[ducky2030]

So I have a long rough past with college. Ive been to numerous colleges that I never finished mainly because of depression and social anxiety. I REALLY had a tough time! (with the exception of painting classes) But theres still a part of me that wants to complete a degree regardless of what i went through in the past. One of my past teachers’ said that before I continue with school I need to address the reason why I struggle to get work done and succeed. well my “problems” aren’t going anywhere I just have to control my symptoms the best I can. I moved back home with my mom with plans to complete a degree but Ive gone back and forth about whether or not I wanna go and what to major in, Im pretty set on graphic design now but Im just afraid if i go back to school I won’t finish and it’ll just be another school, another failed attempt, and a waste of time and money because I could of been working full time and I pretty much have to live at my moms house for 2 years because I can’t work and go to school full time. If Im going to do this I want to be done in exactly 2 years or less so I can get on with my life and move back to new york. Also people have recommended that I study something more practical but theres nothing “in demand” that I’m interested in. Also I should add that I can go to school for FREE with the exception of fees and books so that adds more pressure to the feeling that I should or have to get a degree! I do have a job now that I enjoy working as an art framer and Im a freelance makeup artist but Id like to have something else I can do…I like to keep my options open…If anyone has any advice on how i decide about college or can relate it would be very helpful! Thanks!

[hvert]

What is it about the depression and social anxiety that makes it hard for you to do college? I mean, what are your specific symptoms? Do you get too anxious to go to class or too depressed to do homework? I think your teacher was on the right track - but instead of identifying the why, just figure out the what and what you can do differently. The university should be able to work with you to identify appropriate accommodations.

I would also not let the 'free' aspect pressure you. Maybe if you wait you will have to pay a little, but maybe you will know by then exactly what it is you want to do.

Could you take just 1 class a semester? One of my friends had a real problem finishing his work because he was such a perfectionist. He kept taking incompletes and then eventually flunking because he never finished his papers. He wound up taking just 1-2 classes a semester and taking a long time to finish his degree (he had a job the whole time, too). It was a pretty good choice for him, in the end.

Also, it's pretty cool that you have two jobs. What do you think is different about your jobs that makes them work for you in a way that school hasn't so far?

[ducky2030]

Originally Posted by hvert

What is it about the depression and social anxiety that makes it hard for you to do college? I mean, what are your specific symptoms? Do you get too anxious to go to class or too depressed to do homework? I think your teacher was on the right track - but instead of identifying the why, just figure out the what and what you can do differently. The university should be able to work with you to identify appropriate accommodations.

I would also not let the 'free' aspect pressure you. Maybe if you wait you will have to pay a little, but maybe you will know by then exactly what it is you want to do.

Could you take just 1 class a semester? One of my friends had a real problem finishing his work because he was such a perfectionist. He kept taking incompletes and then eventually flunking because he never finished his papers. He wound up taking just 1-2 classes a semester and taking a long time to finish his degree (he had a job the whole time, too). It was a pretty good choice for him, in the end.

Also, it's pretty cool that you have two jobs. What do you think is different about your jobs that makes them work for you in a way that school hasn't so far?

Hi,
Yes you are pretty much right I was too depressed to care about homework. I would drag myself to classes sometimes skip them when i just couldn't deal...and I was very anxious about being in a classroom setting and especially when we had to do class critiques of artwork. School is more of a commitment and more demanding than having a job... when I get off work Im done!lol...so that helps...

[hvert]

What if you just did one class, to start off? Have you tried that before?

[OliverRaw]

Try combining work and studying. It is hard, but it is possible. I now work and have classes... Less sleep, but it feels good actually)