Might drop out of school to work

[Leisel]

I need to make more money in order to support my siblings - they aren't my legal responsibility but I'd like to be able to offer them a safe place with food and beds when they need it. One of them needs that now and I can't provide it. But the only way to do this is to work a lot more - go from part time to full time at my current job and possibly get another part time job in addition.
The thing is, last semester I was only working part time and it was really hard for me. Not because of work, but because of mental health and forgetting assignments, things like that. So my GPA is pretty low and I need to retake those classes. So grade-wise, another bad semester is worse for me than taking the time off.
Problems:
I genuinely enjoy learning and was excited about my classes this semester. However, my work schedule as it is now may clash anyway leaving me unable to take them regardless.
I don't know what to do with myself when I'm not in school. Like, even if I'm busy with say a 40-60 hour work week.............when I'm not working, I have no idea what to do besides study. It's summer now and I'm so bored all the time. This could be solved if you have any ideas of what to do lol or if I find a job that includes doing some things from home.
Everyone I know who took a break before going to college has struggled to go back to school. There's "never a perfect time," you know? Though I think this is a genuinely bad time for school, I can't guarantee it will end. I do rly want to go back but it seems a lot easier to "keep going" than to return.
Idk. If you have literally any input on this, please let me know. Also input on how to help my siblings in other ways, because this isn't immediate, I need a few months of higher pay before I'll even qualify for a decent apartment.

This is college btw I graduated high school already

 

[scout86]

It's cool that you want to help your siblings. How old are they? Is there anyone else who can help with their situation?

I went to college for 2 years, dropped out (before they threw me out, because my grades were that bad), then went back a couple years later and finished. I probably should have dropped out sooner. (It would have helped if I'd realized I had a few issues I actually needed some help with WAY earlier, but.....) Anyway, in my case, it worked fine. When I went back to college, I'll admit, there was a lot of stuff that struck me as stupid and I had problems dealing with that. But I've ALWAYS had problems dealing with that. My grades were better, I paid attention, the time off was a good thing.

In your case, though, it's a little bit different situation. What are you long term goals? I'd hate to see you sacrifice your own life and your own goals, even if it's for your siblings. Is the field you're interested in something where you can get some practical, real world experience without a college education? Then you could add the college to the experience in a few years. (Which is why I was wondering how old your siblings are. I'm wondering how long your education would have to be on hold to get them grown & on their own.)

 

[420kitty]

I'm a little like you in that I don't know what to do in my down time from work. It sounds as if you want to continue to go to school but may need a break to take care of your mental health. If you have a car you could deliver through doordash or postmates. If you're good with people and maps then Lyft or Uber. They're good for side gigs for extra cash, and good for downtime. Although, it wouldn't be sufficient enough in income to support other people. Returning to school is always an option. How long would you need to support them for? Would time off interfere with your memory of the things you have already learned? Are you in a program or only doing pre-reqs right now? All things to consider. I took time off from college to work and I'm not interested in my previous area of studies anymore. I'm going back this upcoming semester. Good luck in whichever you decide. :)