Thinking about dropping out.

[Sateru]

Yeah, so I'm basicaly done with school. Still not sure 'bout this, and not doing anything drastic yet. Probably gonna try to tough it out, but I'm really unsure. I know most of the downsides, but I really want to hear some ideas/thoughts on this from some one else.

I'm only 15 (16 in Feb), so I may have to wait until I'm old enough to secure some kind of job...

Here is a simple thing to think about... If you continue your schooling, you graduate and have a chance in advancing your education, or finding a job. If you decide against it, you can try to get your GED and see if that path is a better alternative. If neither suit you, then just quit school, attempt to find a job with no higher education (it's not very likely that someone wants to hire a drop-out) and either stay with your parents or be homeless.

If dropping out makes you happy, then go for it. Just make sure to think on it... this kind of thing will screw you royally unless you have a good plan to follow it. If you're doing this because you cannot focus on homework or some kind of crap like that... Just go to an alternative school. They're usually better at situating their classes to suit the student's needs. Not that every alternative school does, but weigh your options.

 

[Werekettle]

While you may not "learn anything" in particular from any schooling, prospective employers see you being able to complete something succesfully as a good thing.... if you cant complete schooling, then how will you complete on the job training etc etc etc - stick with it, enjoy the bludge and hold off having to deal with the real world for a few years yet

 

[Caradinist]

Why do you want to drop out? Perhaps the problem can be addressed.

I agree with the other posters.

I just totaly lack drive. I truely don't/can't give a shit. I'll sit there, knowing that my grade is plumeting and it doesn't bother me. All day I just sit there and phaze out, or serf around on my phone.

You know what might re-ignite that drive? Fear.

If you drop out, you will not only become a disappointment to your family (that's if you care about them in the slightest), you will never be able to adequately provide for yourself or your family. You will regret many things just because you didn't have a piece of paper that says you finished high school.

 

[_Cake_]

It's free now, not so much later. School is fun live it up... like Harry Potter!

 

[e2density]

Just finish up high school man, trust me, I've thought of it. I'm a Junior (was a Freshman for two years) and it was possibly the worst two years of my life. But stick with it, things will get better eventually....and your gonna need that diploma.

 

[Nanaki316]

Yeah, so I'm basicaly done with school. Still not sure 'bout this, and not doing anything drastic yet. Probably gonna try to tough it out, but I'm really unsure. I know most of the downsides, but I really want to hear some ideas/thoughts on this from some one else.

I'm only 15 (16 in Feb), so I may have to wait until I'm old enough to secure some kind of job...


So, opinions?

As many people have already pointed out, life becomes very difficult if you leave with no qualifications.

I was mentally ill and dropped out of school at 15, missed my GCSE's and everything. I'm currently 22 and have no qualifications to my name.
I had my first daughter at 17, which I don't regret (and I'm now a mother of two) but I hate knowing I can't provide for them in a decent way.
We're part of a working family, but I feel like I've let my daughters down.

I'm now having to work even harder than I did at school by doing a homestudy course.
Don't get me wrong, dropping out was best for my mental health, but it's left me with a lot of regrets in regards to having some sort of career and success as anything other than a mother.

If you want to talk privately about the reasons why you wanna drop out feel free to IM me x

 

[Angryman101]

Then what, kill yourself because life is already shit?

Whatever you do, finish high-school. After that, well it's okay, the world needs toilet cleaners too.

I find posts like this infuriatingly condescending. Tell me, what do I gain by spending $20k per year on a university for a degree that is essentially worthless when I can be spending my time and resources pursuing a career of my choosing, learning far more in many more fields from books and experience than I ever would in college?
Oh wait, I didn't finish college and conform to society's expectations, gosh, guess that means I should put away these gosh-fangled difficult written words and put on my janitor jumpsuit!

 

[Firia]

At least finish High School.

OP: How have no idea how nessessary this basic step in life is. I DID finish highschool, but for whatever reason, my records were lost somwhere in the 10 years afterwards. When I went to apply for college, and they needed my transcripts, this created HEAPS of trouble for me. I was also suddenly in danger of losing my job (having made the mistake of bringing it up at work) because it required I have a HS diploma. (The short story there; my work history was progressively better than before, resulting in management positions etc. For a while, old employers just assumed this meaned I graduated... apperently. That's what my boss at the time said she did.) I had about 1 solid month of pure panic, and stress while I got things sorted.

Not giving a shit is a poor excuse for wanting to drop out, too. You have no idea how much shit you'll be giving when you step out into the world. Dropping out automatically classes you. You become a low class "Drop out" only able to work grunt work, low end jobs that don't really require education. This is where a lot of construction workers come from. It's either a life of under paying shit jobs, or high paying back breaking jobs.

In this economy, jobs are at a premium. Those back breaking ones that pay well aren't to common either.

Our society doesn't give two craps about people that can't earn money. If you're the sort that can't get a job, then you're garbage to society. Look at the homeless- cause you may as well be one. Sure you can get a GED, but the GED tests you on your high school knowledge. All of it. If you don't know your stuff, you have to re-take it something like 6 months later. The tests cost money too. If you're in a position where you feel you NEED to pass that test, it's probably because you NEED a job that requires you have a diploma or GED. Which means you'll need to buy one of the big ass study guides, pay for the test, and actually care enough to study.

Millions of people the world over don't give a shit either. We go to our jobs, earn our pay check, and have a beer afterwards smack talking the place that lets us buy food and pay for rent.

But you know what? You do what you want to do. Life will teach you its harsh lessons, and you will either be strong and smart enough to swing back to a position of education, or you will be a lower class slug. There'll be plenty of jobs in orange picking fields, busing tables at a resturant, delivering pizza's well into your 30's, hucking garbage at the local dump, etc etc etc. These are the types of jobs, for starters, that you as a future drop-out get to look forward to.

 

[Spacelord]

At least finish high school. Then try and get a job. You can always consider going to college later (which is way, WAY better than high school)

 

[Firia]

Why do you want to drop out? Perhaps the problem can be addressed.

I agree with the other posters.

I just totaly lack drive. I truely don't/can't give a shit. I'll sit there, knowing that my grade is plumeting and it doesn't bother me. All day I just sit there and phaze out, or serf around on my phone.

Honestly, it sounds like you are depressed, which means it would be a very bad idea to drop out now. If you lack drive now, what makes you think you are going to get enough drive to find a job that doesn't require a high school diploma (much less make it through the day-to-day boredom of that job)?

Also, what does make you feel motivated in life? Chances are that whatever your answer is to that question, a high school diploma will really help you achieve your goal. If your answer is "nothing", you definitely might want to consider talking to a counselor (most schools offer depression counseling for free).

honestly, as long as I can pay for a small apartment, food (ramen, mac, etc. Are fine by me), and the occasional treat, I'm ok

To do this, let me tell you what you'll require; You'll be working two jobs, likely minimum wage to a few cents above. 50-60 hours per week, of low end slog. You'll have one main job that's okay with you not being a graduate (or if you're lucky, didn't check), working 6-8 hours in a day. Then afterwards, you'll go to your next job, working 4 hours there. You'll come home to your small apartment, eat your 7-11 burrito, and pop in that movie from netflix. When your 21, you can even crack open a beer. Woo. You will then go to bed, because you'll be tired from working 10-12 hour days. Repeat, unto forever.

If you live in a state where the minimum wage is a little over 7 dollars, and lets say your main job pays you a few cents more, you'll have made something like 165 dollars that day. This is not bad, and can certainly afford you a living. But you'll be a slave to this working style.

In nearly all states in the USA, "minimum wage" is supposed to be the lowest value for which a person can survive on. This is not the case. Every citizen is entitled to at this this much, drop out or not. When I was first living on my own, I was a graduate, but still needed two jobs at one time. I made decent money. My main job paid me 11/hr, and my other job a little over 8 dollars. Every week was a 50hr work week, and I could afford a nice TV, a new Playstation with some games, a bike, etc. I could afford these treats. Did I ever have time? Rarely. Or I was so tired, I just stayed home playing games.

This was me ~WITH~ a diploma. I eventually made something of myself, and continue to do so with my current college path. When I was in HS, I didn't do to well either. I cared very little, but I finished. I did not move on to college right away because I didn't care. 10 years later, I appriciate what college and education was, what it means, and what it can do for me.

Maybe you need the same life lessons. Do what you will. It will come to you in time. In the meantime, prepare for a whole world of suck.

 

[Aislin]

Have you tried looking into alternatives? I was like you are now just two years ago, but then I transfered to a continuation school. Half days and you earn credits one by one, so if you're behind you can catch up and even get ahead. One of my friends even graduated a year early that way. Or there's things like independent study. You go to school once a week or so just to turn in and get your homework. They also have those online high schools. Or start studying for your GED. You should try talking to your guidance counselor, they'll know more about your specific situation than strangers online. There are much better alternatives to dropping out.

Not to mention, the military very very rarely accepts you without a diploma or at least a GED.

 

[Glamorgan]

Yeah, so I'm basicaly done with school. Still not sure 'bout this, and not doing anything drastic yet. Probably gonna try to tough it out, but I'm really unsure. I know most of the downsides, but I really want to hear some ideas/thoughts on this from some one else.

I'm only 15 (16 in Feb), so I may have to wait until I'm old enough to secure some kind of job...


So, opinions?

Don't do it. I know it's hard, but I know that it will get better. Just tough it out.

 

[voetballeeuw]

Don't do it. Do not. Tough it out, don't give up. Keep on keeping on. Never Give up, never surrender. Where are the Courage Wolf pics? We need Courage Wolf stat. I'd post some if I knew how.

Screw it, gonna just post Courage Wolf quotes. Not as good as the complete picture but what the hell.

"Bit off more than you can chew, then chew it."
"If you never give up, you never lose."
"An obstacle is just something you haven't torn through yet."
"You have no limits."
"If life asks for your all, give it even more."
"Even if you fall on your face, you're still moving forward."
"You are awesome, go and prove it."

Alright that should hold you over for now. Don't drop out.

 

[Snor]

if you don't have at least a bachelors degree you will have a tough time (here anyway, except if you want to do a low skilled job or love building houses etc.)

anyway if you are bored go do something! work as a volunteer or find a job..

 

[LitleWaffle]

Not only is it a dumb idea, but isn't it illegal to drop out until you're 18?

I do believe that yes. Yes it is.

And once you're 18, then you're around senior year, which is the beezneez. And then there is college, which is pretty laid back, and a lot more awesome than high school.

Don't do it man!

 

[mrF00bar]

Don't be stupid. You're not going to get any job worth having if you screw up in school.
Finish high school, go to college. DO NOT BE A FUCK UP.

Trust me, I am one. It isn't a good life.

If college doesn't work out for you though at least you can use it as a buffer while you look for a job. Its what I am doing at the moment.

 

[boholikeu]

Why do you want to drop out? Perhaps the problem can be addressed.

I agree with the other posters.

I just totaly lack drive. I truely don't/can't give a shit. I'll sit there, knowing that my grade is plumeting and it doesn't bother me. All day I just sit there and phaze out, or serf around on my phone.

Honestly, it sounds like you are depressed, which means it would be a very bad idea to drop out now. If you lack drive now, what makes you think you are going to get enough drive to find a job that doesn't require a high school diploma (much less make it through the day-to-day boredom of that job)?

Also, what does make you feel motivated in life? Chances are that whatever your answer is to that question, a high school diploma will really help you achieve your goal. If your answer is "nothing", you definitely might want to consider talking to a counselor (most schools offer depression counseling for free).

honestly, as long as I can pay for a small apartment, food (ramen, mac, etc. Are fine by me), and the occasional treat, I'm ok

Cool, in that case finishing high school would definitely help you towards that goal. Admittedly, you could probably afford the above without a HS diploma by working 2 jobs the rest of your life, but essentially your choice here is:

A) Suffer 3 more years and put out the effort needed to graduate. If you're really okay with a small apartment and dollar meals then you'll be set for the rest of your life.

B) Drop out and be forced to work multiple minimum wage jobs just to make ends meet. Plus, if you ever decide to get your GED later you'll have to do it while working 2 jobs at a time.

What's your family situation like? Are you going to get disowned/kicked out of the house for dropping out? If so, option B wouldn't even be possible because it's pretty hard to find and keep 2 jobs when you don't even have a roof over your head.

 

[Doclector]

Whatever's forcing you to drop out, if you do so, they've won. Think about that for a second. That bully, that girl, that prick of a teacher, laughing at you. You want them happy? I didn't think so. Wipe those damn smiles off their faces. If it's the school, create trouble for them, bad press and the like. If it's some former friends (or more) then blank 'em. If it's bullies, destroy them. They just want to hurt you because they like it. You want to survive. The person with better motivation always wins.

Edit: So it's lack of drive eh? I suspect there's someone who thinks you worthless. Some teacher that always gets on your back? They are your enemy. They want you to fail. They expect you to fail. Prove. Them. Wrong.

 

[tactakus]

i dropped out and it took me nine months to get a job

you dropped out of highschool? what was your job?

i work in a stock room at tj maxx

 

[Soviet Steve]

So, opinions?

The labor market works on a supply and demand basis, so if you drop out of highschool then your labor will be worth just about the same as an illegal immigrant's labor.

The question you need to ask yourself is, do you want to live your entire life with your wage determined what a borderhopper can live on?

Keep in mind, this is not just latin Americans, the same rules apply for asians and africans who are used to a very low standard of living.