Is it a good idea to take a semester (or more) off?

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I still have no driver's license, I am immature (to the point where it's getting in the way of functioning independently), no car - mom has to drop me off, my sister and I are dropped different places at similar times causing time constraints, no cell phone/communication device, no money

my job starts September 5th- labeling and packaging at repairclinic.com- awesome place- so I'm wondering if taking time off to expand hours and make more provisions for myself as well as an added bonus of having learned through experiencing "starting college" issues and the natural mental development independent of my own choices - is really the best option here as I'm not really gaining as much as I could without all the aforementioned benefits.
thing is, we've already bought books without financial aid that we won't be able to return, and we've already made a plan, so my mother, who still unfortunately coordinates most of my schedule, feels too invested in this to quit, so there's a hurdle there.

I know I recently made a similar post, but this is also a different question.

Good idea?

Going to college/university to do what?

Off hand, i would say, do not delay college, you are just delaying the time that you can make more money, especially if your intended profession is in engineering, accounting, or a medical doctor.

I did not have a car until I was 22. My mom said, "If you can afford a car, you can afford to pay for your own college." She, or rather, they, relented when I was in grad school, and my brother and I were given my sister's old car I to share (we went to the same college, he is four years younger than me).

I take it the job and college are mutually exclusive? It is good to have work experience of any kind when looking for your first job out of college.

[quote="michael517"]Going to college/university to do what?

Off hand, i would say, do not delay college, you are just delaying the time that you can make more money, especially if your intended profession is in engineering, accounting, or a medical doctor.

I did not have a car until I was 22. My mom said, "If you can afford a car, you can afford to pay for your own college." She, or rather, they, relented when I was in grad school, and my brother and I were given my sister's old car I to share (we went to the same college, he is four years younger than me).

I take it the job and college are mutually exclusive? It is good to have work experience of any kind when looking for your first job out of college.[/quote]
No, but I'd be able to expand my hours and be able to pay for a lot of necessities by next semester...car, cell phone, emergency stuff, food, my dad's meds, my OWN meds.
The idea of schooling isn't really to pay the bills. My family are in the position of being in dire straits soon, and for sure, that's a serious issue...but my job at Repair Clinic pays great without too much investment of my own, and it's in a place with people I feel related to, doing something I am very much acclimated to.

I could understand your situation: you have a job, and, fulltime, it will pay for many things you couldn't have paid for if you were in college.

I don't know....maybe go part time? Or try to take online classes?

Actually, what we came up with a day or two ago was that I'd take Principles of Biology, hefty enough to qualify for financial aid, but even though it's one class, we have to drive 3x a week, and I'm registered for English 101 online next month, so that specific credit is no big deal thankfully, and also my on campus class is at 6 PM, hopefully making work a non-issue, as I don't think my manager would allow me to work more than 60 hours/week. close to 8 hours on class days, a little more on Monday/Friday, and majority of the weekend is just dandy.
I also have a 2-day-long college success seminar in a couple months that counts for an entire credit.
Only thing I'm giving up is mathematics and programming this semester.

Unfortunately still have to spend 3 days playing pretend adult for a couple weeks. God willing, I'll mature enough to be okay by like...November hopefully.

You know what? More people play "pretend adult" than you think. It's just that we Aspies are less adept at hiding it!

I think you'll do fine.

Should I take that as closure as approval of the above plan?

As long as you're taking enough to keep you in the college plus keep your financial aid flowing. If you lose your financial aid because you're not getting enough credits, that would be a ridiculous move.

It's good to make the bucks, too. It's ideal if you are able to do both, while maintaining, like I said, your financial aid.

As long as you don't get sidetracked, and even THINK about dropping out.

I wouldn't totally take any semester off. I would continue--whether taking six or sixteen credits.

SO you're saying that if I get sidetracked or think about dropping out, I should drop out?

Of course not!

Please read the last line: you should continue whether you take 6 credits or 16.

Ah you were saying that work shouldn't distract me.

You could take the 6 credits, while you go to school. If it affects your financial aid, I'd take as much as they require.

If you don't go, you lose your place at the college, and have to apply all over again.

I feel like I'll go when I know I'll get something out of it, and it won't be a disaster. Up to my discretion.

Officially keeping the class registered though.

the non-campus ones I'll keep for sure

Yep...it's your choice, your discretion.

I had to take it a bit easier one semester in my early university year so I got half the credits. Take it easy and slow for a semester if you have some issues to resolve, but I highly recommend you to not stop completely. It's an easy gateway to dropping out altogether which would really be a shame.