College Break

elle1987

I'm a 3rd year student going into my final year of college and i really want to take a year out. I'm completely burnt out as its my fifth year of studying 3rd level and i don't think I'm mentally strong enough to continue this year. If i do continue its very possible i may fail or just get a ****ty degree. Since I've put so much effort and time into this college course i want to achieve a good result for my own personal satisfaction. I've been thinking about this for quiet awhile now... the past year was a bit of a disaster I lost all motivation in college, i was unhappy and depressed, my attendance went to s*** and i feel like if I continue its only going to get worse. I actually feel like I've lost a bit of myself, my personality. but then maybe every final year student feels this way and maybe then I'm just running away from reality and prolonging the problem. my parents are not exactly entertaining the idea and i think if this wasn't the case I'd go right ahead and take the year out or wouldn't feel as guilty for doing so, I'd really appreciate any advise, thanks elle

JimmyCrackCorn

An option may be to do half/some of the subjects. I did this in my final year due stress and personal commitments.

It can be hard to go back if you take a full year off.

b743k

I did this as I was very ill during the summer between 3rd and 4th year and had lasting effects. I'm really glad that I did. I took a few months to recover and then did some unpaid intern work to help my CV.

I needed it as I would have messed up the year if I kept going but I ended up getting a great result with the year off. I wouldn't worry too much about not wanting to go back as you know that for the sake of a few months it's all worth it and not going back would throw all of the work and money away.

One thing to keep in mind is that the registation costs may go up next year so make sure you save money during the year.

Good luck

LegacyUser

If you are still feeling burnt out after your summer break you should probaly consider taking the year off. I failed a repeat in my 2nd year of college and it was so close I know I could have gotton into third year (a classmate was in a similar position and got into third year) but I just wasn't feeling college at the time.

So in the year out I got a job and basically enjoyed myself for the year. When it came to going back I was delighted to be going back and went back with a fresh outlook and from then really enjoyed the course and I came out with a 2.1 in the end which was a good step up from my 1st and 2nd year grades.

You should try and talk to a counsellor in the college. Also, you will have to consider your financial situation and also the possibility of registration fee increases as our government scramble to get every cent they can from us! Ideally try and get some work in whatever industry it is you want to get into, even if it's an internship as this will give you a competitive edge from other classmates.

Also if you do take the year off just make sure you enjoy the year and do some hobbys and keep yourself busy. If you decide to stick the course out bear in mind how short the college year is (24weeks).


Best of luck whatever you decide!

unreggd

Yeah I'd agree about taking the year off. You dont want to end up with a crap degree, or failing completely, for the sake of finishing a year sooner

You're in full time education from the age of 5! So a mental break before/during college works great IMO. and as you said, you can build up your CV

Nowadays work experience is just as valuable as a degree, if not more!

Firetrap

If you think taking a year off would help, by all means do it. Just be aware that going back after that might not be as easy as you thought it would be. It may not solve your problem.

elle1987

cheers guys, discussed things with my parents and I've decided to take the year off. I know financially it may not be the smartest thing but for my own health and sanity its by far the only option...thanks for the advise