Posted by jane d on January 29, 2002, at 11:48:02
In reply to such difficult decisions, posted by Katey on January 28, 2002, at 20:13:50
I would be very hesitant about leaving HS at this point either for Community College or for work. Both are stressful changes and stress and recent depression mix very badly. My own feeling is that your long term well being may depend on how well you treat yourself over the next couple of years. I didn't do this when I was about your age and, thought I can never know for sure, I think that has a lot to do with the problems I have today.
I agree with Mair that taking time off to work can be a trap. I fell into that trap myself. Suddenly you are spending your days with people who are focused on whatever success that job can bring, not on returning to school. Your old friends are living on a different timetable and a different budget and getting together gets harder and harder. And employers in entry level jobs can be extremely intolerant of mental illness. If you do find yourself temporarily needing extra consideration over the next months you will be far more likely to find it in high school. Finally this is not best economy for entering the job market. I just saw an article saying that many college graduates are choosing to hide out in graduate school for a few years until things pick up.
I think the decision about college now depends mostly on your specific circumstances. If you are miserable in your current school - either socially or academically - go for it. But I've gotten the impression from your posts that you are fairly happy with your situation. I've also gotten the impression that you are a serious student - one who will stay up all night if need be to finish a project. The opportunities and temptations to do that kind of thing increase at the college level. If you aren't sure that you can withstand those temptations it might be better for your health to stay where you are for another year.
Or, of course, this could be all wrong for YOU. Good luck making the decision.
Jane
poster:jane d
thread:17412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020125/msgs/17452.html