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"Grabbing life by the gonads and giving them a squeeze."

So I'm quitting University after 3 years of a 4 year course, and I don't regret it. I think 'quitting' is the wrong word there, because I've actually been offered a very good job doing design work: maybe 'shelving' would have been better.

So I'm shelving University after 3 years of a 4 year course, and I don't regret starting this new sentence. Towards the end of the second year I was growing increasingly frustrated at the boring, tedious, monotonous workload. I really wasn't enjoying it. Then I started doing some part-time web design work for a company run by a mate (ironically, I met him through another mate at Uni), and it turns out that this company is well established, has a long list of loyal clients, and they desperately need an in-house designer. Cue me desperately trying to get out of Uni.

I gradually found myself sticking to the design work deadlines (albeit loosely), and letting my Uni work slip, until eventually I just stopped caring about Uni because I was having such a good time with the design work. And afterall, why was I studying - to get a decent job? I was being handed a decent job on a golden platter, with the added incentives of being my own boss, working from home, wearing what I wanted, snacking when I wanted, necking when I wanted... I can always go back to the degree later. I've seen people join courses in the second or third years because of their previous experiences, so I can do the same.

So rather than let the opportunity pass for the sake of my education, I've decided (after a good few months of thought, this is no gut reaction) to go for it. It's such a good chance to establish myself with a company that seems to be on the grow. I know the land of web design is a fickle, short-lived place, but they do other things too which ensures my stability (mentally and fiscally), which is why their web department is the last to grow, but is going to become one of their main sources of income. And I'm bringing with me a fountain of ideas that has impressed them already.

I wasn't even failing at Uni. I had a bad semester about a year ago, and agreed to add another semester after I was meant to have finished the course (this would have meant 4 and a half years total at Uni), but last semester I got a few A's and B's, and was well on my way to getting at least a 2:1. So I can't be accused of quitting because I was failing - the exact opposite, I was doing really well! I just need a new challenge, something more positive and satisfying.

I think it partly stems from my attention span - I get bored of things quickly. But this suits design work well. All the results are immediate, and you can change stuff whenever you feel like it. With Uni it was taking months to get anywhere, then if you stuffed it, that was it, no more chances (after any retakes, etc). I don't even play computer games anymore, except with my mates, because I haven't got the attention span. But it's not like I could never go back, which is why I feel I can leave Uni without regret, because I'll be back there to finish the course one day.

After reading that back, it makes me sound like I'm writing as a means to get permission. Hahahahaha, as if I'd ever listen to any of you lot! I've thought this through properly, with my mind, and sometimes by counting fingers, and I don't see a downside. What's a degree worth now anyway? Hardly any graduates waltz into jobs, and when they do they find themselves working with people that have worked their way up, regardless of their education. The only downside is the debt. I've accumulated £11,000 worth of loans that need to be paid back to the SLC. I've still got to arrange all the paperwork for leaving. It may turn out that I can just suspend the whole process for a few years. I doubt it, but at the end of the day (God, I hate that phrase), I shouldn't even notice the payments going out each month. My loan hasn't even come this year yet, so I might be able to wangle it so that I get the loan, but leave the course, and can use the money as a buffer until I start earning proper.

And there you go. A long post featuring feelings and sentiments, and I'm not suicidal, in love, a gay, or a goth/mime. My thoughts are clear, and my boxers are clean, and this is probably the biggest decision I've ever made with my adult brain. I just hope my Mummy doesn't mind making me a packed lunch everyday.

I hate to bring this up but what about the future. this job is working for a friend, and when you quit/get fired/finish the job you wont have an qualificatio and some experience. I guess that wont be a problem if you take that oppertunity to finish uni.

A very big and brave move to take, but, more importantly, the right choice to make if it's gonna make you happy in the long run.

If you're not happy doing something now, at a young age, one of the worst things you can do is to set yourself up for a lifetime of boredom under the same heading - leading to permanent depression, personal dis-satisfaction and all sorts of problems.

I bet there are many others out there who may not have the courage to do what you've done with such a commitment, and all the money being spent...

I am pleased for you.

......

Paradox: wrote:
> I wish you a thousand happy sunrises.

And may the fallen leaves of autumn dance on this earth for your pleasure.

I was mid-way through reading this and the gurlfriend called, can't find where I was up to now. Generally my response will be the same anyway - good for you - I wish you a thousand happy sunrises.

I never said I didn't like Uni - just that I've found something better.

Tough call, but if it's a great job then good for you.

Hey, atleast you went to uni and realised it wasn't for you.

I fear that IF (not when) I go to uni, and I don't like it, I won't be shelving.

It was a good choice monkey_man.