Should I Leave college?

abi2007

I'm in my final year of a level 8 degree, I went back to complete this year after working for three years. Thing is I'm finding it fiancially difficult and mentally difficult. I'm also tired all the time and miss my daughter. I wanted to do primary school teaching thats why I returned to finish the degree but part of me is wondering is it worth it?

uberpixie

abi2007 wrote: »

I'm in my final year of a level 8 degree, I went back to complete this year after working for three years. Thing is I'm finding it fiancially difficult and mentally difficult. I'm also tired all the time and miss my daughter. I wanted to do primary school teaching thats why I returned to finish the degree but part of me is wondering is it worth it?

You have come this far you may as well finish.

A friend of mine is a primary school teacher and loves it and that is after a 1st year of teaching in the worst hole of a school imaginable with a class no one else would take!

The last year of any course is a slog, but you will be kicking yourself to have come this far after spending so much time and money on a course and not finished with a qualification.

abi2007

I have a level 7 but didn't bother doin anything with it. I'm three years out and feel like what the hell am I doing, who was I kidding!

cooperguy

One year to go. Most definatly keep at it.

NoQuarter

i went back to college after 4 years out and could get back into the swing of things easy enough, i think you should be feeling a little bit less sorry for yourself and finish the course!!

Bally8

I would encourage you to stick with it. I know its tough going but it will be so worth it in the end. I did a 4 year degree and decided against doing the H-dip as I was tired of studying and missing my daughter growing up. Now I cant get a full time job and dont see how I can go back and finish getting qualified.

If you only have this year left do your best to finish it. Hopefully it will fly for you and afterwards it will be well worth it.

rainbow kirby

Keep at it!

Yes, final year is harder, especially when you come back from time out (I'm back into 4th year after a year out), but if you put the work in then in the end you'll be so glad you did.

Good luck

abi2007

you are all so harsh.. I counted I've actually only 7 months left. I just need to keep tellin myself I can do it.

Dave!

abi2007 wrote: »

you are all so harsh.. I counted I've actually only 7 months left. I just need to keep tellin myself I can do it.

That's it, keep the chin up and stay on top of the work! I'm in final year too (different course), and it's alot of work, some of the sh*t is very difficult. I don't really have a moment to relax, cos I'm constantly worrying about assignments being due, classes I'm struggling in, bleh bleh bleh.....

It's quite taxing indeed I've written off having a social life for this year, I think the more I concentrate on and immerse myself in the work, the better.

* Set yourself short-term goals, as well as long-term ones.
* Give yourself something to look forward to after all this is done.
* Keep sight of why you're doing this too.

For me, my short-term goal is to get through this semester. Next semester will be significantly easier as I'll be doing no maths. I just have to get through this semester and then I can worry about the next one when I get to it.

The long-term goal is to finish with a decent degree so that I have the option of a masters in the future, should I decide to go down that route.

The thing I think about every day to keep me going is Australia A few friends and I are going to Oz for a year (at least), leaving around January 2010. This is great motivation, and keeps the spirits high. It also helps to blow off some steam and have a few drinks with friends while planning/talking about Oz

In terms of why I'm doing this -- well 3rd level education is paid for by the government (our taxes) here, which it is not in most countries. I think it would be an absolute waste to throw away this opportunity. As well as this, there is no situation that I can think of where a degree is going to hinder my progress/chances of achieving something, whereas it may be more difficult to do something without one. I may never use it, but it's handy to have.


Now you go Set yourself targets and keep the chin up.

It's less than a year! Think of the time you've put in already, you're not far from the finish line now, just keep on going

God I should be a motivational speaker/typer

All the best

abi2007

thanks for that, a bit of encouragement is all I need!

Teddi

hey abi...

just echoeing what the others have said...

stick at it

you'll forever regret it..and even if its something that you dont do in the end?..Its always something that you can fall back on...

I had similar thoughts about my college course...but lordy am I thankful I didnt go down that route..

7 months is nothing!...keep it up

beth-lou

Hi Abi,

I really hope you finish your course. I know it's hard now, and you are missing your daughter, but just think, when you are finished these 7 months, you can get a job that will give you Christmas hoildays, Easter, Summer and is really the best job you could have as a parent. My neighbour is a school teacher, and I envy her time off. Lots of time to spend with her kids. Go for it. It will be owrth it in the end.

Dudess

abi2007 wrote: »

you are all so harsh

With all due respects, I've read every answer prior to your comment above and the only remark even close to "harsh" is the following:

king-stew wrote: »

i think you should be feeling a little bit less sorry for yourself and finish the course!!

I agree that is kinda callous - everyone is entitled to have doubts and fears and regrets and to feel consumed by them from time to time - that is not feeling sorry for oneself. Plus, you have a child.
However, everyone else has been extremely encouraging, and calling them all "harsh"... well it seems like you're disappointed you didn't get a bunch of answers advising you to give up.

Definitely don't quit - spending three years out of college means you've a tough job now getting back into the swing of things but it's no reason to quit either. It's certainly not the wrong decision - four years might be a biggie, but one year... it's so worth it. Primary teaching seems like an awesome job - I'd go for it like a shot myself, only I know teaching young kids wouldn't be my thing and I'd be more of a secondary/third level type person. And you don't even have to go to Mary I or St Pat's to do it any more, you can do the online Hibernia diploma which is fully recognised by the Department of Education. Apparently that course has even more practical components than the taught course.

AngryBadger

I think you've come this far, why walk away now? It's tough, but it'll stand to you in years to come,a nd you'll be glad you finished it off. Whereas if you quit now, you may very well find yourself needing this qualification even more down the line.

Finish the degree if you can at all OP.

smk135

Hang in there and see it as if it was a 100 meter spring - you can see the finish line!

Go for and best of luck!