If you've found your way here, you are either contemplating dropping out or you've already done it. Either way, congratulations, it wasn't easy. You put yourself first.
It took me a solid 6 months to officially decide I wanted to leave, and I still opted for a gap year in the first instance. I was struggling towards the end of my first year, especially after having started during the pandemic. Not only was it difficult to integrate, but I also discovered I had ADHD which only made it worse. I knew for a while that I didn't necessarily “fit” into education, but when the world around you tells you that it's the only thing you can do, you take the route regardless.
I was about three months into my gap year when I decided that I wasn't going back. I had found a perfect job in a school, building my business and I was happy with my life. Fast forward to now, I am no longer a student and I'm still in a job that I love, with exciting prospects in both my professional and personal life. So here, I am going to give you some of the tips that helped me when I made the jump.
1. Have a plan, to not have a plan.
The most common thing you will hear is 'you need to have a plan if you're leaving education'. Don't get me wrong it's very valid, but it's not the be all and end all. You're just a little early to this position. Not only does the concept of a billion-step plan feel like a whole lot of pressure, but it can also scare you into not doing what your heart actually desires.
The first thing you should plan to do is, nothing. Find your footing first. Figure out what aligns with you as you already know what doesn't. Allow yourself to become open to your own passions and interests. If you are fortunate to move back home, you have even more of a safety net to fall into and discover how you actually want to spend your next 6 months, let alone your whole life. If you don't have that opportunity, I advise getting into work that stimulates your creative side. Don’t get sucked into a dull 9-5 and think your world ends without a degree. It doesn't. In fact, it only makes as much difference as you allow.
2. Remember time is on your side!
You are in no rush. There are no deadlines. If you're spending your time doing what you actually want to do, you've won. You'll often feel as though you need to play catch up and get ahead of the game in comparison to your peers, but that just isn't the case. Everyone is on their own personal path, and you know what they say; comparison is the thief of joy. No matter what stage you're in, it’s imperative to be present in your own energy so you can go to where you're truly being called. Once I moved back home, I was in such a rush to find a full-time job and just call it a day. I even had interviews at car dealerships knowing I had no clue about cars. After about three weeks of pressuring myself, my opportunity fell into my lap, and I've been doing what I love every day since. Your grounded and clear energy will attract the perfect opportunities for you. Good things always take time, whether it be 3 days or 3 months. It'll always be worth the happiness.
3. Your education is not equal to your worth.
A lot of us don't realize that we have equated our self-worth to our education. This has been ingrained into us since young, especially if you had a strict upbringing. The crazy thing is, the minute you leave the blanket of education and step into the real world, you see that your educational background often has the smallest influence, depending on your field. It's a given that you need higher education for particular careers, but if that doesn't relate to you, do not worry. It's all about getting your foot in the door and personal merits in whatever you do. For those who are creatives, don't focus on 'fitting in' when it comes to corporate worlds if you know that's not where you want to be. Intelligence and skill come in many different forms, invest in yours.
4. You still have support.
If you have a support system, which is genuinely good, they will continue to support you no matter what. You won't be alone in whatever you decide. Note that now is an even better time to learn to ask for help and guidance. A lot of the answers you're looking for now, may not be right in front of you since you've transitioned on your journey. This is a good time to be confident in being proactive. On the flip side, if you feel there is anyone who maybe doesn't have your best interest at heart. Drop them. Deciding to go against the grain is already hard enough without a Negative Nancy constantly talking fear into your life. Between you and me, those secretly hating are also secretly jealous of your bravery. There are also many people out there that have been in your shoes, or currently are. Try and reach out within this community and know that you're not alone.
5. Your social life remains.
Leaving education does not equal erasing your existence. You may be on a different path, but the people around you who love you will be with you every step of the way. It may be challenging at first to learn new methods of keeping contact, but as you ease into your way of living it'll become the norm. It's important to remember that you're all on different times, so don't take it to heart if it's quiet at first. You also have a new opportunity to meet people. Your social life will change, but it leads to some of the most wholesome memories. The world is full of people that you can connect with. You just have to keep an open heart and mind and appreciate your life. You made the choice for a reason, so I say why not try and live it to the fullest. You're the only one experiencing it as you anyway.
6. Do not listen to anybody else but yourself.
You can't ask someone how to get there if they've never been there. In a nutshell, nobody else knows better than you at this point, so listen to yourself. It's okay to ask advice from those you trust but remember to always take it with a pinch of salt. They can only advise you so much from their position and ability to understand your path. You are the only one who sees the vision in your way and so it's good to tailor the advice to this instead. If you are feeling stuck or lost, sit with your feelings for a minute. However long it may take, your intuition and body will tell you what is right for you. At those moments especially, take care with the words you receive from others. You're extra susceptible to influence when you're unsure yourself. It's good to remember to trust in your own decision-making skills.
The hardest part of anything, is simply starting. And to choose yourself? That's even harder. Be proud of yourself no matter what you decide to do. Learning to make decisions for yourself does get easier. It also gets a whole lot more fun realizing you had the power to make your life your own this whole time. Go flourish and be happy in your existence!
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