Taking a Break... thoughts on this...

Natty · #1 08-13-2004, 06:08 PM

I am having a real issue right now... I am feeling completely burnt out from school and I am considering taking a break for one semester and so I gain some new energy... I want to be a nanny/Au Pair for that time I take off and well I brought this idea up to my parents and well I will say they did not take it lightly. I understand and respect their concerns b/c of the stats of returning back to school, but I already beat that once... I took 2 yrs off before coming to college... So, I know deep down I can do it. I just need some advice if u did take time off and/or did not but were considering...

I really appreciate it!

Nat

winneythepooh7 · #2 08-13-2004, 06:25 PM

My advice is we all feel burnt out at times. A semester is really not that long if you think about it. The more time you take off from school, the harder it is to go back. Especially if you begin working and making $$$. What is your major? What other things do you have going on besides school that could be contributing to this?

Senusret I · #3 08-14-2004, 05:05 PM

I considered taking time off as an undergrad, but I didn't. I decided to look at each class individually instead of as 15 credit hours. I withdrew from classes I didn't want to be in, making me a lot less stressed. My Junior year, Spring semester I believe, I was only enrolled in four classes and went down to three when I withdrew from a theology course. It kept me less stressed and I didn't harm my GPA with a bad grade.

The trade-off for a lightened or part-time courseload is coming to terms with not graduating "on-time." For me, I was able to get my head right, go to summer school, and double up a few courses during senior year. I still graduated in May of my senior year.

One of my friends decided to go part-time early on and worked, graduating in six years instead of four. It worked out well for her.

Independent Study credits and Internship Credits are also very helpful. I took two independent studies my senior year doing what I loved -- writing. Got As in both courses and they counted toward my GPA. But I only had to meet with my prof like once a week for an hour.

Internship credits can allow you to get credit for a job or volunteer experience -- I did this in grad school and again got an A for damn near nothing.

My point.....there can be a middle ground between attending school full time and taking time off.

Munchkin03 · #4 08-14-2004, 05:17 PM

I considered taking time off during my junior year, but I decided instead to study abroad. Instead of the 16 credits of classes I was taking, I only had to take 12 each semester on my study abroad program, and they were pass/fail. It was what I needed to revitalize myself and get a clearer picture of my priorities. Plus, I was still able to graduate on time, and I went into my senior year having a better picture of what I wanted to do career-wise, and what it would take to get me there.

A concern for some of my friends that were considering taking time off--if you're taking out student loans, you're required to start paying them off after you are no longer at least a part-time student. Some of them knew that they wanted to take jobs that paid nothing or very little, and remained in school, taking classes part-time.

wrigley · #5 08-14-2004, 06:04 PM

Everyone's suggestions have been great as to provide alternatives to not leaving college completely.

How does being a nanny/au pair relate to your major? I think your parents would have been more receptive to your idea if you presented in a way that shows how it relates to your goals.

I took time off and it was a wake up call. They are not kidding around about having to pay back student loans when you're no longer a student. It was a challenge getting a decent job because I was competing against people who had their degrees. I did not get back to college as quickly as I thought would. I agree with winneythepooh7.

Everyone has a semester or two from hell. Hang in there.

Natty · #6 08-14-2004, 06:35 PM

I am really appreciating all of this advice...
I have come up with 3 ideas...
1. Do the nanny/Au Pair thing and take 1 or 2 online classes
2. Study Abroad
3. Or maybe transfer to another school-really don't want this one... but maybe I need it...

I am a special Education Major...

Thanks a lot!

Nat

Taualumna · #7 08-14-2004, 07:05 PM

Au Pairing/Nannying sounds interesting, but I'm not sure if you can find employment for one semester, unless you are going for a summer. I suggest that if you're interested in Au Pairing, that you take the entire year and also take a few online courses.

_Lisa_ · #8 08-14-2004, 07:42 PM

I took a break from school & although I'll be the first to admit that its hard to go back I found a job that would pay for my school. So I've been working full-time for the last 2.5 years but my job is paying for me to go to school part-time. Its a great deal for me!

Lady Pi Phi · #9 08-16-2004, 11:37 AM

I think if you feel that you need time off, you should take it.

I left school and I have been out for a eyar an half. I am returning to school this september, albeit into a different school/program.
I was burnt out, I was having health problems. leaving school was the best thing I did and I am so excited to be going back.

If taking time off is not an option, I would take Senusret I's advice and try taking a lighter course load.

Shima-Mizu · #10 08-17-2004, 12:18 AM

My boyfriend's taking off probably for the whole year, he needs more money to continue being able to afford coming to college... but he's still planning on finishing, so no one looks down on him for it

BirthaBlue4 · #11 08-17-2004, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Natty
I am a special Education Major...

In that case, I would suggest finding a job that is like a nanny, but is for a special needs child. You could probably find this kind of information on a special education site, through a local special education school, or try the CEC's (Council for Exceptional Children) site, they have employment opportunities. This way, when you come back, you may be able to use this time away as credit for some classes. That way you kill two birds with one stone. Another alterative to keep it in the major is to be a paraprofessional. You'll be in the classroom with a special ed teacher, but you won't have to do the IEPs and whatnot. This can also help you to fully understand the profession and whether its really right for you.

Also, what year are you in school?

IowaStatePhiPsi · #12 09-02-2004, 08:09 AM

Some resources:

http://www.gap-year.com/
http://www.yearoutgroup.org/