If you're in college and you realize that you are only there to get your degree, with no idea of what you'll do when you get it, stop. If you don't feel like you're learning anything, that's another reason to reconsider your decision to be there.

    Dropping out, even temporarily, can be a valuable experience....IF you're prepared.

        If you've been on the educational treadmill from first grade on, you'll gain extra time to think more fully about what you want out of life and whether college is even a part of your game plan. If and when you do go back, you are likely to be more motivated, focused and committed to being there.

     Remember,  college isn't for everyone. Dropping out can help you decide whether it is a good option for you. That may be reason enough to take the time. Don't feel guilty about your choice. It may be the best one you ever made, especially so early in life.

       Things to consider and think through:

1. If you have financial aid, you may be forced to pay it back immediately or in short order.

2. How do you plan to support yourself and what sort of job can you get? It is a good idea to have temporary savings, a small loan or a net or a job lined up before you officially withdraw from your college. Even if you don't think you can stand to be in school a minute longer, don't act rashly. Prepare for your next step.

3. Consider the costs of living you'll face if you were partially or fully supported by your parents while in college and that support will end if you drop out. . Getting a job and paying your way can be both exciting and frustrating, especially if it is your first job. It can also be one of the most educational experiences you'll have, from negotiating rental agreements to grocery shopping, fulfilling your job responsibilities and more.

4. Many jobs are open to people who have completed SOME college but don't yet have their degree. These jobs include teaching aids, special education resource assistants, some police department jobs,  EMTs etc. Having some college will usually be considered an asset by employers even for those jobs which don't REQUIRE them.

5. Talk to people about the jobs they do, whether they like them and consider if those might be a possible option for you. Take time to explore various alternatives.

6. Learn from your mistakes. If you have regrets about dropping out, that may actually be a GOOD thing. Think about why you dropped out and why you might want to return. What do you miss about college, if anything? On the other hand, if you don't miss a thing, that's a pretty strong message right there.

7. If you don't want to return, consider other forms of education, whether you are learning on the job, apprenticing,  serving an internship, etc.  Remember, college isn't for everyone.

8. Whether you return to college or not, never forget that learning occurs outside of school as well.

9.  If you want to be in college again, try to be clearer about your goals and reasons, from expanding your perspective to having a better shot at the job of your dreams. If your only goal is "financial security" don't be ashamed of that. There are many reasons for people to go to college - or not.