Read This If You Ever Thought of Dropping Out of College!

Nowadays, the number of students dropping out of college has been increasing throughout the globe. Gone were the days when I also used to have some thought regarding it. But now, I have been seeing things differently. I have confronted many people saying so with a higher level of confidence. And I don't have a problem with all of them. But yes, a lot of them.

I don't mean to demotivate you from achieving your life-like goals. But, if you are the one planning something big, you should better not judge me without understanding the core of the entire article. So, with the help of this article, I have covered various things regarding dropping out of college and also helping you prepare well before dropping out if you are planning anyways.

Why do people have this thought?

In total, 40% of the undergraduate students from the United States dropped out of their college to date. Among these, 30% of them were reported to drop out in their freshman year of their college. Many students are even obligated to leave their college due to financial situations, work and family commitments. Other reasons include failing at academics, not sure about life decisions, improper guidance/motivation, and stress.

Besides, the three basic reasons that make a mediocre student (that has none of the issues mentioned above) into having this thought are:

1. Feeling motivated by the biography of the successful dropout like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, etc.
2. Passed-out graduates and students sharing their experiences stating the frustrated education system along with the waste of their college years.
3. Exploring some of the influencers online or coming up with some fancy motivational videos on YouTube and posts on Instagram that promote something similar.

What you need to know is that the list of the dropouts is numerous but not all of them have become successful in their lives. No one talks about the dropouts who failed. Also, you should not get tricked into being one of them. And taking actions immediately based on the opinions of the graduates and other students earnestly may hamper your career.

Similarly, as per precaution for the third reason, you should understand the whole story. If they ask you to drop out without any context, you should change your influencer or the source. Sad but true! Instead, seek for some inspiring creators.

Pros and cons

We cannot simply say if dropping out of college is good or bad. Because it depends on various parameters. So, being neutral with either side, these are the pros and cons of dropping out of college.

Pros:

• Making money early.
• Extra time to focus on your goals.  
• No stress of educational debt or dues.
• Exploring what makes you happy i.e. your topic of interest.
• Extra time to focus on the skill you craved the most.
• Exploring other learning workshops.

Cons:

• No educational qualifications or credentials.
• Underlooked in a profession when the educational degree is valued.
• Mandatory to pay the student loans (if you have any).
• May encounter issues while returning to a course.
• Increase in responsibilities and commitments.
• Missing out to build connections with people in college life.

Dropping out, being a career decision, is not as easy as it sounds. Also, it doesn't mean that life becomes easier after the completion of the course in college. Depending on the various parameters, you should be wise with your decisions.

My personal opinion on dropping out

In cases of obligations, I personally have no arguments. But I do have enigmas with people who talk about dropping out even though they are facilitated with everything added with the overconfidence of becoming excelled in life once dropped out. These are the people having this thought due to one out of the three reasons that I explained earlier. Drop out, but only if you have somewhere to drop in.

Dropping out can make a major hindrance while job placement. This is because there are still many places and professions that value an educational degree more than anything. This can be affecting your career as a whole. Until you have thought and prepared for your career plans wholly, dropping out is the worst. You may have plans to become an entrepreneur starting your own business or something else. If you are having doubts or your plans seem partial, it means you are stuck.

What I suggest to you if you are stuck in between is to do a side hustle. And yes, without dropping out. Choose a 'career-associated' course, go to your college on time, return home, and manage your time doing the side hustle. Side hustle involves the thing that is about your interest or startups. It can be a research on the topic. Or enrolling in skillful and relevant courses. Starting a part-time job or your own business is also good.

But anything you do, managing your time properly without degrading your college grades is an essence. Schedule your major projects at the weekends and be a full-time entrepreneur when your work gets busier. Also, you can pause your side hustle if there are any upcoming events in your institution (examinations). This way, you can start your business and continue the course side-by-side without dropping out.

Dropping out may not excel you in life but doing this will surely help you a lot. People with financial problems can also reduce their students' dues or debt by involving in side hustle through a minor profitable business.

Preparations (before and after the take-off)

The primary thing to consider before dropping out of college is asking yourself a simple question: Will I be able to sustain in the real world once I dropped out? These or similar questions help you with these career-based decisions. If you have made up your mind with a 'YES' or become the victim of the obligatory reasons, be well-prepared with your college drop out.

Inform everyone

Notify your institutions, professors, and counselors. With this, you can also request any kind of refund and clear the financial obligation in the institution before actually dropping out. This is to ensure you do not have any issues in the future. Do the talk regarding this to your parents early on and drop out after finishing with your semester. If you are a parent and your son/daughter is planning so, understand your child's devising and motivate him/her. Don't be the demoter straight up.

Find a startup

Once you drop out of college, you may be confused about the things to do in the first place. This situation doesn't arise if you already have a startup plan. If you don't have one, still there are many choices for starting up a business. It can be anything like babysitting, pet grooming, touring, serving, packing service, tutoring, sales, and many more. If you are passionate about business, go for it. Because every work is equally dignified and respected. But, you should be consistent with your work. It matters the most.

Learn a skill with certification

Since you will get extra time quitting a college course, you will add time to learn a new skill. Then, you can learn the one thing you always wanted to learn. If you already have learned the skill, utilize that time to strengthen it. And then, you can find a startup with that skill. Moreover, a skill with certification is further preferable. You will find the various certification courses with low-cost online as well. With the skill, you can apply for the seat in the companies where a higher educational qualification is optional. There, the skill with the certification will help you a lot.

Ignore other people's opinions

This is the key tip starting up a business and in life as well. Once you drop out, there will be a lot of people around you stating their opinion to let you down. Since their opinions don't help you increase the profit in your business startup, you should learn to ignore them. Ultimately, all you have to do is keep up with your work and grow. Be consistent, stay motivated, and have patience. You will eventually succeed!

Pat yourself in the back

After a few years of your work, it is also good to look back to attain your educational degree. Since dropping out is not the end, you can continue your college courses at any time. After you drop out, you will also find at least one field where the educational degree is important. Now that you have known the essence and solved your financial issues, it is the time to continue your education. This can also be optional varyingly but adding slamming herbs to your beautifully-made dish can be more delightful.

Conclusion:

One thing is clear that you can't be Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg after dropping out of college. Unless you have a mindset like these personalities. So, it is crucial to have a plan before taking any steps in life. In the end, you should have no regret with whatever decision you choose. Since nobody can obstruct you if you have the confidence, you will be successful. Have a great day!