sooo I regret dropping out of college
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- čas přidán 5. 10. 2021
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So today we are chatting about my college experience and why I regret dropping out. I think my main reason for having regrets, specifically with the first time I went, is life was so much simpler (in regards to responsibilities) and I had way less stuff on my plate so I would have been able to really focus fully on school...which obviously we know what I decided to do instead 🤷🏼♀️
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I dropped out of college because I had a breakdown from the stress it caused, then spent 3 years working in a restaurant having no idea what I wanted to do. One summer I started a garden on my balcony and it just snowballed. Now I have a landscaping degree and I’m doing horticulture. Trade school is a great option. People don’t talk about that being an option but IT IS. Trade school is so much more accessible too.
Lies again? Institute College
Funnily enough, I actually regret going to college. I'm in the final year of my art degree and it has completely stripped away my love for art, creating and learning. The education system isn't for everyone and I wish that was normalised for us not to feel ashamed about have we build ourselves and our careers. As long as you're happy and feel fulfilled, nothing should matter
how*
@@LeeJeyden I feel you.. I didn't get my art degree, dropped out in my 3th year because of the reasons you share.
I feel like every art major I’ve ever talked to has said this. I think if you’re wanting to do a non traditional job you shouldn’t go to college but that’s just my opinion
Same here. Two semesters left and my love for science is gone. I hate it here.
This is me, but my major is computer science. I love programming, but my school has stripped away that love to where I almost hate it. And I really don’t want this to happen.
I think it should be the norm for high-school grads to spend a couple of years out in the world before going to college! What 18-year-old knows what they want to do for the rest of their life? We should definitely be given a period of time to learn about ourselves without the input of anyone else.
Also, for whatever it's worth, I'm 30 now and my "career" has just been a series of reactions to opportunities, not a straight "path" or anything conventional! I've gone from publishing to grad school, then to being an intern (!!), to being a writer, then marketing and now tech. It's silly to think we should all just commit to a path, stick to it, and that's it. 99% of the time, life does not go the way we plan it :)
Agreed. the only 18 year olds who know are ones who have been given pitch-perfect families that have set up their lives from birth to go into a specific field. anybody outside of that has a high chance of not being committed or even aware to what they're about to pay tens of hundreds of thousands of dollars for.
going into the real world, experiencing it all, UNDERSTANDING the importance of money, rent, bills, credit, stocks, internships, working in different fields (both in a corporation and independently) etc. and THEN choosing a college degree makes the most sense to me. College is an extremely mature decision, and to make mature decisions you must be wise, and wisdom comes from experience. kids need to understand the real world before doing these things.
There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I finished my bachelor’s degree but regret the field that I studied, so I’m back in school to study something that’s worth it. It happens. 🤷🏻♀️
What are you studying ? :)
Any advice on scholarships/ affording a second degree? I got a bachelor's in a degree I didn't really love and now am regretting it and thinking of going back to school.
This is the position I find myself in right now...
I dropped out of college three times. Mentally health is so important and I keep taking it for granted. I just started a new education and it got me in the mental hospital for three weeks. When you start to keep going and pushing yourself too much, it often ends bad. I love that your so honest about mental health and struggles. I'm 24 and I'm not even close to having a degree - I shouldn't feel so bad about it as I do.
I dropped out twice the first time in November of 2016 and again in September 2017
I’m also 27! I got my bachelors degree in 2019 and it’s been sooooo hard to find a good job, honestly for me, college now feels like a waste of my time and money 😭
Poor u :/
In what?
What would you say to do instead !?
I regret going to college in the first place, picked a "safe" degree and hated it, switched to a degree I love and realized the problem was the education system as a whole. Now with debt under my belt I have no choice but to at least finish and get my money's worth. If I could go back I would just pursue my passions debt free from the start.
I went straight into college after graduating high school and managed to finish in 4 years (after several meltdowns)
While I don’t regret the field I studied or moving away for my final 2 years of college, I do regret not exploring my options a little more. I had the added pressure of being 1st Gen and having absolutely NO guidance whatsoever on the college front.
I think often times what people learn the most from college is about themselves, who they are and who they want to be and not the material they paid thousands of dollars for which is really sad.
Yeah, my college would literally kick you out if you exceeded a certain number of credits for your degree, so there was literally no wiggle room to just take classes for fun/ to explore
that was my situation too, but i just dropped out in my senior year (like a month ago lol) and now am starting in my dream industry. i felt the same way. I learned about myself and that experience I was grateful for, but i definitely took way more away from that than a looooot of stuff i was actually being taught. I hope you are doing wonderfully well now ! ☺️
exactly. and you can learn who you are without college and without all the fees first if you take a gap year or two or even three.
Me, too. My parents thought I’d be married by the time I was 19.
As a first generation college graduate I felt the pressure by my parents and family in general. It was always told to me that college was my ticket to “have my life together and be happy”. I went to a private college and loved it but was then pressured into getting my masters since I had a full ride scholarship. I got my masters degree in counseling and went straight to work after graduating. One year into working as a therapist I hated my job and realized I never decided what I wanted to do. I never took a year off and went straight to college, my masters program and work. I quit my job took the summer off. I am now working as a young adult mentor and have a small business reselling thrifted clothes. I still don’t know what I want to do “when I grow up” but I am happy where I am at and happy not knowing what is next. I regret not taking the time to know what I was interested in and just going to school to please others.
What's a young adult mentor? That sounds really interesting.
I’m a professor, and my students all seem so young. Some of them know what they want to do with their lives (or at least they think they do), but so many are confused. I think 18-22 is just too young for people to really know what they want to do with their lives. I’m 27 and was in school for my whole life since preschool until last year when I got this job, but to be honest I don’t really like it and now am changing career paths. 🤷♀️ but I feel like I’m kind of at square one
I was wrongly expelled in my last year of highschool (back where I'm from), didn't want to finish highschool at another time because I was frustrated and didn't necessarily wanted to go to University. I moved to the UK and after 6 years I decided to do a Level 3 so I can enroll into college, in order to be able to go to Uni. At 27 (in a few months) I'm a 1st year Graphic Design student and I'm so proud I'm doing this for myself ❤️
This sound awesome! Good luck on your journey :)
thats so cool, whats it like studying graphic design?
I started going to college again at 30, I was unhappy in my job and things in my live made me realize I wanted to be a teacher all along. Im in my 3th year of college now, it's hard!! But interning in schools makes me realize I made the right choice. I'm so happy teaching kids :)
Same! Started med school at 30. And in my third year Huge! Huge financial burden giving up a really good paying job. But looking forward to loving what I do! Wishing you happy study vibes!
I’m 23 and in my last year of law school, I got my 4 year degree back in 2019 and continued on into law school! Sometimes I regret not taking a gap year, even though I love school and have always been a big school person…I’ve just been in school forever at this point. I’m ready to get into the real world, but I do regret not taking some time off to travel and just live life. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed at all, college will always be there
I was in college from September 1990 - August 1999. The last year was the only time I took summer classes (because I needed ONE class and I needed to be done). I earned a BS.Ed in 1995 and my BA in Psych in 1999.
I’m 31 and about to finish veterinary school. I studied interior design and got a degree in that which took 4 years to accomplish. Then I worked for a year and hated it. So I went back to undergrad at 22 (2012) with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. I finished my undergrad in biology in 4 years and got into veterinary school in 2018 (had to take a deferral for financial reasons). It’s been a long ass road and can’t wait to finally be in the career I was meant for.
I’m currently in art school too and it is definitely not easy!
I think regrets about higher education are very common. I think we put too much pressure on young adults to figure out a life plan that is also frequently a major financial investment. I got a degree and have been working in my field of study for 10 years, but I realize I don’t love it and now I feel stuck.
This is already me and I've only been working for a year and a half, but it feels like I just graduated yesterday.
Girl, I can relate so much to this video!!! I went to college straight after hs and had no idea what I wanted to do, major wise, but knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur so I took the business/marketing route. After my freshman year, I randomly started selling my clothes on poshmark and quickly turned that into a business. My sophomore year at college was my lowest point mentally. I was so unhappy. I was still selling clothes online while going to school full time and was growing my business and making more money. I definitely felt a huge dilemma during that year. I wanted to focus all my energy on my business because I loved doing it and it made me so happy. I was not passionate about going to classes and did not want to work a 9-5 or work for someone else, so I didn't see the point in spending all the money if i knew I didn't want to use the degree. After my sophomore year, I made the decision to drop out and focus all my energy on reselling. 2 years later, I am thriving and growing and so so so happy. I am excited to wake up every day and do what I love. I have no idea what the future holds, nor do I have any idea if I will ever go back to school. I hate the stigma that you won't be successful or move up in life if you don't have a degree. I feel successful, bc I'm genuinely happy and doing what I love. I have tons of room to keep growing and learning and I'm getting real hands on experience owning a business. I feel like I'm learning more than I was in college and I'm not spending nearly as much. This was way too long lol but wanted to share my experience ❤
I love this! I had a similar experience to you in wanting to be an entrepreneur (specifically a freelance copywriter) and also wanting to drop out during my sophomore year of college. I ended up staying because I could finish in only 2.5 years. I’m mostly glad I have the degree but I also feel like I would’ve been fine without it. I have really REALLY mixed feelings about college (and I still haven’t become an entrepreneur yet, though I still want to). 😭
I think it’s also important to note that if you have interests and a love for learning you don’t necessarily need to enroll in a degree program! You can enroll in classes you are interested in and learn more about topics without spending money on required classes for a degree that won’t benefit you personally or professionally. Proud of you for sharing your story, Alexa!!
That’s what I did! I ended up needing 2 more classes for a degree and took them. But originally it was all about taking things that interested me.
@@rachellynncreates2703 I love that!! I completed a 4 year degree in biology but wish I would have taken more time to take classes that interested me rather than classes I thought I “should” take!
@@emilynemily216 I did that too. I took the shoulda but I could never stick with it. So finally my husband said I found what I want to do it’s your turn and that’s when I finally started seeing what I wanted to do rather then what I should do. Trust me it took a long time!
Currently at a community college. I find myself getting to caught up into the time frame as well because this is my third year at college and I’m nowhere near a bachelors degree. But I just know I can’t handle a lot like you said. Yet a lot of times I think that I maybe am just being lazy and that’s why I don’t want to take a lot. But honestly, I’m scared that taking more than two classes is gonna overwhelm me and make me not want to go as well, because I tried that and was very depressed. Graduating in four years is pushed on us to the point where we think it’s something we have to do. Even though I preach to do things at your own pace. It’s nice to see videos like this reassuring me to do exactly that. And to go at a rate that works good for me personally rather than what others think I should do.
I feel this. I managed to finish in about 4 years, but I was only ever able to take 4 classes at once with no job. Thankfully I had scholarships, but I don't think I could've handled working and 4 classes at once
Last semester of college for me and I’m just … numb. I feel like I have no passion, focus, etc. Now the pressure of getting a job with this degree I don’t care about. Sigh, no clue where I’ll be in the next few months. Wish me luck
It took me 7 years to get through my undergrad. Life happens. Now I have been doing research with a previous professor and trying to get into grad school. I am a first-generation grad and it is really hard learning how to navigate academia especially with learning disabilities (I have adhd). Don't ever let that discourage you! However, you know what is best for you, and I know I will support you either way :)
Good luck on getting into grad school :)
@@nobodyknows6487 Thank you so much! I need all of the luck I can get ;P
OMG YES! I was previously fed the idea that ADHD isn't a big deal, but now that I've accepted it, embraced it, and learned more about it, I am finally getting accommodations and am finally succeeding! I hadn't realized how much it was holding me back! Learning how to make the best of your disorder and work to your strengths and through your weaknesses is so important! ❤
I went to a 4 year college and honestly it was a pretty rough time, both academically and with all the drama going on with people around me, and I came out of it mostly traumatized and feeling like I didn't learn as much as I could have, and I didn't have the fun amazing time in college it seems a lot of people have. I met some incredible people (and my cat) there, so I don't regret going, but I think the stress that our culture puts on college as this amazing time of your life can be damaging in terms of putting expectations on your early twenties to be something so specific. I learned that I am NOT an academic, and that's okay!! even though i have a degree, which is nice, I think i would have been happier spending four years doing other things i actually was passionate about. we're all just finding our way, thank you for sharing
A lot of people end up in jobs or careers that aren't even in the field they went to college for. I feel like many jobs just want people that have a degree to prove they know how to work hard , focus on a task and meet deadlines, but it doesn't matter what the degree is in.
Dropping out of college was one of the best decision I ever made. I totally understand going to college just to go. The “gap year” for me turned into years, and I never went back. I have more freedom and my anxiety went down by a whole bunch. The only people that judge me are people older than me who have some kind of college degree (I noticed). But that’s probably the only thing they know . At first I was self conscious but… it doesn’t bother me anymore. I just ended up doing what makes me happy. Everyones paths are different. Thanks for making this video❤️
College is giving me so mich anxiety right now, but dropping out looks so scary. What kind of job are you doing now?
A few years ago I was accepted to the college of my dreams. I was so excited and made so many plans, but was never actually able to go. It was a private University and super expensive and I just couldn’t get all of the loans that I needed to pay for it. Looking back I’m glad I didn’t go, because I would’ve been in so much debt, but at the same time I can’t help but feel like I missed out on what could’ve been an incredible life experience. College isn’t for everyone, but it’s really hard when you really want to go but can’t.
College gets so much harder once you get out of community college. I am a junior and failed two classes during the pandemic when everything was online. I’m on academic probation now and I am so scared to fail out. I really needed this video it’s helping me realize I am burnt out.
My university sucked at making transfer students feel welcome and my junior year was awful I hated it but I also realized/accepted how much I hated my major I had to withdraw from a class taking a semester off to figure out what I want to do burnt out sucks.
I went back to school at 30 during the pandemic, finished my AA and started a Bachelors. Its taken me 10 years to get serious about school, but everything happens for everyone at their own time.
We all have our own path and so happy to hear your experience.. 💕 it took me 4 years to transfer the first two I wasn’t sure what I was doing. I didn’t graduate with me BA until I was 24. Now I’m thinking of going back to CC just to take more classes as a hobby. I.E ceramics and piano. Do what makes you happy love 💕
I've been auditing ceramics classes at my local community college for the past 2 years now and I highly recommend it! It's super fun and way cheaper than trying to learn on your own
I relate 100%!!! I’m 28. I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career in high school. My parents are divorced, mother only went to school until fifth grade, and my dad (who I lived with) was a carpenter and never went to college. My stepmom did go to a career school for a little while.
I got a scholarship for community college and I went. I actually did get my associates degree in general transfer studies after 3 years. But then I had no good idea what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. I had lots of ideas but nothing felt right. Also I had depression and just so much angst and confusion.
So I got an office job in corporate customer service. After a few years, I decided to go to night school. I chose a communications degree. I was interested in the subjects and my best subjects were English and reading.
I finished that in March 2020 at 27. I tried looking for another job and wasn’t hearing back. Then I lost my job. And then got a job in supply chain working from home. And I’ve been doing that since February 2021. I actually quite like it, I’m comfortable. Thinking about “what I want to do for the rest of my life, I do still have the same thoughts as when I was in high school. It stresses me out. I’m not in a job that I went to school for. I don’t really care though, I am glad that I got a degree because I found out people in my family were saying I was a drop out, and I didn’t want to be looked at that way, but I really don’t think it matters. I’m honestly just happy living my day to day life, working this job, etc.
I relate to you a lot!!! Even though I finished school, now I do have a lot of debt that I never had, and it’s stressing me out. I applied for a lot of marketing and PR jobs and never heard back, I’m not even working in the field I went to school for…
You’re not alone in how you feel at all.
I have 2 degrees and still don't know exactly what I want to do. There is too much value placed on getting a job from your degree and not enough on the personal satisfaction/general enjoyment with school.
I will be finishing med school at 39! I needed to take my time to travel and wander in my 20s. Not knowing is just as good as knowing - I wish our culture would embrace this a bit more.
It’s good to have a path when young & you got a lot of the traveling out of the way before being locked down in a career with limited time off. Also it gets more restrictive later on if you have a family. It’s so important to have an intended path instead of aimlessly wasting time doing nothing!
The way I needed this video!! Totally helped me feel validated about where I’m at and the choices I’ve made so far. Definitely have regrets about not taking advantage of the time and resources I had. Still have faith in myself and know I’ll be okay though. Thank you! 😭❤️
Thank you for sharing your story! Your point on “not being passionate” or not having something you’re working towards is a big one. Although I finished my bachelors degree in business I still didn’t like all of my classes and even the jobs that come with a business degree. Now I’m 24 and have started doing my second bachelors in architecture - and wow! I have never thought that uni could be fun. It’s all a journey I guess 🤷🏻♀️🌸
Personally I have no regrets dropping out of college. I spent 4 years, changed majors twice and was no closer to getting a degree. I was wasting my time and money. Dropping out was exactly what I needed in order to find out what I really wanted. Now I happily run my own business.
What kind of business do you run? 🙂
This is such an amazing video for me to see. I did end up finishing college and getting my degree but It took a long time. I graduated at 25 and am planning to go back for a masters but I always feel so behind everyone else. I remember watching you while I was in college in 2018 and thinking “wow this amazing person is my age and she still in college”. I think more people should talk about their unorthodox college experience
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this stress on your past. Please don’t feel guilty for taking up space from a class that someone else could’ve had you were there for a reason. Making mistakes as a part of growing. thank you for sharing your story with us.😉
I graduated (the first time) with a 59 year old ... who was turning 60 the next day. She was getting her elementary education degree!
Thank you so much for making this video! I did get my degree but I am feeling lost finding a job, not knowing what I want and it can feel like I’m alone with this struggle! But hearing that you also had to find your way, helps!
I experienced something extremely similar, but instead of dropping out I did push through and finish… however I actually really really regret finishing believe it or not. I feel like I spent a BUTT LOAD of money, 5 years of time, and basically every ounce of my mental health to get a degree, but honestly I don’t feel like I actually learned anything. I had a ton of life stuff happen during college and just like you I felt like I was only successful if I added on as much as possible. I barely skimmed by and I severely damaged my mental health long term. I wish I would have dropped out years ago and waited until I felt more mentally and just life stable before going back. I’m glad I have a degree and it’s past me, but when I compare myself to my coworkers who sustained their mental health throughout school and didn’t burn themselves out I cannot believe how much I don’t know/remember. I think if I wouldn’t have waited and gone back I would have gotten a much higher quality experience and overall education. I also didn’t transfer when I changed my major and kept going to the same school despite it being really lackluster in my new subject. Lots of regrets, but like you said, we learn from them. Now I feel more confident about taking my time to get to grad school, and waiting til I’m really ready. ANYWAYS, wanted to share my story of the other side of the coin, because burnout is super real. Idk who needs to hear this, but just stop for a minute and get your mind and body back in shape, you come first. You can always go back later!
Honestly, this video hits so many important points! Like, I feel like you are almost telling my own story. Makes my experience feel so valid.
You speak so eloquently, you are so amazing and you bring so much joy to people. I understand regrets but I also think education doesn't always take place in a school. FYI, I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets anxious driving. Remember, people go to school to make a difference and be a success. You already are one.
It’s never too late to go back to school! If it’s something you want to accomplish, go for it!
With my anxiety being very much like yours-- vomiting phobia, and current college endeavors as a sophomore who is behind (and trying to rush in order to transfer!), this video couldn't have come at a more profound time. I know I should slow down or I won't finish it, but I wanna do more! This literally got posted as I was filling out college apps for fall 2022, when I have an overwhelming panic disorder and will only be 2/3 of the way done with school at the end of this semester. It's insane how you could be my older sister: I am turning 20 in November, I share your same aesthetic, and the same fears too it seems! Thanks for bringing guidance to me! Love you as always!
I dropped out of college when I was 18, a week after classes started lol I just instantly knew it wasn't for me. I don't think there's anything wrong with that! I see you as a very creative person, I am too so I can relate 😅 and I don't think we are meant to fit in the box with everyone else. The moment I accepted that I was different it all started coming together and I started a business doing graphic design. And I think you can do pretty much anything you want! There are a lot of businesses you can branch out of CZcams and you have the advantage of already having an audience. I just hope that you don't feel bad for dropping out, you have a lot of opportunities ahead 🙌🏽
Thank you for this comment! I‘m in a similar situation. The last months I figured out that I‘m not meant to be at university and that I rather would do something creative (like I‘m spending my whole freetime with being creative... I love baking, writing, drawing, sewing, knitting...) Hopefully I will be brave enough to go and find my way! :)
@@lievoli We love the same things lol 😂 I know it’s hard to trust that you’ll find your way but I wish I would’ve done that when I was 18! Spent a lot of time doubting myself and comparing to other people, and it’s not worth it. You got this!! 🥰🥰
Thank you so much for making this video Alexa
As a mom of children your age, everyone is different and not everyone can do the traditional 4 years of college! Plus it depends on what your major is too. There are lots of options now with taking classes online and not having to go in person. I would talk to another counselor about what your interest is. Business, or communication, or something more creative. Your path is always going to be different from others. Everyone's journey is unique to them! What I told my kids is it is much easier to finish college when you are young! Life gets in the way the older you become. Family, etc. Also, try not to beat yourself up about your past about school. It's all ok, we take different paths in life!! You'll find your way, just keep moving forward!!! Sending lots of love!!❤❤❤
We need more moms like you 😭♥
First of all thank you for sharing Alexa!
I just started the 3rd year of my bachelors degree in social work and i really love what i am doing. After finishing school i did not go straight to uni and instead decided to work in an elderly care home for a year. Even though i was pretty set on going to uni for social work i always wanted to take a gap year to do something else than sitting in a classroom all day and i can not recommend it enough. I met so many cool people in that year, was able to get to know myself more and learn a lot of new things.
If you are unsure about what to do, please consider taking your time and trying different things. You do not need to rush things and you do not need have a uni/college degree to find something you can make a living out of and be happy with.
This video was so helpful, I was on track to graduate spring of 2022 but I had to change schools for financial reasons and it looks like it will take me a little longer to graduate. But the other comments are very helpful! 😭🥰
You are doing amazing Lauryn ❤
@@alexasunshine83 thank you so much, you too! 😭💕
I needed this video 😭 I’m currently in 3rd year in school and feel so burn out to finish in four years. I’m thinking of taking things slower but the expectation to finish quickly is too stressful as I still don’t know what I want to even do once I get the degree!!!
My college journey is similar to yours. I went in right after high school, had no idea what I wanted, then dropped out for 2 years. I went back in 2020 during the pandemic thinking I knew what I wanted to major in. I ended up changing my major recently but I am on track to graduate in 2023 !
I’m currently in my second year of community college and i still have no clue what i want to do in my life and i really don’t know how i feel about school. Thank you for sharing your experience with college, because people are constantly telling me i need to go to school to be successful and school is overwhelming tbh.
I dropped out of university so many times! I was in and out for 11 years! I finally graduated in Dec. 2020 and while I am proud of myself for getting it done, I've done a number on my mental health. Would I have gone knowing it would do what it did to me? No. Do I regret it? Ehhhh only a little bit. I made a lot of friends and I learned that I am neurodiverse! sooo that's cool! lol
You are a true sunshine doing this important video for the young followers, you were so on point there at 6:50. I still remember those struggles and i'm turning 47 now. Keep doing great, real, down to earth and engaging youtube. U R a star!
I have an associates degree that I got at 21, but I really struggled after that. I finally am going back at 27 and I feel embarrassed sometimes to be "older" but I'm pushing through. During the gap, I tried school a few times, but I didn't know what I wanted to do, and that on top of undiagnosed ADHD made it really hard for me to stick with school. I only was going because both my parents are very educated (3 and 4 degrees each) and I felt obligated. There's still a part of me that feels that obligation, but now I also have this desire to graduate, and that's what has helped me. I still don't know exactly what I want to do, but I do have a bit of a purpose now (even though it isn't a specific direction) and that helps a lot. All this to say, you have to do what makes you happy. And it's okay to not know what you want! School is great, but also not doing school can be great. To anyone out there, you've got this! Whatever you decide to do, just make sure it's what will be the best for you. 💛
I went to college in Florida for literally 2 months right out of high school. I got an anxiety attack then flew back to California. I went to a smaller college locally for 2 years and they dropped my major so I left. Now I am going to an art school at age 25 for my Associate's Degree. Everyone's path is different and most people I went to High School with already went to a four-year college some even Ivy League cause my school pushed Ivy over the community or any other college. It was stressful but I am glad that I am moving forward and changing my life for the better. Thanks for posting this! I feel for you girl!!
It's good to listen to someone sharing this kind of real-life experience. It tells how you get life experience over time and that it's okay that not everybody has a clear idea of what they want to do with their life. Also, you need time to figure out the bigger picture and come to accept and understand your life choices and situation. Love you and wish you all good luck to keep going.
I come from a place of loving school and being good at it but it also adds so much stress to my life since I can be a perfectionist. I agree, taking classes at your own pace is smart I’m now getting my masters and I’ve just now learned how important it is to take school at my own pace. (Although, my program isn’t a cohort so I’m lucky in that way). School is tough tho, it’s important to think about if it’s something you’re doing for the right reasons. Loved the video! Appreciate when your open like this!
Your experience is so similar to mine minus the youtube aspect and it's so nice just being able to relate to someone and hearing their story.
I feel you, I went to college without really knowing why, I ended up dropping out for money/medical reasons and I respect my reasoning I do want to go back, but I still don’t know for what 😅 THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO ❤️
The best thumbnails is sooo good yessss I loved this because your tips is amazing choice which I need
I am 26 and still haven't finished college. If I could have it my way, I would've finished by now, but I attend a very expensive private school(even with partial scholarship), which is why it's taking me so long to graduate. Looking at the comments and watching your video makes me feel like it's okay that I am not adhering to a strict timeline. It is something that stresses me out a lot, and this makes me feel a bit more okay.
I went back this year and i take it day by day and only take 3 classes and don’t have a part time job this is what works for me ♥️ anything that feels right is best 🤗
i got my degree in 4 years but then basically had a panic attack of i don't know what I want to do with my life and this degree, but now i'm here. so I took 2 years off and started working at a job that did not require a degree funny enough and now I am back in graduate school and applying to medical school. I definitely relate to this because I sometimes wondered if I was doing it for me or for my parents. That pressure could honestly be debilitating at times. Having the 2 years off definitely gave me the clarity to say yes, I am doing this for myself. Regardless of your education journey this video is so relatable. Thank you so much for sharing.
I’m a senior graduating in May and I regret going. I don’t want the job I’m going to school for anymore but I see no point in dropping out this far into it. Just looking forward to getting my degree and figuring out life after that.
Are there other possible jobs you could go into with that degree?
This was me when I graduated and now I'm a year and a half into my career and feeling even more lost. We really do just have to do what we love. If I was you, I'd finish the degree just to have something to fall back on, but then move on to something else
This is exactly the position I'm in right now. I went into Elementary Education for my major and now I'm sitting here thinking that I am not made for it like some of the other people in my program are. People keep telling me I'm doing great or I'll be good at it, but they're not doing the work I'm doing and understanding the depth of what I'm going to have to do in this field. I'm not excited for my courses, they're interesting, but they just feel like a checklist where I show up and turn stuff in at this point. I also learned several things about my mental health/diagnoses about myself recently and that is playing a factor as well.
Basically, I am almost done and I'm very lucky its paid for by aid, so I suppose that's the biggest factor in my guilt about how I feel.
Just having a degree will help you get a job. Doesn’t have to be in a particular area of study.
I love that sweater and the green in it 😍😍 also not going to college does not make you less of a person what the hell following your dreams and doing what YOU wanna do is something I'd always encourage you're very smart and judging by the necklaces you just recently dropped and your thrift shopping vidoes/ thrift flips clearly know what your doing business wise and just as a hobby so keep it up
I have a 2 yr degree in paralegal studies and 30k in debt... I do regret going, but only because it's gonna take literally the rest of my life to pay it off because I cannot get a high enough paying job in my area (plus I have a kid to support! I started after he was born and graduated when he was 2.) Its really difficult because I'm really glad I learned what I learned, especially the business classes as they're so transferrable to the real world. But I definitely consider myself an example as to why we need college debt erasure. Inflation is insane...
It took me 5 years to finish college. I loved college. I went in undeclared and switched to a communications major my second year. I loved my classes and joined many clubs including a sorority. I had a great time and really loved college for the social aspect. The only regret I have is with my major, although I learned a lot in Comm, I wish I had switched to Marketing, because that’s the field I work in now. I feel like I would have been more prepared had I taken those classes. Because now I find I have to teach myself certain things that I probably would’ve already learned in college, I think I just made things a little harder for myself and I didn’t realize that until I was thrown into the real working world outside of school.
I feel you. 3 months ago I dropped college and I regret it now. I was going for an Architecture degree and although it was cool and I discovered new skills, it wasn’t something I was passionate about and it was driving me crazy, but even when it was the right decision at that moment (for my mental health) I still think I would have been ok if I stayed. I couldn’t change major easily cause thats not how college work in my country, but I could have took it less serious, but as I took a gap year I felt like I was in a rush and I didn’t have time to waste. Now I don’t know what to do, I dropped any plan I had as an excuse to get out of college and I think I’m falling down a deep black hole of uncertainty. At the end, I didn’t protect my mental health at all and I still have to find a career I like better before the uncertainty kills me alive
Life after high school it’s way more complicated than I thought it would be lol
Like people have said, there’s nothing to be embarrassed or worried about. Not to discourage people from going to college, but I have a Masters degree and still can’t get a job. College has don’t nothing for me. And now I hate the field I got my degree in, so... 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
I’m curious, What’s the field that you got your degree in?
Never went to college and I don't regret it simply because I still wouldn't know what to go for! Am in a class with my husband right now, so I'm learning in my own way. ✌🏻
First off, love your sweater and hair in this video Alexa! You look so lovely💛 second, I’m in my junior year of high school, so making the college decision is coming up pretty soon. I’ve made good grades my whole life and have always expected to go to college, and I always thought I wanted to, but now that I actually have to decide I don’t really want to and and even know what I would major in. I don’t want to regret not going and disappointment my family but I also don’t want to regret going and spend all that money just doing it because I feel obligated to, especially if I don’t even know what I’d major in.This video helped me feel not so alone💗
As a full time engineering student, I totally agree with you that motivation is everything! Honestly that’s pretty much how most of us have made it this far😂 Also taking a moment to acknowledge successes is another big thing, if all you look at are the problems that’s all you’ll see. This has helped me to be a more positive student and hopefully (fingers crossed) survive this degree!😂
I went to college right after high school and it was a huge mistake. Although I’d always been top of my class, it was just one breakdown after another. I ended up failing all my classes my 2nd semester because I would have panic attacks and not go to class. I took 3 years off and am back in college just this semester! I’m on academic probation and working on fixing that but It’s been such a different experience. Not only am I older than everyone in my class (I’m 22) but also it’s been such a better experience! Taking years off to focus on myself and my mental health and such has helped me choose what career I want to go into and such! It was hard deciding to go back but I’m glad I did eventually and in such a better phase of my life
As someone who is in a joint bachelors and masters program don’t rush it! Slow it down to your pace so you can keep your energy and motivation. I pushed added a semester to my degree so I can mentally accomplish it all. You can do it
When I was 18 i started my first 3 semesters at a community college which i absolutely hated (because as you said the culture is to be there for school only, work hard to transfer and not make any long lasting attempts at friendship). Luckily enough a high school teacher of mine who knew I had a passion to become a elementary school teacher told me about a program to be a teachers assistant (those who work with special needs children) I applied and I got in (picked from 300 plus applicants for a class of 28) Now I love my job, Now almost 21 I found out that what i wanted to do after highschool is something i never would have enjoyed. I plan to go back to school but dont know when... But i do know that i love my job, love interacting with the kids i work with and wouldnt change anything. I hope to be a high school culinary arts teacher by 29 but we will see what the future holds. School isnt everything and what you think you may wanat to do may turn out to be something you completely hate. take things slow and enjoy your youth before settling into a 9-5 you arnt ready for !
Very interessant to hear you talk About something like this! When I was 18, i decided to study law. I’ve wanted to ever since i can remember. However, it Turned out that actually studying it wasn’t for me and that i was actually quite bad at it 😅 it’s Just hard to make informed descisions at that age, and it still is!
I did graduate from a 4 year university with a degree in marketing but I will tell you calc broke me too… I failed the first time and the 2nd time I needed a 70% and I literally got a 70%. I’m pretty sure the prof passed me because she felt bad. I had a tutor and went to office hours weekly but my brain just did not grasp it.
I am 100% with you on it being one’s own choice as to whether they have secondary education or not. Many moons ago, I did go to University for 3 years until I finally dropped out-best decision ever! But, I then decided to go to College and it was hands down my best decision. I entered a field that fuelled my passion for working with children and ultimately lead to a fulfilling field in social services. My husband went to University for literally one day before realizing that it wasn’t for him. He is now successful in his field too. We plan to encourage our son to follow what he feels is best for him and will support him either way. He’s only 6, so we have a few years before those decisions are made though🤪. Education comes from many facets. As long as one is open to learning, one never knows where that learning will ultimately cone from.
This video just looks amazing. I love your black and white sweater on you and it looks amazing with that background of that room.....idk it just all looks amazing together. ❤💖
I don't regret going to college but it's frustrating because after graduating I've found that in my field a master's degree is needed for most jobs. And I'm not sure I want to put myself through more school right now.. 😞
I can help you if you’re open to a conversation. Check out my content and let me know
I had no idea what I was doing, I guess I finished college bc it was expected
Now when I look at it, it was a waste of time
As a designer, I have learned so much more by myself when I started to work
And lets face it, our parents did the best they knew to show us the way, it is just that we blossom differently
I didn't go back to school to finish by bachelors until I was 32 and then Masters at 34! It will always be there!
I did go to college and I debated SOOO often about dropping out, as an illustrator college is not necessary to get jobs in my field but I only went and finished because my mother wanted me to. I do not regret going but I feel like in a lot of ways it slowed me down career wise...nothing I learned at art school I couldn't learn online or by books. Plus art school is hella exspensive
I love your story ❤I went to a community college as well and got a 4 year degree that I literally now use to be a teacher 😂 but I found out that I love it! Buy my husband, he got a degree in business and literally didn’t need it to work what he does, but he’s back in college to do what he really dreamed of doing, but moral of this long story is, it’s so important to do what you feel is right, I don’t think college is for everyone, I think you can still make a living with no degree! ❤ I love your videos girl!
I do not even study in the US (I'm Italian) but I really needed this. Thank you
Calculus broke me too, and I also love math.. Still healing from that
Hi Alexa. I can totally relate. I went to college out of state but I didn’t get the college experience I was wanting, from the 80s movies. Also, I had a lot of personal issues that I didn’t know about and hadn’t dealt with. So I developed bad coping skills and quit college half way through junior year. It was bad! Several years later, after getting help, I went back to school and worked also. It took many years but I finally got my degree. And it was the goal to complete, for me. So many points you make are right on. Do it for the right reasons, at your own pace, and not going to college doesn’t mean you can’t be successful. And being a dropout means you tried it and it wasn’t for you. Move on and keep looking forward. Maybe in 10-15 years the opportunity to go back will be something, but it isn’t now. And that is so okay. You be you, and do it happy!
Watching young CZcamsrs like you is awe inspiring. The number of interconnected skills you must learn to run your channel is a kind of self styled college. You may not do CZcams forever, but what you've learned will transfer to other career options
As a person who followed the traditional start college at 18 and finish in four years I want to tell anyone who’s going back to school older that age really matters a lot less than you think. I went to a university that had a lot of cc transfers, older returning students, and military folks and honestly I felt intimidated by them most of the time more than I ever thought ‘oh they must be idiots bc their finishing at 27 not 22’. Those folks actually had life experience that they could apply to the concepts we were covering to help them learn better than I ever did. Especially in discussions and guest speaker talks, those that returned to school later in life almost always had an interesting perspective or question to add to the conversation that helped my OWN learning or at the very least opened by eyes a bit more to reality since obviously I was super naive at 19/20. So don’t ever feel like you don’t belong there, your perspectives are just as worthy and alot of it is just finding a school that’s going to be the right fit for you. Just bc it’s thought of highly doesn’t mean it’s going to be good for you, your experiences, and your learning styles. Appreciate the video Alexa, we definitely need to have a more open discussion about college in the US the system is sooo poorly designed!
I would love another sit down video like this where you talk more about your acting and why you decided not to pursue that!
I ended up going to a state school for my first two years of college. I loved my classes but loathed the atmosphere. There was a lot of Greek life and frat culture that just really sucked. So I ended up transferring to a teeny tiny private school that was a work college. Basically, how work colleges work is that you have a job at the school and work for the school and the money you earn goes towards your expenses. The college also had no Greek life but a super rich college community with tons of activities and was in a very rural area with lots of outdoor activities. I was getting more exercise and eating healthier and walking everywhere. Plus, with smaller classes I got more direct attention from the professors. And my on-campus job actually provided me with job experience in my chosen field before I even graduated. (Another option was I could have learned a trade through my on-campus job. I had a friend who came out with a chemistry degree and four years of experience as an apprentice plumber, which gave him nice flexibility.) Work college is definitely an option for people looking for something different. There are currently seven in the US, with Berea and Warren Wilson (my alma mater) as the largest ones. But I don’t understand why there aren’t more. It’s a concept that makes a lot of sense.
Regret is such a personal feeling - but for those closest to you, I'm sure they would support it. You have e ded up doing something that brings do much joy to others and that you are brilliant at! ❤
I studied classic anthropology at the largest university in Denmsrk, the second highest ranked bachelor's degree in the country at the time, requiring a soaring high GPA to get in.
I loooved the actual profession and academic content, but found out I hated the people I would likely work with. I was "old" in terms of studying. Most people here are about 20 when they start such a degree but I am from a working class family and only started in my late 20's. I'd been working in social work and social education since my first job at 18 and chose anthropology because it is "the study of the human" - right up my alley.
As I started my thesis I just got into a mental slump. Though loving the field, the thought of primarily working with really young people with no life experience and very little critical thinking and approach or older, hardcore snobbish academics (which were sadly my experience from meeting people who was already in it) made me feel awfull. There was a LOT of children of academic backgrounds and a lot of snobbish attitude. So I dropped out.
And even though I've felt "regrets", like I let down the academic skills I've been blessed with, the pivotal moment that told me it was right, was when the student advisor asked me; "Do you really want to take this step back with your achievements and sky-high scores?". Yes! Someone telling me that my worth and value of my work was only worthy due to my grades and performances? F... 'em!
Seriously! I was pissed!
She referred to me "stepping back" because I told her I would persue a degree in social education, which is considered lower ranking because it's about 50% study and 50% real life occupationel training/trainee positioning - and of course the academic world finds that to be low-ranking. Too low for someone with my abilities.
Regardless of the fact that you sre doing real case-work, responsible for vilnurable people getting support and help through thrir everyday life etc.
I can now proudly say that I have a dual degree in social education and social work. Even though I'm just 40, I have over 20 years of experience, working both full time and part time (during study years) in the field. I've been headhunted into positions and been in leadership positions.
For health reasons I can no longer work full time - but I can teach at this point.
Dropping out felt like a faliour in regards to other people's perception... but look where it got me; right where I'm supposed to be! And I'm damned good at it, too!
Hi Alexa,
I love hearing your story because it reminds a lot about my own experience as a student, but also as a current counselor/therapist. I took me a few years to figure out what I wanted to do. I dropped out of college once and went to trade school and didn’t end up using that certification because I didn’t really like it. So then a dear friend encouraged me to transfer my trade school classes into a private university, which of course they took most of my classes because they wanted my money too lol. So there I go into a private university and I still think I wanted to be a nursing student and failed all my sciences and realized I suck at science and math, so what do I do? My dear Spanish professor encouraged me to make my minor into my major, which was Spanish. I had no idea what I wanted to do with a BA in Spanish. I was 23 when I graduated with my BA in Spanish. Then I thought maybe I want to teach Spanish, so I get into a masters degree program in Spanish and dropped out before the first semester ended because I realized that’s not what I wanted to do because I was not really enjoying it. So I come across a student in the counseling program and it really intrigued
me that I started researching counseling master degree programs and really liked it and got into a program. After a year into my masters degree program, I came across an internship opportunity out of state and I took it! And it had nothing to do with my field of study, but because I wanted to experience being on my own, I took the internship. So then I decided to stay in that state and had 2 jobs to support myself and again I dropped out of grad school this time. I Ended up coming back to California after 6 months because I realized I can’t get a higher paying job unless I finish my master degree program and I also missed California weather and people lol. So I came back and actually applied to another counseling program at another university, which is where I graduate from in 2018. I was 27 when I graduated. It took me a while to figure it out.
The point it that sometimes others are older when they figure things out and that’s ok. It’s a journey and it’s different for everyone. Maybe you might want to go back to college or not 🤷🏻♀️.
Here’s the thing, community college is not as fun because all you take are general classes and mostly not your field of interest. Then if you don’t have friends, there no socializing at all either. Just go to class and that it. It’s hard.
However, one thing that helped me get through college was something that someone told me
“Sacrifice now so you can then enjoy later” something along those lines lol.
A lot of the times, we don’t think about a lot of the sacrifices we have to make because we are in school. I had to learn that the hard way. Later as I built a routine and good habits of not going out or not watching tv because I had to do homework or study for a test. So most of the times student don’t realize that with college comes a lot of sacrifices in life including sleep. When I was in my graduate program I had 2 jobs and 2 internships plus full time student. Obviously I had no time to hangout or do as many fun things and sleep enough because the only time I had to work on assignments was at night time and weekends. So if you want to go to college, you will have to sacrifice a lot of things, but it’s only temporary not forever ❤️.
After I graduated with my masters I still didn’t know what I wanted to do with it. So I started subbing as a teacher. It turns out that I enjoy and love working with students in a school setting, so I started to apply for counseling jobs for a whole year and realized that it was hard to get a job in school districts. So I went towards my clinical side and got a job as a therapist instead, which means that I’m not licensed and I’ll have to start working towards my hours to get licensed and it can take some time for that. I switched jobs twice and the second job really burnt me out as a therapist that I even took a stress leave and decided to quit and go back to subbing to focus on my mental health and health overall.
3 years later I’m now currently working as a high school counselor and I’m loving every minute of it! No regrets! I’m now stress free and living a very chill life 😌🙌🏼
The point of sharing my journey and story is that it can take even more time after getting your degree to still figure out what you want to do or work at 🤷🏻♀️. At the moment I would like to be somewhere else 5 years from now with a much higher pay, but idk I might end up staying here forever.
As a therapist/counselor I encourage you to go to therapy, if you haven’t already, and process these thoughts and doubts with your therapist and also when going to college visit your counselor at least 3 times a semester and have a support system and surround yourself with people that can relate with you or be of a good healthy influence. All these tools helped me get through my journey in my education and in life.
Sorry for this long comment lol 😆
I had a very similar college experience to yours; when I started attending junior college straight out of high school I really didn't have much of an idea as to what I wanted to major in or do with my life, so I took some completely random classes for a couple of semesters before dropping out mid-semester. A few years went by and I found a specialized school that seemed really interesting to me, but I was working a full time office job and going to hours of classes three nights a week, both quite a ways from where I lived, and about halfway through the program I got majorly burnt out and ended up dropping out again. I regret that it happened, but like you I felt like I didn't have much choice at the time. I've since given some thought to going back to school but I'm kind of at a loss again as to what to study because I don't feel that I can go back to my old school. I wish you the best in your decision making, I am sure that after you think on it for a while you'll figure out the best option for your current self!
I went to a 4 year college right after high school. Then left there after the first year to go to community College, then got pregnant after the first year. I took 3 yrs off Then returned to school to get my associates degree. There were regrets but I feel like things always happen for a reason and somehow life works out.
I majored in English Ed which has been surprisingly useful considering I’m not a teacher anymore. But I think if I were to go to college again, I’d major in Engineering like my physics teacher suggested. It’s so crazy how society expects teenagers to make such big choices. Very few people know themselves well enough at 17ish for that kind of responsibility,
Don’t be embarrassed or feel bad about dropping out of college.
I am almost 30 years old and recently finally got an autism and an ADHD diagnosis… and only after my children started school and received the same diagnoses.
I tried to do the college thing 4 different times in the past decade and every time I just couldn’t do it. And now I know why college never worked for me. I was focused. I had goals and plans and I just was unable to handle all the aspects of college.
For years I beat myself up for wasting a ton of money and time.
And I wish I hadn’t spent that time regretting those years of my life. It’s not worth it.
You made the choice that was the best for you at that moment.
Ps. I’m definitely not saying you are neurodivergent or anything I just wanted to give you background in my own life.
You perfectly validated all my feelings about dropping out. Sometimes, it’s not as black and white as repeat vs don’t regret. Are there things I regret from dropping out? Yes. But also are there things I’m glad I dropped out for? Also yes. I’m 20 right now, exploring my hobbies, traveling, doing art and comics, and I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time. Will I be happy had I gone to college, maybe. Do I sometimes feel like getting a degree will prove I can do something challenging, yeah. But I’ve made room for all of these nuanced feelings about higher education. For now, I think I’ll keep doing my own thing. And in the future, who knows!
I finished undergrad in May (in 3 years) and while I have no regrets at all about my majors, I wish I had taken more classes in other fields that may have benefited me in my job search, particularly in business! Part of me also wishes I hadn't graduated so early so I would have had more time to explore my passions and be on campus because nearly half of my college years were online due to the pandemic. I also feel like no one really prepares you for how hard the transition out of college really is! It can be really isolating... I'm barely 21 and at this point I have no idea what I want career-wise so I'm just trying to keep myself open to where life takes me
Hey I did something really similar! I graduated in 2.5 years and then I took an online bootcamp right after graduating. Definitely feel you about the isolation and about graduating so fast when most of your college experience was during COVID…
Comparison is such a huge enemy in situations like this. I didn’t even drop out but I found myself down about the fact it’ll take me 5ish years to finish my degree and lots of my peers just finished. I went to community college though and just cruised until I had been in the world long enough to know what I wanted to focus in and I don’t regret that decision at all because I had so much less financial pressure and freedom. Plenty of my peers turned out fine going to college fast and immediately after high school, but some are 35k in debt and you can tell they are having some major adjustment issues existing in the “real world” and regulating themselves because the dorm/school atmosphere is all they’ve known since kindergarten. It just goes to show that there is no one right path for everyone.
I went for one year and then took two years off and went back part time. It was much better for me. I ended up getting two masters in teaching. I think taking the time off taught me how to learn because I was a terrible student in high school.
I also had that crossroads moment during university. I didn’t drop out, which I’m grateful for now, but it was definitely some of the worst years of my life.