Should I leave university?

Questions and Comments
#1

I don’t know if my topic fits this section.

I am a sophomore student studying the bachelor’s degree in applied computer science. Basically, we’re studying data science here, but it’s totally uninteresting to me that I’m not studying any discipline at the university. Thus, I am wasting my precious time in university for the second year, although I could devote myself to what I am really interested in, get a job and develop in my business. By that time, I would have had a decent experience and a good salary if I didn’t go to uni.

I will have exams this summer, and I am not sure if I will pass them at all, because I am not studying, for there is no desire to study something that does not arouse any interest. My parents insist that I get a degree. Although everyone knows that knowledge and skills are valued in IT, not some book confirming that you went to university for 4 years.

I’m thinking of dropping out of university, but if I do this, my family would be extremely angry and upset. What do you say? What advice would you give me? I know most of the people here are adult men, so I would be glad if you could give me some advice.

2 Likes
#2

You’re most likely going to have several years ahead of you when family is dead and gone. Let them worry about their own stuff. It’s your life.

EDIT: apologies for the morbid tone. But I believe each person is ultimately the only one with any input or how to live their life.

I read about a famous actor (forget which one) whose parents were FURIOUS she decided to get into that instead of whatever professional career they “wanted for her”.

They never spoke to her again and have since died.

Their loss, I say.

3 Likes
#3

I grew up in a culture that expects you to always stay in contact with your family and never break down bridges between you.

Of course, my family is not the kind of people who will never talk to me again just because I didn’t choose the path they wanted me to take.
The worst that can happen is that I will be scolded a lot, but sooner or later my parents will get over it.

In part, my question is asked from the perspective of whether I should continue my studies and get my degree, because I’ve devoted 2 years to it and have just as many more to get my degree, or whether I should leave university, because it doesn’t matter how much time I’ve devoted to university, because what matters is what lies ahead, and I should act with that in mind

2 Likes
#4

We all have different circumstances, opportunities available to us and even the time, or location where we make a certain decision is a factor.

I’m sure you will find your answer with enough contemplation and reflection.

Success comes in many ways, a few made it big without a degree. Steve Jobs, Bill Gates if my memory serves me right.

I can’t give you a definite advice, as this is no small matter, and you have to think this through.

That being said, and looking back, one of my biggest regret is not finishing college.

At the time finances was an issue, but I know now if I pushed a bit more I could have stayed and got myself a degree.

3 Likes
#5

Why? What could degree give you?

#6

My opinion is simple. If you don’t have a clear and precise alternative that is already present and that you’re already working on, stay in school and get that degree. You’ll never feel sorry for getting a computer science degree. It opens the door to a lot of possible careers, not to mention consulting and entrepreneurship.

You’re half way through, stay the course. 2 years is nothing. Unless you already have a credible alternative and school is what’s keeping you from pursuing it.

12 Likes
#7

KSub said it better than I ever could. I’ll just be rambling on my own past and it’s not that helpful.

Think things through. You’ll find your answer. Best of luck friend.

3 Likes
#8

First question are you paying for the degree?

Second question is how old are you?

Careful with this one. Having recently gone through the hiring process for potential IT candidates we had to advocate HARD for HR to not gatekeep with degrees. Well that’s my experience in the US at least. It’s absolutely ridiculous how tied to degrees businesses still are despite how utterly meaningless they can be for certain fields. It’s possible to rise above that noise but it’s very difficult. Having a degree is valuable just because of the perception it brings, I know it sucks but that’s how the general population has been conditioned to think.

Third question, if not pursuing this degree what are you planning on doing?

2 Likes
#9

I realized/decided 2 years into my degree that I didn’t want to do that anymore… so I switched majors. Basically started all over again… my parents were not happy. I was though, as I liked my new major much better. (just a different branch of engineering). What’s funny is that I’ve since found myself in a career doing much of what I’d started out in the first major, and now I love it. haha.

For me, it was an easy decision to switch (just a costly one…) but not one I’d suggest ANYONE take lightly.

Best of luck with whatever you choose!

3 Likes
#10

The decision here isn’t whether or not you should leave university.

The decision here is whether or not you want to live your life through the fear of losing your parent’s approval.

3 Likes
#12

Okay everyone has given great advice here. Will add to this.

Now when thinking of making a decision, you have to really put yourself in your future and ask yourself “Am I going to regret this decision or be happy with it?”. The reason being that some of us value a degree and others don’t as much.

I am one of those who think there is something inherently rewarding about completing what I started and also the self-discipline I get from sticking to my decisions.

This doesn’t mean that I should continue something I dislike. I could change majors or if am absolutely sure of myself, quit university and begin career early.

Whatever decision you make, think it through very carefully. Give it a whole day or two thinking it over and over, looking at the pros and cons and on what you want.

And once you make that decision, go all the way and never regret it.

All the best, brother!

3 Likes
#13

@SaintSpring Probably a dumb question but what is Applied Computer Science?
Is there a big difference between that and Computer Science?

1 Like
#14

It seems to me that in some cultures, seeking approval from parents is highly valued, sometimes even prioritized over personal happiness. However, I believe it’s important to find a balance and prioritize our own well-being while also respecting our family’s values and beliefs. Its something i have had to struggle with for a long time.

2 Likes
#15

Hi @SaintSpring, good to see you as always.

I don’t know if you should leave university because I don’t know you.

But here’s what I do know. People have a tendency to put a lot of thought and detail and planning into what they DON’T want. “I’m going to leave this.” “I’m going to get away from that.”

This tendency is literally built into our default, automatic mental processes. It’s not personal to you. (We have evolved to remember, anticipate, and contend with pain automatically. So nature takes care of that one. Meaning? Contentment? Joy? Those are your own problems.)

So instead let me give you a question or two three:

  1. What would university have to be like in order for you to have an excellent, meaningful, and satisfying experience in university?

Use details. Not just emotionally-fueled generalizations.

  1. What specifically would you be wanting to achieve in your business in order for it to be really satisfying? In the next 3 months… In the next 6 months… In the next 12 months… In the next 2 years…

  2. If you were applying for a job last week, what would you consider to be the optimal job and working situation and why?

3 Likes
#16

If you leave, are you gonna live off of your parents money? Or do you earn your own living?

1 Like
#17

It can be a difficult decision to drop out of university, especially if your family expects you to earn a degree. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of this decision carefully. On the one hand, if you are not interested in the subject matter and find it difficult to study, you may not perform well on exams and struggle to complete the degree. On the other hand, having a degree can provide some advantages in the job market, such as greater job security and access to higher-paying positions.

If you are considering dropping out, it may be helpful to speak with an academic advisor or career counselor to discuss your options and how dropping out might impact your future career prospects. You can also consider taking a break from school for a semester or year to explore your interests and gain experience in your desired field before deciding whether to return to university.

It’s important to remember that pursuing a degree is not the only way to achieve success and fulfillment in life. There are many successful individuals who have not completed university degrees, but have instead gained experience and skills through internships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training. However, it’s important to have a plan in place and be prepared to work hard to achieve your goals, whether or not you choose to continue pursuing a degree. Ultimately, the decision to drop out of university should be based on what is best for your personal and professional goals and well-being. :thinking:

Additionally your level of drive and determination can also play a significant role in deciding between pursuing self-employment or obtaining a degree. Those who are highly motivated and proactive in seeking out lucrative opportunities may be better suited for entrepreneurship, while others may lack the necessary drive and prefer the stability and structure of a degree program. It’s important to evaluate your own goals, strengths, and motivations to determine which path is the best fit for you.

2 Likes
#18

@Trader @Apollo @ksub @Fractal_Explorer @BLACKICE @Skadoosh @Lion @RockyHandsome @Malkuth

Thanks everyone! My decision is to stay at uni. Am gonna do everything to finish this 2 damn years.

12 Likes
#19

your question is is absolutely good, sir.
Applied CS students study CS in a particular field. It could be engineering, government service, finances, medicine. They learn CS and basics of their field, not pure CS. Computers Science students are broad, but not wide specialists, whilst Applied CS students are narrow, but deeps specialists.

3 Likes
#20

Great decision! :raised_hands:
As someone who spent a lot of time in university, I know first hand that getting a degree is not the easiest thing to do, we all had to face doubts at some point . I just NEVER met a computer science graduate who said :" I’m sorry I got my degree, I wish I didn’t finish". :joy:

Good luck young bro! You got this! :muscle:

3 Likes
#21

Staying or not staying is not the fundamental point.

The point is learning yourself, your values, your motivations, and so on.

This period of thinking about leaving is letting you know that there is some work to be done in clarifying your direction. This has to happen from the inside. There’s no external decision or situation that will remove the question.

But it’s also not a question that needs to be answered in one weekend or even in one month.

So, I’ll still pose the same questions to you:

These are just a starting point. And you can feel free to replace them with other questions that match your situation more specifically.

But try to explore the questions about what you want.

No matter what direction you choose, staying in university, working in one field, working in another field, the moments of conflict and choice will still come back.

If you work with your questions it will build the muscles that help you to deal with those times.

There are a bunch of subs that help with this too.

But the ones that come to mind most clearly are: Emperor, Revelation of Mind, and Dragon Reborn.

2 Likes