have i messed up? almost 100% im leaving college

corcaigh07

im thinking of leaving my course as i havent done enough work for 2 assignments due friday. Also, im not enjoying the city, course or the people too much. im so far behind and so unmotivated that ill never finish them off, not to mind actually be good enough.

anyways, im thinking of coming home to Cork but its hard to see where a job will come from. I wouldnt mind a basic enough job to get some money going again for a year or so(also to give some money back to my parents who have been very supportive). also will probably have to go on the dole for a while.

I have a diploma in Travel and Tourism(took 2 years)
i got an advanced diploma in financial management(additional year)

both were acheived in Cork College of Commerce. so far, these qualifications have been worthless to me but maybe i havent looked in the right places....

Cv is fairly bare, i have experience with 2 window making/fitting companies and the latest job i had was part-time doing pub promotions for a few months which ended late 2007.

Some of my ideas so far include:

Taxi driving, do i need a special license to work for someone, i have had my full license for 3 years and its clean. May even look into getting a C license to try and get a delivery job of some sort if possible.

TEFL, would love to teach abroad, something fulfilling. how much coursework is needed to qualify for jobs in say, South Korea. needs to be money making, not volenteering. i may post on the education board for further info on this.

the Lidl retail management course, could be a good way of entering management while earning.

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Any other ideas, im open to suggestions!!! im a 23 male by the way.

Dinkie

corcaigh07 wrote: »

im thinking of leaving my course as i havent done enough work for 2 assignments due friday. Also, im not enjoying the city, course or the people too much. im so far behind and so unmotivated that ill never finish them off, not to mind actually be good enough.

I'll be honest. From what you said it sounds like you are making a rash decision based on the fact you don't have your assignments completed. I didn't like my course and went through the exact same thing every time I was late with assignments.

I would talk to the lecturer or student support about your issues. They may be able to defer the assignments take some of the pressure off you.

I would also continue for the rest of the year if possible. There is only another 12 weeks left any way. Then if you still want to give up - defer the following year. This way 1. It gives you the chance to find work/travel and maybe you will change your mind and go back to the course 2. It will look better for any future employer if you don't give up mid year and 3. Perhaps you can use the credits from this course to transfer to a course in Cork in the next year or so.

Remember finding work at the moment isn't easy.

Anyway good luck! Its a horrible feeling.

AARRRGH

I agree with the above. Quitting because you were too lazy to do your assignments is going to come back to haunt you. You will forever kick yourself thinking why didn't I just make the effort?

If you work your ass off you'll get enough of the assignments done to get a pass. Also, talk to your lecturer. You will be AMAZED at how accomodating lecturers can be if you talk to them. They don't want you to drop out!

Btw, with a degree you will greatly improve your chance of getting a TEFL job abroad.

Stick with it... you won't regret finishing off your education.

corcaigh07

thanks dixie, i Appreciate it, in all honesty, it has been a bit rash but quite simply, the course is very hard and one of the two assignments in particular is extra tough. i mean it though when i say that i dont like the course and im fed up of the city. i literally can't get that assignment done, i really can't and its my own fault that i havent the work done and even if i did, there's a good chance it wouldnt be good enough, the subject, the lecturer and the assignment are all very vague.

ive been thinking about it since i returned back to swansea, its a course i really don't like. the matieral is boring, assignments dont suit me like exams do, maybe i should look into Tourism, travelling, TEFL, something i actually will enjoy.

seanybiker

it dont matter that ya got the full license for 3 years . That wont work for taxis. You need a different license for that. Psv license i think is the name of it.
If i was you i would take what the other 2 posters said into account.

corcaigh07

thanks guys, well, ive decided i'm going to come home. Im unhappy here and since i unloaded all this on my loving mother, ive felt much better. My health wasnt the best over the last few days because of the stress, going to the toilet a lot, pain in the chest, very little Appetite. now, im ok

I know a degree would open more doors for me but this is the way i feel. I know times are tough but surely i can figure something out, id like to expand on my tourism side of my education, maybe add some more courses onto it, maybe start a different degree somewhere else on tourism in sept.

I looked into the PSV license and it seems pretty easy to get, just pay a small fee to start the process. only real test seems to be a general local knowledge test from a Garda, i lived in Cork for 3 years so should be ok there. maybe even with a small bit of cash, i could set up a small hackney business in my hometown. Ok, driving for a living isnt massively challanging but its something i enjoy and if i could get a bit of cash behind me, then i could look into doing TEFL abroad or going travelling somewhere like Australia or Canada.

hopefully from those ideas, ill get moving again. if anyone would like to add anything, feel free to. and no nasty comments about me leaving please!

AARRRGH

If you worked hard and stayed on top of things, you probably would feel totally different though...

I think you're making a mistake, and you will come to regret this decision.

Serafijn

Best of luck

SheroN

AARRRGH wrote: »

If you worked hard and stayed on top of things, you probably would feel totally different though...

I think you're making a mistake, and you will come to regret this decision.

I agree. I'm sure with a bit of determination and hard work you can turn it around.

I would get the degree first and then consider the taxi business, but the degree is a great thing to fall back on.

corcaigh07

thanks aarrrgh(which is how i felt a few days ago!), you are right to an extent, i would have been happier if i was on top of things than not.

even in the early days of my course though, i was wondering where i was going with this course and felt puzzled by the nature of how things were done, in my previous courses, it was all classroom and intensive teaching and end of year exams where this was minimal teaching, find out for yourself style about things and plenty of assignments, never connected with the course or the city or my class.

AARRRGH

Would you be graduating in May?

Do you think you can pull off a pass?

The reason I say this is because if you get your degree, in a few years you will be able to go back to college to do a masters or post grad in whatever subject you want. Basically you will have so many more options available to you if you get your degree.

It is worth it... I swear... I've nearly been in your shoes!

pirelli

DEFER for a year

Larianne

corcaigh07 wrote: »

where this was minimal teaching, find out for yourself style about things and plenty of assignments, never connected with the course or the city or my class.

This is how a lot of college courses are taught and if you were to go back to college, is what you would be faced with again.

RedXIV

I'm right there beside ya man, i'm trying to get assignments done and they are ridiuclously tough. (and being on boards doesn't help :rolleyes:) but i've felt like this loads of times. The difference i suppose is that i don't get anything for passing 3 out of my 4 years, i need the full 4 to get my degree. and i'm too damn stubborn to give it up. after spending this much time, it seems ridiculous to pack it in now

corcaigh07

Larianne wrote: »

This is how a lot of college courses are taught and if you were to go back to college, is what you would be faced with again.

yea, was thinking that a bit alright. the weird thing is Cork College of Commerce is linked to Swansea Metro Uni and they are completely different in style. Thanks Larianne.

corcaigh07

RedXIV wrote: »

I'm right there beside ya man, i'm trying to get assignments done and they are ridiuclously tough. (and being on boards doesn't help :rolleyes:) but i've felt like this loads of times. The difference i suppose is that i don't get anything for passing 3 out of my 4 years, i need the full 4 to get my degree. and i'm too damn stubborn to give it up. after spending this much time, it seems ridiculous to pack it in now

Cheers Red, good luck with that.

corcaigh07

AARRRGH wrote: »

Would you be graduating in May?

Do you think you can pull off a pass?

The reason I say this is because if you get your degree, in a few years you will be able to go back to college to do a masters or post grad in whatever subject you want. Basically you will have so many more options available to you if you get your degree.

It is worth it... I swear... I've nearly been in your shoes!

cheers arrggh but ive pretty much made my mind up. I doubt id enjoy a Masters!

think if i kept going, the course doesnt wrap up exams and all until the middle of June.

Larianne

Have you asked for help from your tutors or fellow students on your course? Have you spoken to anyone at your uni about dropping out? I'm sure there are people who can help you get back on your feet.

It just seems such a waste to throw away a degree. A degree will oopen the door for you in many places...

AARRRGH

Am I right in thinking you are feeling a huge amount of pressure, and the thought of dropping out - escaping from the pressure - is what's driving you the most? If it is, then what you're feeling can be fixed with study! :pac: :pac:

Just make sure you are being totally honest with yourself, that the real reasons for dropping out are not because you feel overwhelmed.

Best of luck whatever you choose to do.

Number one

Give the college work a go, you'll regret in years to come that you quit 5 months before the end. What else are you going to do between now and may? Draw the dole making a half arsed attempt in vain to find a mediocre, menial job while felling sorry for yourself? F*ck that, give it a go. You've got an opportunity that millions never will.

I've been in a similar situation and come out the better side of it thanks to some simple but very effective advice.

As was said above talk to your lecturers, they will understand. If they see you're concerned about your work they will be encouraged to help you through.

Every day you spend worrying about this means less work done, more time wasted and just leads you into deeper panic.

It sounds like you're all over the place with no focus on where to start so your getting nothing done.

Firstly and most importantly, sit down and make a list of everything you need to get done so you know exactly where you stand.
Break your assignments down into sections and plan how you are going to approach it. This makes it easier to approach rather than viewing it as one large daunting task not knowing where to start.

As you complete one element of your required coursework cross it off your list so you feel like you're getting somewhere. This will relax you and you will be in a better frame of mind to continue to work more effectively.

Whenever you feel like your losing control and have lost direction take a step back and plan again.

''A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there.”

Best of luck mate no matter what you decide.

Climate Expert

Do what makes you happy.
Not every horse is a race horse.

AARRRGH

Climate Expert wrote: »

Do what makes you happy.
Not every horse is a race horse.

I would agree to an extent, but sometimes people make bad decisions, and long term happiness is more important than short term happiness.

lloydbraun

Sorry to jump in but the similarities between myself and yourself are big. I did the College of Commerce Diploma and then the year in Swansea back in 05. The lecturers were so helpful if anyone needed to defer of get an extension. Is there anyone in your class that your close to, to bounce ideas off. I know its cliched but i think you will really regret this decision. Your closing so many doors to yourself, I also felt the same when i discovered my course was reliant on assignments and i lived in the library for a bit but i got through it. There is always help around if you ask for it.

Coming home must seem such an attractive prospect but trust me you'll be 3 months into a dead end job cursing the day you quit. Ive been to Korea teaching English on the back of the degree i got in Swansea, Ive had a great job in Finance in Dublin on the back of that degree.

Ultimately its your decision hope it works out for ya bud, hate to see a Corkman suffer.

0utshined

Everyone's already said it but...don't drop out. I really think you will regret your decision. For the sake of another few months you will have a degree and that can really make the difference. It says that you can stick things out and see them through to conclusion and that counts for a lot.

It may seem hopeless when you have two assignments due on Friday but I've been there before and you will surprise yourself with how much you can get done between now and then if you just get started. Or as other people have said talk to your lecturers, they are sure to be reasonable. At least get something in for the assignments rather than not submitting them.

Elessar

Do whatever makes you happy. If you are truly miserable in college, don't force yourself to suffer through it. Make sure it's what you want.

The above posters are just looking out for your best interests, but don't worry about not having a degree. It really is not that important in the grand scheme of things. I don't have one (just a simple Diploma from a 2 year PLC) and it has never held me back from getting good jobs or doing whatever I wanted. In fact, I even got a job once that specified a degree as a requirement for the position.

I'm in college a second time now on a one year PLC but thinking of dropping out aswell. Maybe have a chat with the college counsellor first before you make your decision.

Climate Expert

it has never held me back from getting good jobs or doing whatever I wanted

It has in fairness you've just adjusted your expectations. You could never be anything in the civil service or banking without a degree.

Ellechim

DO NOT QUIT YOUR COURSE!

GROW UP!

You have only a few short months left - get your finger out and your head down, ask the tutors for help and do the assignments (better late than never).

YOU WILL REGRET IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.......

Degrees are sooooo common now, you will really struggle to find a decent role in the future without one and if you do you will only find yourself going back to college at a later date while you're working which is miles harder.

You are wimping out - it would be easier and nicer to go home to your Mammy and her warm house, bespoke laundry service and fabulous dining room, not to forget the on-tap-admiration. Life is not like that - except if you live with your Mammy all your life.

I'm not normally so harsh but janey grow up.

corcaigh07

thanks guys, i was thinking the thread may turn into a keep at it sort of thing but im not happy here. If like you all said that i may come to regret my decision, then the option is there to try again next year, i dont think its a big disaster, ive only wasted a bit of money and 3/4 months. if i do decide to try again, i think ill be more likely to go for something in the tourism side of things and not in swansea....

thanks all for your comments, even the harsher ones like the last one which i need to hear too. im sure i can work something out