parents". Just the thought of it had my chest tight and very nearly had me in tears. He laughed. I couldn't understand how this was funny, that situation would be the end of my life!!

I first read this article about a month ago when I was still debating whether I wanted to continue with my university courses or just drop out(My reasons are depression/stress related) and even at that point there was no pulling myself out of the pit of failure.

This was one of the many articles I clung to for reassurance that leaving school did not mean condemning myself to poverty or brand me a failure at adult life as a whole. Just like most upper-middle class children I was pretty much raised to believe that University/College was the next step after High School and that the only people who didn't go were those who couldn't and ended up working fast food joints or being greeters at Wal-Mart. There's very little time between carefree high school and Uni to figure out what you want to do with your life and I was well into my second year before I felt I had a tentative goal. I'm still not really sure what it is I want. Right now though, all I want is to not wake up feeling like a failure for being unable to succeed and wasting my parents' money.

A couple weeks ago I called my mom and told her I wasn't coming back after Xmas and that I'd like to come home and get a job (and a therapist). She wasn't surprised. After talking for a while we agreed that I would come home, get a job, get well and consider my options over the year or so. The next day I cancelled my housing for the new year and cried for most of the day. It was party terror of what I'd done (I'm still occasionally seized by a sort of horror at myself), but mostly relief.

I think I will return to school eventually, to finish the teaching degree I was interested in, but that time is far off right now and I don't feel the need to make myself miserable and sick to do it.

I guess that's enough rambling. Just thought I'd share my story.

Clairety on December 10, 2011 at 3:23 AM

thank you.

on December 11, 2011 at 5:32 PM

Im just going to start off my saying that Im currently in my freshman year at a major public university. I don't have any difficulties with schoolwork, and I actually will be on the dean's list when the semester ends. That being said, I think college is shit for people like me. I feel absolutely chained into the track of monotony that consumes the majority of society and I hate it. The most useful thing I read was an article put out by radical students at Berkley back in the 60s. They were saying the same things i feel about college being too structured to teach purposeless things. I understand that college is the perfect option for some. Take my cousin for example, he is in graduate school for dentistry, something he has wanted to do his whole life.For me though? I do not know how much longer I am going to be able to last here.

on December 17, 2011 at 7:15 PM

Ever since I was little I have been told that in order to be successful I have to go to college. Basically there were two options, go to college, or spend the rest of your life flipping burgers and I must admit that until recently I have believed that without question. But after spending the last, almost 16 years, attending some form of formal education (which includes 2 1/2 years of college I am officially sick of school. I am sick of writing papers on subjects that I have no interest in that probably will only ever be read by the teacher's assistant. I am sick of paying huge sums of money to go to classes that have no application in my life simply because the school feels that I should. I am sick of spending $300 to buy a textbook that the teacher never requires that you read and I would never choose to read. And most of all I am sick of learning information for the sole purpose of of being able to correctly answer the questions on a test. What I really want right now is to be financially independent and I am becoming increasingly of the opinion that college is not the only way to do that. I think that I might take a break from college to try some other options. The only thing that is holding me back right now is the thought of having to tell my parents, they're going to flip...

on December 21, 2011 at 10:01 PM

An up and coming author from NYC is currently working on her new book called, "Don't go back to school", which talks about being successful without going to college and learning the things you need or want on your own etc. Her name is Kio Stark and she's a drop out too! Check out the preview of her book at her website: http://www.kiostark.com/

I too, dropped out of college but will be going back next year, now that I know what I want to study and do for the rest of my life. During my freshman year, I felt I learned more out of the classroom than inside one!

on December 27, 2011 at 10:58 AM

I'm a dreamer, so i've dropped out of school to pursue my career as a musician. Maybe Iget famous but I don't really care if I do or don't. I make music because I love too. (I'm working on an album that's going to be a masterpiece) I'm currently working at walmart but yo' I just want to get payed enough from gigs to make ends meet knowwhatimsayin? but if it doesn't work? I figure i'll just start selling drugs until I get shot. Life's just given me big huge ''fuck you'' and middle finger, so I give one back. Oh and my names Drew' and I don't take life seriously, cause i'm retarded. Just thought I'd share my story. Chase for your dream kid, no matter the cost. Peace.

on February 22, 2012 at 11:16 AM

Youre so right! i just dropped out of my university after reading this today! I feel so free! My parents arent taking it too well and said theyre "disowning" me but who needs them, I can learn to live on my own like you said! I hope I can find somewhere warm to sleep tonight. Tomorrows a big day. Im applying at BurgerKing as a dishwasher! Oh the power of online media! So unfiltered! So influencial! Thanks to Sean Nelson we can feel adequate if we quit when the going gets rough!

murf4747 on March 2, 2012 at 8:22 PM

Youre so right! i just dropped out of my university after reading this today! I feel so free! My parents arent taking it too well and said theyre "disowning" me but who needs them, I can learn to live on my own like you said! I hope I can find somewhere warm to sleep tonight. Tomorrows a big day. Im applying at BurgerKing as a dishwasher! Oh the power of online media! So unfiltered! So influencial! Thanks to Sean Nelson, we can feel adequate if we give in to laziness when the going gets rough!

murf4747 on March 2, 2012 at 8:28 PM

Is it bad to drop out? I want to do it for plenty of logical and spiritual reasons. I first hand have not been feeling well while going to college. I get extremely stressed and feel like I am having an anxiety attack. I have little time to balance good grades that I want so bad with things I really need to do like read what I’m interested in, be outside in nature, have fun doing some things I enjoy doing like (hula hooping, yoga, dancing, moderate partying, cooking, moving somewhere else…Simply doing what is best for my mind body and soul. I think there should be a balance in everything, well there should be with work and play too. For now I will work 6 hours a day max. Not super early either and it will be a job I feel low stress, yet get exercise too. I don’t know what tomorrow brings, but I do believe in taking care of myself. Everyone has to work, but we don’t have to dumb ourselves down by a worthless education. This is our life, we all have the worth to make something great out of ourselves on our own terms. We all have the capabilities to strive towards what we want, feel is best for ourselves and the world. WE CAN COMBINE OUR DREAMS WITH OUR REALITY. Well, that’s what I believe in, this article and all the comments were really inspiring..

I’m not even sure how I can quit school. I put so much time and energy and will into it and got good grades. Then Spring Break happened and I found I am happier with time to do what a love VS. doing what I have to do hating life completely. I will work and school with have to be a lame path of the past built on a foundation of bull shit lies we all live our lives off of. Education isn’t an education if you aren’t learning what you want to learn and enjoying it. Education is not an education if it only cares about profit and not the students themselves—(are they learning valuable Information that will be beneficial to them? Are the jobs these degrees get even worth our time anymore..big corporations with quantity rather than quality..
I don’t know what’s going to happen…but I welcome the unknown with an open mind and heart that it is all right. At least I am making a decision for myself. At least I have aspirations to cultivate truth, love, and connection. At least we are all living in a time that is transforming, at least there is more to life than money, at least we all have a choice whether we want to live under the system or not-consume-believe-live….we all have a choice. I choose to live a life that is with less stress and useless information-to-more inspiration and real information-fun….I want to make time for work and fun….and feel conscious and guilt free to be who I want to be…
No matter how much money…
SING THE GOOD FREQUENCY!!!
I want to be freeeeeee
Make time for meeeeeeeee
I want to be freeeeeeee
Overcome these conspiracieeeeeees
To make my own way I can do it today! Don’t need to learn about what they say, theres a better way! Yea theres a better way! Ive got my life today, I’m open to whatever comes my way!
Its all a possiblityyy
A possibilityyy
So everyone today, go your own way, we can do it today, It all starts with you and me, break these boundaries that keep them controlling
It is my life worth living
I WAS BORN FREEEEEEEEEEE BORN FREEEEE
I WAS BORN FREEEEEEEEEEEE BORN FREEEE
BORN FREEEEEEEE

Aspirewheninspired on March 27, 2012 at 3:03 PM

on March 27, 2012 at 3:04 PM

If your going to school to be something you know in your heart you want to be... than good for you. While there are others out there, like me, who are confused and find school pointless because I do not feel like any of my classes are worth it. I want to work towards my future not nothing.

on April 30, 2012 at 7:53 PM

To Anyone on the verge of Dropping Out:

Think through your decision carefully. As the OP said College is not for everyone, however don't make it an impulse decision. I just dropped out 6 credits shy of obtaining a degree and have never regretted any decision more than in my life. Loans and Debt are very real problems and when it comes to repayment that college degree can give you an edge in paying them off faster. Don't simply read this article and drop out on a whim.

TwoTimeDropout on May 1, 2012 at 9:12 PM

ive been in college for less than week and i really cant stand it.. i dont know if college is for me.. the first day my roommate messages me how long ill be out for so that he and his girl friend can have sex. I just dropped out of school and i feel so lost. I really dont know what to do anymore. My parents are disappointed.. and i feel like they feel that im just a fuck up.. After reading this article, i felt a sense of comfort, but one part of me still feels like i just gave up. My life goal is to be a good human being, and i just dont know if college is for me..

umarb on September 1, 2012 at 2:57 AM

I am not even through my first semester, yet I feel this way? I have the desire to be an officer, fireman, pilot or soldier. These are the careers that damn near every man in my family has pursued. With epilepsy I do not have the ability. In any college course I have I do not have attention span. Why do I go when I cant seem to care? My family makes sure to keep their hooks in me with this free rent and all-expense paid pass to college. I am truly grateful to them for everything they do for me, but I will always feel as if I am here only to watch my older brother who does what he wants. The bar seems to be lowered with each screw-up for him, and I am here to pick up the slack. This was a truly helpful article.

onestepback on October 25, 2012 at 10:12 PM

I've never really enjoyed school before, I've done well getting straight A's or B's and even gotten an honor role a few times before. But ever since I was in elementary school I've completely dreaded school. But like many people I've been doing the whole school thing because, well it's what you do, I'm good at it. Yet I don't enjoy it. I'm in my third year of college and taken at least a semester off. And I can honestly say after experiencing that one semester off between FM and SM year I've never felt happier or more free, like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. When I'm in college I just feel so depressed stressed out and even feel like bursting into tears at random times.
College is not for everyone, some people thrive and get a great education and jobs others don't. The same applies for if people do drop out. Either way you turn there's a 50/50 shot of succes or failure.
Not to mention the whole college debt thing, but I'm not going there, thinking about the cost of my college will make me cry. NEEDLESS to say I will eventually graduate from college hopefully with a 4.0 gpa that I am striving for. But that doesn't mean that I'll do it right now. If the time isn't right and it's causing more harm than good then maybe college just isn't for you right now, maybe it's perfect timing. You never know until you try. And like I have experienced myself as many others have, you can always go back.

But don't harp on people because of their own opinions or choices, people can believe and do what they want.

The only reason why I am still in college is because of the fear of dissapoiting my parents and family. And living upto my sisters grad school levels. I feel that if I do follow my heart and do what I want and drop out I'll be a major dissapointment to my family. So I am putting myself through the depression and the torture of being unhappy and tears to make them proud. That is my choice. Although I respect anyone's decision to stay in school or to drop out.

Iris542 on November 6, 2012 at 10:22 PM

This is exactly what I needed to hear, and it's refreshing to know I'm not the only one. In school everyone seems to be striving to attain some life long goal, a goal I never had or understood. Everyday since elementary school I've dreaded class, but I applied to university because it is what's expected. Until now I continued through my second year even though it's been making me miserable. I often have mental breakdowns during the school year, or while thinking about the school year due to the overwhelmingness of not knowing what I want to do. Until a few weeks ago I didn't even notice I've barely attended any classes since September. I deeply hate attending class, I'm never happier than when summer finally rolls around. However I often spend my summer dreading to return to school. I'm slowly coming to the realization that not every person needs to attend post secondary education to be successful. Dropping out of school doesn't mean I won't be successful, just like attending school doesn't mean I'll be happy. I have a job that I've been working at, and while my goal in life is not to work at a grocery store for the next 40 years. I have to believe that there is a way I can live my life and be happy.

Sasha999 on November 17, 2012 at 1:50 PM

Your article was really reassuring to me. I'm in University, and my boyfriend is dropping out of College. I was really against that, and trying to dissuade him from it. Now I feel better about the whole situation. I'm sure he'll be happier this way, and if he's happy, I'm happy too :)
Thank you!

on December 9, 2012 at 11:34 PM

I really appreciate your candid honesty. I do not enjoy what I am studying, but am about a year away from graduating. The methods of teaching/testing in use for this online school just don't translate into my brain.

I have been independent since the age of 17. Aside from learning about one's self and the joys of independence, one of the major questions that I would urge other readers to ask is "What is my ultimate goal and does obtaining this degree directly impact it?" If your happy place is in the surgery room slicing open hearts and saving lives, you need the degree (Unless you move to Mexico?!?!?!!?). There are plenty of opportunities and life experiences waiting out there that do not require that piece of paper, just a little willingness to go get em.

Thanks Sean for the great article!

crystal.lee.morgan on March 6, 2013 at 11:49 AM

on March 6, 2013 at 11:54 AM

Certainly i want to come back again to Crimea, to spend some fun time around there. The service was so overwhelming, sunset was really cool, and that makes me to come back again. Can you update me about next year’s schedule?http://www.thecrimea.org.ua/content/view…

duyentran607 on April 28, 2013 at 4:13 AM

I have one year left of nursing school, and to tell you the truth, I am dreading to go back! I stuck around for the past 3 years for the love of being a university athlete; my sport has kept me grounded. Knowing that I can't play for my last year because of how hectic it'll be... I've lost all motivation to continue. I don't know what to do! I've thought about it... and I don't think I want to be a nurse! Any suggestions? What should I do?

confusedstudent on June 30, 2013 at 7:18 AM

I have a lot of experience with this topic. I graduated high school in advance, right before I turned 17, and originally planned to be a nurse. However, I was bored of college. The classes sounded much funner than they looked.

I wanted to do nothing except go out and shop. I loved eating gourmet food. Most of my peers were in their 20s and 30s and remained focused. I ended up skipping, dropping, or failing more than half of my classes. But I did manage to complete about 40 units of coursework since my parents asked me to do that -- I wasn't working at the time. I applied to a bunch of places and couldn't get hired anywhere in Los Angeles. I only got two or three interviews. Better to go to school and at least try my hand at SOMETHING. I would have enrolled at trade school but didn't know what I would do there either since I had changed my major to English/Journalism. I only wanted to write.

This is actually a really common situation where I'm from. A lot of people will go for as little as a day or up to 5 years, then for whatever reason drop out. They eventually do find jobs and get promoted to manager. That was my father's concern as well but everything works out in the end and it's the same. I've attended interviews where some managers didn't even go to college or have degrees and they do the same thing!

Now with better connections and an improving economy, it looks like I've finally found a job and fought the system for three years. I feel ultimately that college was a huge waste and I'm ready to drop out for good. In contrast, my relatives already have their bachelor's and master's degrees. My mom says I'm more of the working type -- who knows? I did feel stifled in the school environment. Couldn't focus or anything.

If all else fails, they always have fake diplomas...

sturritup on July 6, 2013 at 11:27 AM

Oh, and I am based in Los Angeles and New York. However, I found this article on Google while searching for information regarding dropping out.

Insurance companies are a prime example of this. Anybody can work there, even if they have not earned degrees. At my local insurance agency, the supervisors held master's degrees but were still working there for decades.

sturritup on July 6, 2013 at 11:34 AM

Why are we made to feel as though we have to follow the 'ideal' life plan to be successful? Go to school. Go to university. Get a Good Job. Have a happy life. Do this, do that, be this, be that. But what if you don't know what you want? Who you are and who you want to be?
I spend the whole summer before I went off to university convincing myself that what I was going to study was the right thing. That no matter what it would be useful. It had to be at some point right? But I didn't really think things through, i had been chopping and changing what I wanted to study since they started forcing the notion of university upon us at high school and I should have realised that I didn't really know what I was doing or what I actually wanted. And i just want to say that life really does take a toll. The choices, the worries, everything accumulates and it just weighs you down.
I mean sure, university would be great, if you have a focus, a goal, if you're set on it. If it's what you want. But if you're not there for you then it just isn't. It doesn't help that university life is always portrayed as this idyllic sort of existence, full of fun, friendship, exciting and interesting study. Its about 'finding you place in the world'. And it works. But what if none of this is true when you get there. What if it's the compete opposite. What if you're just trapped.
I'm currently in the begging of my second semester at university. I can honestly say that dropping out is an option I am strongly considering. I think it would be better. Because everything just begins to overcome you. Everything. But the decision is not that easy to make. Right now I have no idea what to do.

I just want to be free

Farawayfromfreedom on August 1, 2014 at 4:50 AM

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Gielle Dawn on August 2, 2014 at 3:51 PM

Thank you. Thank you so much. This is what I needed to hear. College is draining me, I feel like I'm suffocating & I know it's not what I want to do. I think I've always known that college wasn't for me....but as you said from such a young age we are taught that we must go to college to lead a successful life and I now realize thats a lie. It may be true for some people but all in all I see it as a lie. I think I'm going to do it..drop out..I think I need to do to for myself.

on October 19, 2014 at 2:16 PM

I've always hated school. I remember crying on the floor in 3rd grade because I didn't want to do my homework. I once cried in the car my junior year of high school because I didn't want to go. I struggled through an IB Diploma only to not get accepted into the UW. I decided I would go to a less prestigious, out-of-state public university which had accepted me, but cost about $55,000 a year (and I only received $20,000 in scholarship money for all years). A month and a half before I was going to go I decided it was ridiculous to pay so much when I wasn't even sure how much I would like being at the school and withdrew.

I'm now at community college, and planning to get a Computer Science degree because it seems like a wise field of study for future job security and a good income. But at this point, I'm constantly behind on most of my work, and I don't even care about making money if I'm going to be under constant pressure.

I enjoy art, but I know for sure that I don't want to make a career out of it. I would be interested in teaching humanities at the collegiate level, but I don't want to get a Master's degree. Plus, it would be pretty ironic if I was a teacher who hated school.

Honest to god, my plan is to struggle through for as long as I can until I feel like I can't take anymore, and if/when that happens I literally want to join a commune or just do something different. I'm so done with this shit. It sounds dramatic, but school has basically made me lethargic for the past 12 years.

on October 28, 2014 at 11:13 PM

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