I need your input please!

United States
April 6, 2009 9:17am CST
I am becoming discouraged. I am one of those people who tries to get the most out of life, but I feel like I'm stuck in one place. I go to college, and college life is the same things over and over again each day. I recently spoke to my anthropology teacher and he has been in the Peacecorp and traveled before he even attended college! Do you think it is a good idea to take time off from school and travel, or get a degree right after high school? I always try to rush through things to get them done, but if I'm trying to just "get through it", is school for me? I see other students paying attention and going to class like it's no big deal, but I really feel unfulfilled. I love art. Every aspect of art thrills me, and I just feel that I wouldn't be able to make that much money if I focused on just that. People tell me, "why does money matter?" Well, money doesn't matter that much but it does to a certain extent. What do you think!
6 people like this
31 responses
@laglen (19759)
• United States
6 Apr 09
It sounds like your just in a slump, we all get there. Try volunteering, maybe at a museum, this will give you something more. As far as college right away or not, it is just up to the person. Find something new to add to your day, it may refresh you.
2 people like this
• United States
6 Apr 09
Yes! I've been trying to find new things to add to my day to refresh me, as you put it. It's difficult because sometimes we get so caught up in our daily routines that we completely forget how amazing the rest of the world is. Just thinking about breathing had me in a daze. How are our bodies so amazing!?
1 person likes this
• Philippines
6 Apr 09
We have one life to live. We need to know what we really want in this life. You have to know what you really want so you can reach the fulfillment you are dreaming of. Money is indeed necessary for a better living. But make sure you earn money while having fun. I have no idea of what jobs fit for art lovers. You know better. Listen to your heart's desire. You don't want to regret. You want a fulfilled life. You start searching for the answer now.
2 people like this
• United States
6 Apr 09
This is true. I read many books about how people have found the meaning of life. Don't get me wrong. I am happy for them but I feel like I haven't found it yet. Do you think it's too early in my life to really know? Just a thought, too: Who says we have to go to college and be "one thing" when we grow up? Your advice really helped, thank you.
1 person likes this
@forslahiri (1042)
• India
6 Apr 09
Hi, From Ur expressions I got a feeling that U r not focused. What do U want today,becomes possibly meaningless after few days(except U r passionate about art). My suggestions:- #Focus Ur priorities with Time. #Do's & Don'ts(during above time-plans). #Earning when & how ? #What do U persue with that money?Then What? Last Suggestion,Donot Compare Urself.Ur degrading Urself in Ur own eays.U r unique.It's Ur Life.Only thro' planned execution U can enjoy every bit ofit! =Lahiri,Kolkata,India.
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Apr 09
Thank you. You're right. We are all unique and we're our own people. I am not really sure what I'd like to pursue with the money I make, because I guess I am feeding into what society thinks I want (if that makes sense). I grew up knowing I'd go to college and get a job, but I didn't know I'd be so lost in my conquest of finding what I really want. Everyone is in school now, but I just feel like I'm doing something that isn't fulfilling my needs, you know? Thanks for the advice, I am going to use it!
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Apr 09
Do what makes you happy. Life is too short to do what you don't want to do. If you feel that you would be happy without selling yourself short then leave school and do what you feel will fulfil your life.
2 people like this
@navi33 (113)
• Philippines
6 Apr 09
I think you should just go with what you want. As most of the comments here says, We only live once. So its best if you can enjoy it. As also, in a journey, its not the destination that is mostly important. Its the journey itself. You can be a successful doctor, but if you don't love being one then it will be like a waste of time. And i don't believe money is a problem. Because there's nothing impossible if you really want to. We can always find ways to get what we want right? ^_^ Hope this helps you ^_^ \/
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Apr 09
I agree totally. The destination is not what really matters. Thank you very much. :)
1 person likes this
@dapperax (27)
• Philippines
6 Apr 09
The first thing you must do is know what you really want in your life, what you want to be and how you want your life would be like. You can list down all your wants in a piece of paper and rank them down which is your most priority to be achieved by then you can set your goals or aim in life and have something to go through,just like your partaking your life with a reason and must you have also faith, since I'm a catholic I seek God for guidance and enlightenment to help me go through in life (which is necessary in me). And if you think you still need space,have a break, have time for yourself to relax, you can perhaps travel to a place where you want to be, or hang out with your friends,etc.--you can still have that before engaging yourself to college. And I suggest, you choose the course in line with what you like because by then it would be easier for you and you will absolutely enjoy it. Regarding money also, its a big deal in real life and you can have more of it when you already earned a degree in college. One thing also, There's no harm when you Just take One Step at a time and No Matter How Many Times You Fall, Don't Quit because winners are the one who never quit after falling down. Just Smile, Trust in yourself and Have Faith in God. Good luck! :)
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Apr 09
The end of your response gave me chills up my spine. It's weird because I was raised catholic, too, but my mind is extremely scientific so it's hard for me to figure out what I believe in. I know there's something else out there and whenever I look to the sky I can feel it... it must be God. Thanks for the advice, I am going to try to do what you said, too. I need it all on paper so I can figure it out. And being happy is the best thing in life. Smiles compliment the face better than anything else :)
1 person likes this
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
7 Apr 09
You sound like you are suffering from a burn out. Try and go through the rest of the term/semester first. And then volunteer for the peacecorp mission, the short projects, during your vacation to see if that is the kind of life you want to go through. Looking at your posting, it seems you are still trying to find your niche. And you are frustrated that you are not able to find one that is satisfying to both the mind and soul. Trust me, life ain't gonna be much different when you graduate and enter the work force. You may have to learn to deal with this feeling. I have been there, and am doing that! Getting a degree will certainly help you to secure a decent job. I am from the old school, so my advise is still be to get your degree before you pursue any other passion. Cos once that age is passed, you will not have that energy to study anymore. Otherwise, find some way to let loose and rejuvenate during your vacation/term holidays before you hit the books again. How I wished I was your age again! That kind of freedom, that kind of carefree life you get to live by. If only I could turn back the hands of time and relive my teen life all over again!
@asweetie (1187)
• India
7 Apr 09
I dont know what you feel like or how it is in your country but out here it is very competitive and i wouldn't waste even a minute of my life and would get on with what ever degree i can get hold off and look for some real good job. i can travel and fulfill my desires once i earn enough money and complete my study. I dont want distractions and certainly dont want to attend class with the persons who were my juniors in schools
1 person likes this
@net101 (157)
• India
7 Apr 09
Excuse me if i am wrong, it seems you are a perfectionist. And being a perfectionist is not bad. School - classes - same routine sometime make a person boring. Whenever time permits, there is no harm taking some time out of busy schedule and go for an outing be it for a shorter period. The little enjoyment will provide energy and freshness to mind.
• China
7 Apr 09
I have the same feeling with you do now and everyone will have sometimes, for that is just life. One of my freinds has ever tole me, if you wanted to live your life, you have to first to learn how to throw off life. I think this sentence is to tell us that we have to first find out what do we want from the life and what we have to throw off. Some will like get a degree right after high school, some will like to take time off from school and travel. These are just all other's life. It is not our. We have live our own life. One word that is to do as your heart.
1 person likes this
@CMTS_87 (1339)
• Philippines
7 Apr 09
You know what you just need to follow your heart. Contemplate and ask yourself if going to college will give the genuine happiness or is travelling that will give you contentment. In the end, you own decision will matter. Happy MyLotting!
@emma1987 (107)
• China
7 Apr 09
Don't put your dream down.If you try to reach it always,one day it will come true. We all have our dreams ,just do it dont ask the result.
1 person likes this
• China
7 Apr 09
One of my dream is travelling around the world,but all of this dream depend on enough moeny and time.there are many things i love-even could`t own them-i only wish someday i can gain them.So i`ve entered the collage too,and i`m prepering graduate and applying the master degree.I love art too,even if my collage course are differ from art totally,i`m studied in economy. I really dont like that,though i`m like to earn some extra money ,it could`t reflect i`m interested in economy! If you have a idea to travel,and i have enough money and time,i think i`m glad to follow with you :)
1 person likes this
@kdmlrys (398)
• United States
7 Apr 09
I remember when I was in high school, I badly wanted to go to college as soon as possible so that I can concentrate on my passion which is in the field of computer technology. High school life, on a day-to-day basis, is like a dejavu to me. I got bored immediately. Well I'm about to enter the college life this year. I'm taking up an associate degree in computer technology (a mixture of computer science and information technology). I don't really know what lies ahead, although I'm hoping I won't experience what you're experiencing right now. I don't want to get discouraged or in my case, got bored! College is like the ticket to a great future. That diploma will serve as your suit & tie for securing a better life ahead. That's what my parents taught us - perhaps you can use it too.
1 person likes this
@siZidni (1860)
• Indonesia
7 Apr 09
if i were you. i will choose going to school rather than get time off from school. well. can you choose not to take subjects that you don't like? and manage your credit for one semester by picking up easy and interesting subject. i think it will help you motivated.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Apr 09
No money doesnt matter but unfortunately you need it to survive. And if its something you really want to do to better your life then you should do what makes you happy.
1 person likes this
• Malaysia
7 Apr 09
i agree with you on this..i used to feel the way you feel right now before. i did follow my desire..i dont want to waste years in the college i rather quit and follow my dreams. it has change me mentally and make me a strong person.i found life is hard especially when it comes to money.but there is no turning back for me. after two years i am having a stable life.i can do what i like and i reach my dream i music. i did not earn much but it is enough for me i dont need lots of money in my life.and by the end of the year i will going to part time class just to finish my study. i am happy with my life. i dont think money matters it is just important to make living better.
1 person likes this
@hinsliu (35)
• China
7 Apr 09
i think if you spare some times to travel or talk with your good friends what you thought.maybe it will resolve some of your bad mood. i feel if you love art, you shall learn them more and more and do what you want. maybe someday you will become a artist later.
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Apr 09
hmm well im a big party type so college wasnt for me i went straight in the Marines after HS. i traveled a lot and got to do a lot of things..now im going to college..but some times i think i should have gone to college first then joined the military as an officer..but you cant rewrite the past..i'd say stick in their and finish college your'll be proud of yourself and then you can do anything you want and go any place you want :)
1 person likes this
@anemia (1)
• China
7 Apr 09
Life is hard, life is art. Once you understand it, you will not be so confused. When stuck in one place, try to love it, and this is art!
1 person likes this