Continue with University?

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

I've always said, it's called "work" for a reason. If it was fun, it'd be called "play".

In that case, I choose to "play" for 50 hours a week.

It is possible. You just have to figure out what you like to do, then find a career that lets you do it.

OP: All advice is necessarily autobiographical. Before following anyone's advice, ask yourself if you'd like to be in their shoes.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

In that case, I choose to "play" for 50 hours a week.

It is possible. You just have to figure out what you like to do, then find a career that lets you do it.

OP: All advice is necessarily autobiographical. Before following anyone's advice, ask yourself if you'd like to be in their shoes.

I'm not saying you can't find enjoyment or satisfaction out of your job, but at the end of the day, would you be willing to do it for free? If not, then it's still work.

[Matata]

Everyone I know that is doing valuable work, that they love, followed the exact same path: Follow your heart, be kind to people, work your ass off and be (well, act) completely fearless. I only know about 2-3 people that have successfully pulled this off because it is extremely easy to get discouraged and it requires years of thankless, difficult work. But I've done it myself and it's absolutely worth it (I'm currently doing green building design and energy analysis).

[THE SCUD]

Originally Posted by Pinner

19 and going to the U of A for 2 years... Get away from the books and work the rigs or something. Make lots of money and spend it on party girls and booze, and waste the rest of it.

You have lots of time to figure it out.

Wow, that is terrible advice. I hope you're not a father. Unless you aspire for your boys to be cocaine-addicted rig pigs, of course.

[THE SCUD]

An accounting degree can serve you well your whole life, whether you decide to be one or not.

It sounds like you're already struggling and that's the main impetus - If first year accoutning is hard for you, then maybe you're best to find something else, as it does just get harder. But if you can hack it, it will serve you well, even if you go on to be an EMT.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Matata

Everyone I know that is doing valuable work, that they love, followed the exact same path: Follow your heart, be kind to people, work your ass off and be (well, act) completely fearless. I only know about 2-3 people that have successfully pulled this off because it is extremely easy to get discouraged and it requires years of thankless, difficult work. But I've done it myself and it's absolutely worth it (I'm currently doing green building design and energy analysis).

Not loving this advice. Work really hard at a thankless, difficult job? That's a recipe for depression.

[Matata]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Not loving this advice. Work really hard at a thankless, difficult job? That's a recipe for depression.

I didn't say that part was the job. You should work hard at making yourself into the kind of person that can accomplish your dreams, in whatever way it takes. Nobody hands out praise and acceptance to the rookies, it has to be earnt and that process is what is so demanding. But no one ever regrets working hard in their youth to build a quality life for themselves.

e: during school, 60-80 hour weeks were common, my current job has 35 hour weeks and pays well.

[MickMcGeough]

Originally Posted by fotze

What do you do? and it better be something that I believe someone could like.

Web design, full time & freelance.

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

I'm not saying you can't find enjoyment or satisfaction out of your job, but at the end of the day, would you be willing to do it for free? If not, then it's still work.

I do it for free often.

[TSXCman]

Originally Posted by getbak

I went into Engineering out of high school because I had good marks in math and science and it seemed like the thing to do...and I absolutely hated it. I did 2 years,and looking back, it was the most miserable 2 years of my life.

haha, this is currently what i'm pushing myself to finish. don't have much drive to complete ENG except to just have a degree now. It's not fun but I've chosen that kinda direction. Sounds like adjusting to something you like could be the happier life route

[Kybosh]

Engineering is definitely not for everyone, but an undegrad engineering degree opens to the door to so many different careers it's ridiculous. It is one of the few highly marketable degrees.

[edn88]

The most lucky people in the world are able to find they job that they love doing, are good at and can make money at. The hard part is deciding which of those three you are willing to compromise at and still be happy.

Having said that, if you don't find something you love (or at least like a lot) the money part is not really going to matter.

Personally, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was an adult (and could argue I might not still) and got no advice from those around me. I started in general sciences along with computer science, then jumped over to economics. In my last term in economics I realized (or thought I realized) that I was never going to use my econ degree.

So with one course to go, I decided to take a break until I could figure out what I really wanted - from there I went back to work doing summer work which led me back into IT and from there into a fairly decent management career in IT.

I am often asked why I never finished my degree, to which point I always answer - I never had to (and I think I was fortunate). I suppose if I was ever put to the task, I would go back to school and use my credits for something else (still have no idea what that would be - cannot imagine it would be to finish Econ). I am pretty certain I would be miserable being an economist (although I certainly use lots of the skills I learned along the way).

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by edn88

The most lucky people in the world are able to find they job that they love doing, are good at and can make money at. The hard part is deciding which of those three you are willing to compromise at and still be happy.

Having said that, if you don't find something you love (or at least like a lot) the money part is not really going to matter.

Personally, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was an adult (and could argue I might not still) and got no advice from those around me. I started in general sciences along with computer science, then jumped over to economics. In my last term in economics I realized (or thought I realized) that I was never going to use my econ degree.

So with one course to go, I decided to take a break until I could figure out what I really wanted - from there I went back to work doing summer work which led me back into IT and from there into a fairly decent management career in IT.

I am often asked why I never finished my degree, to which point I always answer - I never had to (and I think I was fortunate). I suppose if I was ever put to the task, I would go back to school and use my credits for something else (still have no idea what that would be - cannot imagine it would be to finish Econ). I am pretty certain I would be miserable being an economist (although I certainly use lots of the skills I learned along the way).

Dude you have one course to go - get that degree if only for the satisfaction of completing what you started. Plus, you never know if it will come in handy. Seriously, what's a course cost these days? $750? What'll it take to complete, a couple of months? I can't believe you wouldn't finish at this point! Don't university credits basically expire after 10 years or something on unfinished programs?

[JustAnotherGuy]

Originally Posted by SHOGUN

I'm at the point of my life right now where I feel like the decision I'm going make this upcoming fall will really determine what I'm going to do with the rest of my life.......

Don't think of this as a decision for the rest of your life. Man you will go nuts if you do. Think of it as a life decision that is important to think through. But worst case scenerio you make another decision in a couple years or five years. Life is long. Enjoy it.

[HelloHockeyFans]

Originally Posted by SHOGUN

I'm at the point of my life right now where I feel like the decision I'm going make this upcoming fall will really determine what I'm going to do with the rest of my life. I'm 19, and I have attended of the U of A for 2 years now (1 year of Arts and 1 year of Business - Accounting). I absolutely hate it, and the reason why I have the mind set of dropping out. My GPA has dropped to 3.4 to 2.7.... Yeah, I know dropping out of University is considered to be a dumb move by many but I seriously have no motivation in continuing my studies in Accounting.

I'm considering looking at the EMS field for a bit but I'm hesitant since I have spent so much money and time in credits at the U of A and would feel it would be a complete waste. In addition, if I were to get far into the EMS field, I would think I would be not have the motivation in going back to University. If I were to stick with University, I'm looking at the alternative majoring into nursing.... however, since my grades have dropped significantly, I feel I will struggle getting into the program, therefore AGAIN, spending MORE money and time into courses to raise my GPA. I'm lost, I hate the feeling and need some kind of guidance. I feel I have failed myself.

I have not told anyone about my future plans... as I fear the reaction. Since there are a lot of older, mature and wise people on this forum, any advice and words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

You've admitted to yourself in the above bolded sentence that you will not have the motivation to go back to University after leaving.

And don't feel bad about this - the large majority of people out there who are finished with school, or perhaps never finished, don't feel like going back when they've spent time outside of that environment.

I too assumed I'd be back in school eventually just because I actually sort of enjoyed the learning aspect while I was there, but I've been out now for 5 years and no way would I go back.

I suggest you continue with your schooling and address these motivation issues. They're likely driven mostly by you being unsuccessful, so ask yourself if you simply have no interest in the subject matter or if it's something else completely unrelated to school.

You need post-secondary education these days to even stand a chance at getting a professional job. If you're okay with not getting one and working in other kinds of jobs, that's okay too, but be sure that's what you want.

An education doesn't guarantee anything, but it gives you opportunities in the future once you're done. Put yourself in the best position possible to succeed and finish school.

[edn88]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Dude you have one course to go - get that degree if only for the satisfaction of completing what you started. Plus, you never know if it will come in handy. Seriously, what's a course cost these days? $750? What'll it take to complete, a couple of months? I can't believe you wouldn't finish at this point! Don't university credits basically expire after 10 years or something on unfinished programs?

It has probably been >15 years to be honest - and it was at UBC. When I asked about transferring credits to UofA it was 50% transferability. So the only way I could do it (if at all) is by going back to UBC (and having the credits all still being valid).

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by edn88

It has probably been >15 years to be honest - and it was at UBC. When I asked about transferring credits to UofA it was 50% transferability. So the only way I could do it (if at all) is by going back to UBC (and having the credits all still being valid).

Fair enough. I graduated in 2000 and I occasionally have dreams I'm one course shy of my degree lol. It's actually kind of funny you just said eff it right at the end.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by SHOGUN

Since there are a lot of older, mature and wise people on this forum, any advice and words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I think you have a virus on your computer. It redirected you to the Off Topic on Calgary Puck - not this utopia you speak of.

As a serious note is the reason your grades have gone down is because you hate it? Very few people love their job - its why its called a job.

[SHOGUN]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I think you have a virus on your computer. It redirected you to the Off Topic on Calgary Puck - not this utopia you speak of.

As a serious note is the reason your grades have gone down is because you hate it? Very few people love their job - its why its called a job.

My grades gone down because one day I all of sudden did not feel motivated or driven to study.... I just felt... 'whatever' in my head.

I researched a bit that all of business courses + arts credits are included for the transfer require for nursing... I'm seriously considering it since it's just 28 months of schooling to get the degree. However, I'm worried my GPA is too low....

[Pinner]

Originally Posted by SHOGUN

My grades gone down because one day I all of sudden did not feel motivated or driven to study.... I just felt... 'whatever' in my head.

You're 19 with 2 yr's of U of A under your belt, what you're describing are classic symptoms of "burn out". That's sad, take a break from school.

What is burnout?
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.

Burnout reduces your productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.

[zukes]

My two cents.

I took my time in high school, in Ontario, you could do a Grade 14 year if you so chose. I left Calgary mid Grade 10 and did not go back that year when I moved here. I started up in Grade 11 and took 3 courses a semester that year, then I took 3 and 2 in Grade 12, then I took 2 a semester in Grade 13 and again in Grade 14.

I was into partying and this suited me fine. I started University the next year and was still into partying, got 1.5 credits that year and was put on academic probation for Year 2. In Year 2 I averaged 80's and got off probation and in Year 3 it was much the same, I had finally grown up enough to keep up with my studies.

However, I was doing a double major in English and Political Science by this point (after being kicked out of business my first year) and my plan was to be a teacher. I would have had to go back for the summer and then a 4th year, then teacher's college.

All the while I had been working in insurance during the summer's and a couple years on Friday's as well as I did not have classes. I was good at it and knew I would have a full time job if I wanted it.

My mom was having trouble keeping up with the bills as she was helping my sister who had just had her second kid a few years earlier, so I figured I would take a year off, I actually went to a year of college while working part time, then started full time the next year.

That was over 10 years ago. It worked out for me. I make more money than I would have, even if I was a principle by now, I have incredible freedom in my job and I actually enjoy what I do.

That being said, I had some good contacts in this industry and I am good at it. There are not many my age in this industry who do not have a degree, especially in the job I am now in. I have a great job now and there are opportunities to go even higher if I so choose. I have continued to take courses in insurance, so the schooling has never really ended. I may be one of the lucky ones, but I say, only you know what is right for you.

Like many have said you are young, and you can always go back to school if something you choose does not work out.