Forced to do college

[ZaraWrites]

Okay, so I'm going to be starting my second year of college, studying Level 2 hairdressing... But I don't want to do it as I don't enjoy it. Mom said to me, it's either go to college, get a job or move out. So I feel like I'm being pressurized into going to college as I currently can't get a job or move out... No idea what to do but now I'm really not looking forward to this year

[Gingerbread Latte]

What exactly is it about college you don't enjoy? The place, the course, the people?

If it's the people then just ignore them and get on with your work and if it's the course or the place what about switching? You could apply to a different college or for a different course at the college.

Hey there,

I can relate to you to a certain degree because my dad has the same rule. It kind of sucks because there are times when I don't feel like going to college because of how stressful it is but I know I can't make it on my own quite yet and finding a job where I can support myself without a degree is next to impossible.

Do you know why you don't like college? Is it the people? Do the classes not interest you? Maybe you could try setting little goals for yourself throughout the semester and when you accomplish those goals you can reward yourself by buying a new book or something like that. This might help you make it through the semester a bit easier. I do this sometimes and it makes the semester a tad bit easier and less dull.

I hope this helped and if you want to chat feel free to message me.

[ZaraWrites]

Okay, the reason I don't like it is the course. It's not fun. There aren't really any more colleges in my area, and I would love to do creative writing or performing arts but that's on another campus which I'd have to get a bus to - And I cannot afford it.

[Celyn]

Is it not possible to switch courses?


Where I live they run some drama workshops in the local libraries and community centres, so maybe that is something you could look into? Also, have you looked into online courses for creative writing? It might not be the same thing, but you may find it interesting.

Hope things work out for you!

[Lelola]

Well, I would start looking for a job if you want to drop out of college. Worse comes to worse, could you get a job after you graduate from the college and then fund your preferences for acting? If your parents are paying for part of your way, then you need to find means to support yourself. If right now you cannot get a job and cannot afford to move out, then it kind of seems like college is where you will have to go. It sucks but that's the price you have to pay when you have to depend on others. Learn a trade and then make enough to get out on your own. Creative writing and acting classes will always be there down the line and at least with the hairdressing it can give you a way to earn cash. Creative writing and acting are limited majors most of the time.

[Philomath]

This does sound a bit frustrating.
Have you looked into all of the courses at the campus you are currently on?
Maybe there is something there you could like but you have not explored yet.
It is great you are into creative writing and drama but maybe you have other interests as well that you do not realize yet because you have not pursued them.
Creative writing and acting could be things you do outside of college (such as workshops). Or you can take online classes in creative writing or even just write on your own without adding in the pressure of grades.
You can still pursue these interests without necessarily getting that degree if this makes sense.
If you want to do creative writing and acting as your long-term goals than maybe you have to start in one place and work your way to that point.
Set those as your long-term goals and see what you can do to reach them (even if it requires going a bit out of what you are used to or think you are interested in).
If you are not interested in hair dressing--which is obvious from your post--you have the right to explore courses offered on your campus and choose what you want to study.
Your parents cannot dictate everything in your life (even though they may have some part in your finances). You will only really gain from your college experience if it is one of exploration, trying new things, making mistakes and learning from them.
Remind yourself that you are not the first person in this situation and that you can get out of this and eventually get to where you want to be.
I hope this is helpful and you can send me a message if you ever need anything.
Take care.

[Mahray]

Some good questions and advice. If you don't like what you are doing, it will be very hard to do well in it. Perhaps though you can reframe the hairdressing as what you need to do as your day job? Or, as people have said, explore other options at the college where you are currently studying. Are there other courses? Different specialisations? Is there a career/academic advisor you can talk to?