i am taking time of from college right now. i attented 1 year (freshman) and kinda fucked everything up. Right now im not going to school and working full time, no one in my family knows yet and i hope to go back to school next semester. Personally i think its one of the dumbest things ive ever done. But thats not to discourage you from going about it. I just went the wrong way about doing it (keeping it a secret and all). But if i were you i would seriously think about it before jumping into it as i did.
i debating taking any time off. if i do i won't go back, but i'm transfering, if i don't take time off. i'm hoping to work and save up sum money to travel, but that may take a while.
Hmm.. i took time out because I didn't have the money to go to college. Now I'm back but doing it via distant learning at the ripe age of 24 with a full time job. I know I will never have the chance to experience a college life but at least I'm able to have a change to finish college. Just think about it really throughly.
I took a year off of college halfway through, and it was one of the best decisions I've made. I took time and learned more about myself- traveled all over the United States and Europe. It does suck a little bit now when all my friends will be graduating in May and I've got a year left, but I don't regret it one bit. I had switched my major 4 times before I took time off, and now I've really discovered myself and figured out what I want to do in life. You've got to do what is best for you though, but for me, some time off was best. Good Luck!
i took one semester off and it was the most miserable time of my life. i was living in chicago when i was in school and then had to go back to fort smith, arkansas. i hated it. all of my friends were in school and i had a lousy job. all i did was work, hang out with my mom, eat, and sleep. i tried to stay busy but i was just too depressed. i would have travelled but i had to save up money to come back to school. now i'm back and i feel better than ever. it just depends on the person though. you could take time off and it could be the best experience of you life, just like piper said. i think it depends on your mindset and the reason you are taking off too. i took off because i had no choice; i pissed my parents off and they couldn't pay for school anymore. but yes, follow your heart. do what it tells you
Good job, beatleriffic. Sounds like the change was good for you, too. Pura, what will you do? I have a friend who took off a year to work in Americorps, and I *think* the Peace Corps will take you mid-college. (check that out, the rules do change) Which majors are you considering and can you work in one of those fields while out? Do you need to travel? Who is paying for the college? If you are doing it all on your own, once you are over 25 in the states, the parental contribution drops off the FAFSA calculations. A good thing for kids who are paying their way. Going back older, or even married, changes the stereotype of the "college experience." I was just old enough to rein in the more explosive personalities on the paper (I became a reporter professionally, and served as editor on my junior college and university papers) but young enough to see the passions, and work with them. A hot-headed 25-year old is different than a hot-headed 19-year-old. No, I didn't live dorm life, and I never HAD to eat cafeteria food. (it was the cheap option, so I had my dance with hideous cuisine) BUT I did report on music, for the school and a start-up national magazine, An Honest Tune, for my escape. I learned more about managing time as an older student than I think would have gotten through my thick skull at a younger age.
i really fucked up my first year at university so considered taking a year off and trying to figure some things out to get back on the right track. it was a really confusing time. but i had no money to do what i wanted to do....i wanted to travel especially, and i still do. if i had the money then i still probably wouldnt have gone because it really didnt feel right...wasnt the right time for me. so i decided to keep in school and if i do two summer credits ill be right on track to graduate in 2 years. things are great with school now, i switched my major and love my courses. ive really learned so much, not just educationally but about myself and i think soon enough ill be ready to get out of here for a bit, take a break and do that travelling. good luck with what you choose to do, its all about what feels right for you at that time.
Time off is an excellent option for people who don't have their priorities together, or those who are easily distracted, like me. I took off a total of about 2 years since starting college in 98. & After an indescribably terrible factory job and an enjoyable yet spirit-draining stint as a deliveryboy, I'm finally back in school and focused on homework and studying instead of dopedopedope, parties, and unfathomably beautiful lovers (oops, scratch that last one ^_^). The catalyst? Hmm, I owe it to a latent spiritual awakening that led to a shift in my focus. Psychedelics, which I took so long ago just for kicks, have recently taught me the value of FREEDOM, mindfulness, & the lessons of luminaries. I'm now in the best shape of my life, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I've been more prolific in the last few months than anytime prior. Do it, take a break, take some trips, and come back with a clear head and, most importantly, FOCUS. Then get the work done!
