Should I consider dropping out? I have just six weeks left in a one-year pre-college course, but I’m feeling pretty miserable about it.
While I enjoy the course material, the absence of one of our main instructors during the first six weeks has led to an overwhelming pace with projects and assignments. I was managing okay until I got sick for three weeks in January. Although I received extensions, I’m still likely to fail a few modules due to the lateness of my submissions.
I won’t delve too deeply into my mental health struggles, but it’s been challenging since the start of the course. I suspect I may be experiencing depression, but I’m cautious about labeling it. I’m seeing a therapist, but the sheer volume of work I can’t catch up on, along with a sense of shame for not performing as well as I initially hoped, has been weighing heavily on me. I’ve always excelled academically, and it’s disheartening to feel like I’ve fallen behind in a space where I was once one of the stronger students. When I mention my intention to pursue an Arts course next year instead, I get the impression that my peers see it as a failure.
The course’s structure doesn’t suit me at all—three long classes with a brief break, only about 13 students, and a small campus means socializing is nearly non-existent. I also have significant ADHD, and despite being on medication, I’ve struggled with the rigid format. The amount of take-home work is overwhelming, and after a long day, I find it nearly impossible to focus at home. The college library’s limited hours don’t help either.
Also, given that the assessments are solely project-based rather than exam-based, it’s been a challenge for me to adjust due to my ADHD. On top of that, I need to complete 40 hours of work experience before the course ends, which adds to the pressure of these next six weeks (26 hours of classes plus 8 hours of work experience each week, along with additional home assignments). I’m concerned that my burnout will affect my work experience, and I don’t want my supervisor to view me as unreliable.
I performed well in secondary school exams, so I’m confident I’ll secure a spot in the Arts program at my local university for September, regardless of my performance in this current course. I’m excited about the Arts program because it interests me more, involves more essay writing (which I enjoy), fewer contact hours, and offers a larger campus for social life (plus several friends studying there).
The intense workload of this course is taking away time from things I’m passionate about, like making art, writing, spending time with friends, having a part-time job, and participating in my youth theatre group. The course itself hasn’t been a significant financial burden.
So, I’m torn. Should I push through these last six weeks of stress that is affecting my well-being just to add a qualification to my CV and avoid disappointing my parents? Or should I drop out, take a part-time job, and focus on my creative interests before starting fresh in college in September? If I’m still struggling, I could adjust my ADHD medication then.
It sounds like you’re really facing a tough decision, and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed given the circumstances. Here are some things to consider:
Your Well-being: Your mental health should be a top priority. It seems like the current course structure and requirements are negatively impacting you. If finishing the course is causing significant distress and affecting your mental health, taking a step back might be the right choice.
Your Interests: You mentioned that you find the arts course more engaging and better suited to your strengths and interests. If you are confident that this new path will be more fulfilling, it may lead to a better overall experience for you in the long run.
Future Opportunities: Since you already have the grades to get into the arts course next year, consider whether the qualification from your current course is worth the stress. If not, then dropping out might actually allow you to focus on things that inspire you and re-energize before starting your next adventure.
Time for Yourself: The idea of having time to focus on your creative interests, spend time with friends, and take care of yourself sounds really appealing. Sometimes, giving yourself that space can be more valuable than finishing a qualification that doesn’t align with your goals.
Parent and Social Pressure: It’s understandable to worry about how others might perceive your decision. However, your happiness and well-being are what matter most. Talking to your parents about your reasons and how important this decision is for your mental health might help alleviate some of that pressure.
Ultimately, you know yourself best, and your needs come first. If you think dropping out will allow you to take care of yourself and prepare for the next step in your education, it could be worth considering. Whatever you decide, try to remember that it’s okay to take a different path if it means prioritizing your health and happiness.