6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Go to College

Of course, this blog is all about the wonders of learning and education, but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to be on the same exact path. Some people learn better in certain settings than others, and there’s no wrong way to find an education that works for you. That being said, college isn’t the path for everyone. If you want to go to college because it feels right, then go right for it! But if you have your doubts, there may be a few reasons why you may want to reconsider.

Sometimes, external pressures can make you feel like college is always the right choice, but you may simply not be ready right now, or perhaps you don’t need college in the life direction you’re headed. There are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t go to college — and it’s up to you to decide whether or not they apply to your life situation. Like any life decision, this will require you to ask yourself what you truly want. If you’re considering the situation, here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t go to college.

1. You Don’t Know What You Want to Study

While there is something to be said about going in undecided, you also don’t need to be in any rush. If you truly don’t know what you want to study and you yearn for the full college experience of jumping headfirst into a major and sticking with it, you may feel a bit more comfortable taking some time off before you attend college. This can help you truly understand what you want, and find a school with specific programs geared towards your chosen field of study.

2. You Aren’t Ready to Take College Seriously

While nobody really wants to admit to being the person who doesn’t want to take college seriously, hardly shows up for class, and only goes for the parties, there’s a lot of maturity in recognizing that you aren’t ready for the full responsibility of college life. College costs money, requires commitment, and involves a lot of hard work, and those things shouldn’t be wasted if you don’t plan to value your education. If you aren’t ready to take college seriously, you might want to consider holding off before you sign away that deposit.

3. You’re Interested in a Trade or Specialized Skill

There is so much education out there that doesn’t require a classroom and a college campus, and you could very well find yourself at home in one of those fields. From electrical engineering, to real estate, to cosmetology, to tattoo artistry, to culinary work, there are a variety of careers that require specialized training programs, trade schools, and certifications that are independent of a college education. Often, those kinds of tracks can lead you exactly where you want to go. If you’re passionate about something, you should follow it, no matter what the educational track is like.

4. Your Chosen Field Doesn’t Require a Degree

Similar to the above reason, you could also have your eye on a field that doesn’t require a degree at all. Whether you already have a specialized skill you can use to build your career from the jump or you’re entering an industry where on-job training is the standard — like pharmacy tech work or going into the military, some fields don’t require a college education, and if that’s the case, don’t feel like you need to get one simply for the sake of it.

5. You Don’t Feel Emotionally Ready

Life milestones are subjective, and that includes college. Whether the scary part is the prospect of choosing a major or leaving your family, you don’t need to be ready to go to college right away. You can always take a break to work or do an internship or simply figure things out until you do feel ready to go to college. There is no requirement for when you need to get started aside from your own determination.

6. You Aren’t Financially Prepared

Unfortunately, finances can sometimes be a determining factor in your education timeline. While there are grants, loans, and scholarships, if you know money will end up being a constant issue or stressor in your college experience, now may not be the perfect time for you. Really, it’s about ranking your priorities. If you feel alright with it, you can totally go forward, but there’s also no shame in taking some time to save up or apply for more aid.

Everyone Has a Different Path

College may not be for you, or it may not be for you at the current moment. No matter what path you choose, it’s important to listen to yourself while you take the steps to build a life that you want, because that’s the way to achieve true satisfaction.