Jimmy Said:

Dropping out of school?

We Answered:

If high school is not working out for you, you should still get your GED. A GED will ensure that you get a higher paying job, entrance into colleges, and ultimately more options.

If you have not talked to one of your high school counselors yet, I would recommend that you do. They can give you information about higher education.

Harry Said:

I feel overwhelmed and unsure about my next step with college, vocational school and a job?

We Answered:

You do have a lot on your plate, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing provided every part of your puzzle belongs there. Do you have an idea as to what your ''dream career'' will be and what you need to make it a reality? If not I do suggest doing as much of the medical stuff as possible seeing that you're already into it and are doing well. Finishing it and walking away fully qualified never hurts, especially if the other thing doesn't pan out exactly as you hope. You can never be totally sure so having a rock solid back up is wise, especially during these terrible economic times.

As far as the part-time job, get one so long as it doesn't interfere with your studies. You can always grab something for a few hours on weekends if it really is that urgent, but don't exhaust yourself if it means failing out of school. You said you have good grades, keep it up a little while longer and graduate in good standing. You are only 21 and have a lot of time to earn money. I know you may not like living at home at your age but many kids are still at home, some older than you. Nothing to be ashamed about. Others would love to be in your position and have a good roof over their head so look at the bright side, however small it may seem now. Save your money...again in this bad economy you don't need to be burning hundreds each month on rent just yet. Wait it out. Lock down your dream career while finishing your medical stuff and get something very part-time or wait a bit, especially if it's just a matter of 6 months to 1 year, or whatever. Look at the big picture and don't make any rash decisions.

Look at me. I always wanted to be a pro musician and entrepreneur. I also completed a Masters degree in Science and previously worked in my field for the government. When I got laid off some years back I focused on my dream of promoting my band ''The Integral'' full-time. I've been drumming since I was 12 and am now 32. After all these years I'm still at it. Unfortunately I still have not made enough to live exclusively from my music but I have no regrets. I can now return to my field and make some real money using all the business skills I have gained running every aspect of the band. I'm of course going to keep the band going on the side and will have the best of both worlds this way. If things explode for the band in the future I can always resume that again full-time.

I also started my own home business on the side marketing telecom services so I am an entrepreneur too. Have as many doors open as possible and go for things you believe in, but always have a solid backup. Trust me even if it is hard to grasp everything now, you will appreciate it all later on, and so will many others around you that didn't plan things out so smart and are not quite as lucky. Best!

Gopal (The Musical Mad Scientist and Entrepreneur)
http://www.theintegralband.com
http://www.gopalonline.com

Leon Said:

i feel overwhelmed and unsure about my next step with college, vocational school and a job?

We Answered:

Your profile name is 'just me' - so that's exactly what you should be: just you. Never get pressurised by others into doing what you don't want to do.

That said, on the one hand you are saying that you chose medical because it is a good field and on the other hand you are saying that you don't want to do in-depth studies like your sister. I feel that if the medical coding and billing class makes your medical education complete, then go for it. It will add weight to your resume and help you when looking for a well-paid job. Don't get put off by looking at fat books that look like there is plenty to study. Remember that at school level too young kids find text books intimidating but once you enter the classroom all that so-called difficult text becomes easy to tackle - that's what education is about: getting knowledge! You have mentioned that you have got good grades, so why the fear? Ultimately, whatever field of education you pursue, you have to STUDY and study HARD. So do not let fear of having to learn "LOT of things" put you off. Relax, take deep breadths to the count of 10 whenever you will stress, and in your mind tell yourself that you WILL tackle this successfully. It's all in the mind!

Regarding planning a part-time job while studying, there are endless options. See: http://www.indiastudychannel.com/resourc…

Carla Said:

My boyfriend wants to quit school!!!?

We Answered:

Yeah, if he doesn't complete high school he'll surely come to regret it later in life. When I was that age you couldn't "tell" me anything. I was full of myself and "knew it all." Some lessons we have to learn for ourselves and learn them the hard way.

The very best of luck to you both.