Hey Folks, I’ve been in college for six years now and have dropped classes left and right. I had been consistent in the beginning and, of course, Covid had caused a bit of problems with consistency. Since that time, my grades slipped. I’ve dropped classes as well. I should have graduated two years ago however i’ve been working to survive since. I’ve got roughly 40k in student loan debt. each time I try and take classes again, I manage to for about two weeks and then after i have some random event in life come in and just ruin my motivation. (death, sickness, major change in lifestyle, etc.). I’ve been working in a career that was based upon my major and it is a decently comfortable and consistent job (IT), with some stress just due to the human interaction, however I do have issues with debt (working well to get out of but won’t be completely out of non-student loan debt until 2025). I’d consider going back in about six or seven years depending on how life treats me, but is it worth cutting my losses, start paying back student loans, and focus on my job? If I do manage to take classes, i’ll have about two years worth of classes to bust through but I’m not sure if I can push that much effort back out.
It might be worth seeking out a psychologist to help you work through these set backs and address the root causes of your grief and think through the ramifications of these actions. It may be possible to develop an education plan that conforms to your unique circumstances, allowing you to graduate. At my school we called those pink slips (a pink document that you gave to each professor detailing how to adjust their training to better suit you that the school has agreed too). Work out an alternative education plan to help you succeed as it isn’t a black and white system, schools work out alternative plans all the time with many students. Remember, that you’re not a bother the school wants you to succeed. Even from a non-humanities angle it helps with their metrics too.
There is no shame in seeking out professional help or helping yourself protect your hefty investment. Any thoughts that contradict this thought should be incredulously examined for merit.
It’s also important to note, that each school may have a different way of handling your departure. Some schools let you keep your credits for a limited time to apply to you coming back. Generally speaking, once someone has left the school system life has a way of keeping you locked into your current responsibilities and its a real possibility you won’t come back. This is especially true if your only experience was negative and you have only debt to show for it. It’ll be really challenging to convince oneself it’ll work next time.
Ultimately, this isn’t a question for the internet but for the professionals at your school and hopefully a medical professional and if you haven’t evaluated these options earnestly I wouldn’t say its okay to drop out just yet.