Thinking of quitting college

[Ftheworld]

I'm 26. I was one of those who started working immediately after high school and didn't want to go to school. After a couple of dead end jobs, I decided to go back to night and weekend school two years ago. Academically, I'm doing pretty good (3.7 gpa). I started a new job about 10 month's ago and I'm pretty OK doing what I'm doing. I'm making very good money too and live pretty comfortably. So I don't see what is the point in keep going to school and keep getting in debt with tuition. I just don't feel like going. It just seems like a waste of time at this point. Some classes are interesting but I feel like I've lost all motivation. And I turn 26 next month. I feel I'm too old to be in college. I hate that most of the people in class are 18, 19 or 20 and I'm 26.

 

A big reason why I decided to go back to school was to meet people, especially girls. And it hasn't worked out.

 

Any advice?

[avman]

A big reason why I decided to go back to school was to meet people, especially girls. And it hasn't worked out.

 

That's the wrong reason to go back to school and it's probably why you are disillusioned. If you aren't interested in getting an education to use to further your career long term then you probably are wasting your time.

 

On the other hand, you might consider that a college education is a long term investment. It's something that benefits you for the rest of your life, not just in the short term.

[Roasted Carrots]

I had a 26 year old in my English class, it was not a problem at all. Had people a lot older than that in my classes!

 

But yah, if you're 26 and hitting on 18, 19, 20 year olds.....then you probably won't be getting many dates!

 

If you're going to further your career, then try to stick it out. And the job you have that is "comfortable", is it long-term? Possibilities for advancement? Will they help pay for school? What happens if you lose your job? Will you find another one just as comfortable?

 

Stuff to think about.

[pinkelephant]

Well, what if (god forbids) you lose your job? Then what do you have to fall back on?

 

 

 

And DN mentioned, college could be used for more than just your career. I love college, it's a huge life lesson, more than just academics.

[Anonymous122]

Definitely finish your nearest degree, even if it's just an associates degree. In the case that you lose your job, you NEED a backup plan. If you don't enjoy college, that's as valid of a reason as any to stop, but since you've already invested so much time and effort, your best economic decision would be to get your nearest degree.

[pboy]

I feel I'm too old to be in college. I hate that most of the people in class are 18, 19 or 20 and I'm 26.

 

A big reason why I decided to go back to school was to meet people, especially girls. And it hasn't worked out.

 

I'd like to first say congrats on your GPA. second, as awesome as socializing and meeting girls is, I'd say that would just be a 'bonus' of returning to school; and not the main reason why I would go back.

I don't think you're too old. I actually don't think there is such a thing as "too old" in college. I'm 22, and a nursing student. In my classes, I've had an age range of 17-60. Some have had previous education and degrees and wanted to do something else, and others have this as their first career choice. To me, this is my 3rd academic road and career path. I like listening to the older students in class because of their advice from experience; and they always tell me to knock school out of the way while im young. I feel and understand that, as im not able to tolerate things as i have before when i was 18. Just like you, Ftheworld, I started work out of high school but went to night and weekend classes too. I managed to grab my AA and was content with that (not happy, just content). As I got older, I find it harder to concentrate and have the drive to keep going.

What is it you want to be doing in life? Is your current job something you can imagine yourself doing, happily, in 5 years?