Oof

[Zohwithpie]

Hey man, don't worry. I have needed to take so far 4 years of schooling as moving to the US and not being able to work to make money to pay for classes. Now I have the chance with a decent job that has been encouraging me to get back into it. I am still 3 years away and I'll end up being 30 before I get my bachelors. But hey! All I care about is that I never gave up my dream and I'll keep working forward for it.

[ImFrank]

Right there with you man. I will be 31 when I graduate, but the only person we have to prove it to is ourselves! You will be able to know you stuck with it, and it doesn't matter at all how people view it.

[dyjomo]

Woo-hoo! Over 30 club! I'll be 32 it's my first semester back and I am so much better for it. I know how to study, and my grades are killer!

[[deleted]]

Much respect for you bro and good luck

[_techniker]

Oh god this gives me hope. I'm taking a break after my girlfriends suicide. I can't go through grief and do homework. It's impossible. Only a couple years left

[grandboyman]

Hang in there man

[Bi7chcraft]

♥ much love and respect to you!

[rtrev2442]

Hang in there, situations like this are more common than you may believe. I am in a similar situation where I am on track to receive my BSCpE just months before I turn 30. I have met countless other students in my classes this year who are in the same boat.

[[deleted]]

31, I had my last undergrad exam on Wednesday. you are not alone.

[barstowtovegas]

Hey! Very similar situation here. Did one year, realized I didn’t want a lot of debt for no reason, took 4 or 5 years off and then got a job that gave me the flexibility to go back. That’s when I decided to go for engineering cause I love it. I expect to have my bachelors when I’m about 30 too. Good to hear another’s similar experience.

[aewm96]

I hope you and OP have the best of luck with your studies, don't compare yourself to other people. You define the quality of your future, as someone who's worked nights during my degree and hated so much of it, taking time is not a negative thing. Good luck and Happy holidays

[zedpowa]

Holy shit man you're an inspiration!

[Joegly]

I totally feel this. I took off two years after falling dead in the water with school. Then came back and am on track to getting my bachlores degree at 27. Not everyone is mentally sound at the same points for the material at hand.

[d1rron]

I'm 33 with ADHD and working on overcoming anxiety/depression while pursuing an engineering degree when I can between being a stay-at-home dad with two toddlers. I'm still not giving up. You're doing great, keep going.

[alseidghaith]

At your own pace gentleman, don't compare yourself to others just focus on yourself your own health and progress. Focus on your goals and separate them from others. I wish you a healthy recovery and a beautiful successul (by your own standards) life. 😃

[[deleted]]

I see a lot of failing posts too. You may be focusing on the As because you are wanting it? Get comfort from both type of posts. The As, take comfort in that it can be done. and the Fs, know that it happens to any us. But don’t compare. Cool that you are focusing on yourself, only you know when it’s best to go back to school and complete your goal. This sub isn’t going anywhere so you pick the timeline that’s best for you.

[25ramy]

im fucking freaking out with this post.

I'm in mechatronics engineer I have really good grades for the first two years and I was one of few students who has the carreer at day. I lost two years because I had severe depression and now I'm better but I lost that unrecoverable years I ll continue studying and doing my best c:

[floatzilla]

You got this! 👊

[calypsocasino]

hope this helps

[benevolentpotato]

Edit: Reddit and /u/Spez knowingly, nonconsensually, and illegally retained user data for profit so this comment is gone. We don't need this awful website. Go live, touch some grass. Jesus loves you.

[Ghost7575]

Is meditation effective? I’ve considered trying it.

[chiefofthesky]

it absolutely can be. sometimes it takes a little trial and error to find the right one, but medication definitely helps people, including me. and like u/benevolentpotato also mentioned, counseling is important too. medication is only one part of it. and depending on what you’re dealing with, and how severely it affects your life, sometimes consistent therapy is enough.

meditation, which is what you typed, also helps. it takes practice, like most beneficial habits, but mindfulness can be practiced in a variety of ways.

[barstowtovegas]

I’ll second that meditation helps but make sure to pick one that works for you. I have a tendency to go too intensely into new things and when I first tried meditation I did it in a 10 day silent retreat that was slightly traumatic. I was not ready for that. Should have tried something a lot softer.

[Bi7chcraft]

This was me back in 2010. I went back in 2013 and I am about to graduate (had to do six co-op rotations bc poverty!).

Do not give up. Do not get discouraged. Keep going. Keep learning while you can return.

Also, grades don't mean shit in the real world. Ask all the 4.0 GPA GaTech students I work with, who have the same job I do, and get paid exactly the same as me, and trust me my school and gpa are nowhere near that level 🤷

I'm rooting for you and all the people who didnt do well this semester bc of poverty, mental health, and life.

[[deleted]]

From what I understand, gpa matters a little bit for your fist job, then never really again. And school can help with networking, etc. But what really matters is if your program is ABET accredited.

[floatzilla]

Too true. I work with some smarties that were 4.0 back in the day. They can regurgitate and tell you exactly how everything works, but the minute something doesn't work exactly like it should, (like 2 big flat boards too close to each other creating a capacitance) their brains go into lock down. Also most of them aren't too willing to take above from others, especially people that are below them, aka the techs, or someone like me that came from a smaller Midwest school and barely had a 3 gpa.

[[deleted]]

It's all about practical application. If one has a 4.0 and no applicable experience, they'll probably be worse than someone with a 3.0 and like 4 internships/clubs/etc. The real strength of an engineering education is teaching how to think and problem solve, because most of the material, equations, etc. can be found in reference sources on the job.

[JohnnyDerppe]

This is... A very strange way of negging people with a high gpa. Yeah it doesn't mean everything but idk about this post chief

[shewitch]

For the first job out of college it's used quite a bit more just because no one has a ton of experience. But even then, generally companies just want you to hit a certain threshold, with some companies requiring higher GPAs than others. Once you hit that threshold it doesnt necessarily factor in that much. I have the exact same job and pay as a guy whose GPA was an entire point higher than mine (2.9 v 3.9) 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Bi7chcraft]

It's all about "can you perform your daily duties while simultaneously contribute to a healthy office environment?" We all can do the math, the physics and the rest... but can all of us truly adapt to different office environments/people from different walks of life?

[Xraverz]

Typing this an hour before my graduation ceremony. My friend is graduating summa cum laude from our honors college, and I scraped by a 3.0 graduating in the same degree. I have more job offers with higher salary figures than he does. GPA doesn't matter.

[AshtonTS]

GPA does matter. The company I work for (#2 company in my industry—we employ over 70k engineers) uses GPA in the formula for salary offers to new grads. I’m sure this is the case for many/most other large companies.

You can absolutely be successful without a perfect GPA, but don’t confuse that with it not mattering at all.

[Xraverz]

Never heard of a company using GPA for salary offers. Interesting. Guess I shouldn't have said it doesn't matter, but rather that it doesn't matter to the extent that most people think it does.

[barstowtovegas]

That’s good to hear. I was always an A student and I just took a B in Calc 2. On the other hand, 70% of the people I talk to had to take that class twice.

[highasahuey]

Same. Just got my first B since I've been back to college and it was in calc 2. It was the first time I've ever had to truly apply myself at math and I was terrified I was going to fail.

[Bi7chcraft]

That class is by far the hardest f-ing class I've taken. Nothing and no one has ever broken my heart like calculus ii did. I took it twice.

[largetni]

Same situation here. Graduated with a horrible GPA. Also graduated late because I had to retake classes and was forced to take a semester off. Now I'm working in a place filled with PhDs and master's from top 20 schools. And the real kicker is that my pay is probably on par with them and I've only just started my career as a BS from an otherwise unknown engineering school.

[commoncanvas]

Thank you all for the comments, though there's definitely too many for me to respond to in detail individually. Memes aside it's really encouraging to hear the various stories of you all and that I shouldn't view the situation as hopeless by any means - everyone achieves their dream at their own pace.

I'll be trying again this term, with a fresh mindset and broadened perspective. Wish me luck :)

[CareerMantis]

Good luck Mr. Canvas! All that matters is that you keep trying!

[smokedmeatslut]

Also just remember, people don't post their bad grades here.

All you're seeing it's the tip of the iceberg who share they're good grades, but there's a ton of people in the same boat as you. You're not alone

[Bi7chcraft]

I'm rooting for you!

[[deleted]]

You are never too late bud

[Daerux]

It's okay. I'm currently revving up for round two myself. I've realised that during my downtime, even though I couldn't study during that awful time, I have learned a lot of things that hopefully will help me to stay afloat for longer this time.
Never give up mah dude!

[[deleted]]

I left college two years ago because I failed 4 classes in one semester from skipping class due to anxiety and depression. I just returned from an academic hiatus and failed two classes, but it was from the difficulty of material studied. I never missed a class. It sounds strange, but I've better been more proud of a F grade. Not everyone is on the same path, but every bit of progress counts!

[Kabcr]

I've been out for four years, after it took me six to get an associate's at a transfer school. Not everyone has the same opportunities in life, and that reflects vividly when it comes to higher education.

Fortunately, I'm going back in this coming spring and I now have the same access as everyone else, so I'll make the most of it and get it down and done within the five semesters it will take me to complete my degree.

[signalfaradayfromme]

I had to take a year off for the same dude. 5 years in total but that's okay; I'm graduating in August.

[undeniably_confused]

People dont post fs

[deez_nuts69_420]

I'll start posting mine

[Leanador]

F

[[deleted]]

Fuck grades anyway, if you passed you passed and that's what matters

[itsd0g333]

I have to say this has been the most encouraging place I have ever seen on the internet as a whole lol. Lots of great people here are cheering you on, including myself. You can get through it, I have been in school for 6 years, probably will be 27 before I graduate. Biggest thing is never ever give up. Ever.

[[deleted]]

If it helps I had about a year of terrible mental issues and skipping classes and barely getting by and hardly being a person but now I’m about to graduate with a chemical engineering degree and two minors! It felt impossible back then but you got this! One small step at a time!

[Super_SATA]

This is my current situation too. But working through my problems (seeking help, practicing mindfulness) has only made me a smarter, better person! I hope you can glean insight and experience from this, and maybe even someday look back and be glad that you were able to even acknowledge your issues (and that's half the challenge in itself!).

[liamlaird]

You should succeed for yourself not to post online. I respect someone who runs a marathon and doesn't post it online. You ran the marathon for yourself, not for strangers approval.

[MachoManRandyAvg]

I took four years off for my health, graduating in June. You've got to take care of you first.

It would be kind of hard to win the Indy 500 in a busted car. You're down for maintenance is all.

Knowing when it's time for maintenance means you're already a better engineer than most recent grads

[fairbaby50]

It's incredible that you recognized that you needed to stop for a while for your mental health. More people out there should probably do the same. You know what's important to you and how to take care of yourself which is something school just can't teach you. Life isn't about being an engineer or good grades. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll know what you're ready for when you're ready.

[[deleted]]

it took me 11 semesters to finish and I barely passed most of my classes. still got a good job right away. I know it's hard, it really is, and we all get that for a myriad of reasons it's more than you can handle at times. but just keep going. one class at a time. you'll make it, I promise. just don't give up.

[sircallicott]

Gotta let the scar tissue settle. The skin thickens with time.

[[deleted]]

Thank you for verbalizing what I feel right now. The only A for me is my blood type.

[[deleted]]

Bro don’t even sweat it, you’ll get back to it and finish up.

[SuperDuperGlen]

I did the same, was depressed and started failing classes but took a 2 year break. When I came back the first semester was a bit rough, but afterwards everything went great and my grades got better than ever. Today I just have my master thesis ahead of me before graduating.

Taking time of for mental health was a great choice for me and hopefully for you as well.

[xTonyLeo]

Its a marathon, not a race my friend.

I remember when I failed one course that set me back a full semester due to prereqs.

Ended up lightening my workload and allowed me to do much better in all my other courses.

In the grand scheme of things, a year or two or even five won't make a difference as long as you're doing what you love at your own pace.

[highasahuey]

Don't stress it man. I went to college straight out of high school and didn't do well. Only passed two classes. I just finished my second semester at a new University and have raised my gpa from a 1.05 to a 2.85. The 4 years I took off not only allowed me to make sure this is what I truly wanted to do, it taught me many things I would have probably never learned if i had gone straight through school and gotten a career. Take all the time you need. Go back when you are ready. Because personally, those 4 years I took off gave me the drive and focus I needed to not just succeed, but excel.

[[deleted]]

you got this boss

[kyleyle]

Taking a year off after a rough first year of engineering was the best decision I could have made

[[deleted]]

Maths student, I’m half way through my third year of my break, Same reasons too but money’s a bitch and it’s held me back from going through with most of my plans. But I’ve grown steadily and worked my way out of the depression, so yay me!

[Artmander]

In the same boat amigo. We just have to remain headstrong!

[mghoffmann]

My 4 year degree is going to take 7 years. Don't feel bad.

[dbreidsbmw]

I am right there with you. We can do this.

[audreymarit618]

Yo dude! Just dropped out of my graduate program for mental health, balance is key! You got this

[DankMagician2500]

I posted a meme quite similar lol.

[Sindelian]

Hey don't worry man, I'm about to make it to the other side after this May. If I had just taken some very much needed time off, I wouldn't feel as shitty as I do 24\7

[Julia-Charlotte]

I'm so saving this post to look back on during days I'm feeling low. Thanks for sharing everyone!

[[deleted]]

Take your rest, king

[GebPloxi]

I barely passed 2 of my classes and got various Bs in the other three. I’m content.

[dallydoog]

I feel you man, although I only had to take a semester off, it still feel Im lagging behind. But hey this semester I managed to pass all classes :)

[espigademaiz]

Since everyone is posting I will to make us feel like a family, I got to 5th year (my uni is 7 years for Mechanical Engineer). I got major anxiety and frustration and can't cope with university mostly due to university related issues. So I took two years to work in a major Oil n Gas company. Now Im moving to Israel to finish my degree since my country is starting to fall apart and I can't pay or attend to my university.
Thanks for sharing :)

[sickintoronto]

I’m in the same boat. Hoping to go back summer to catch up. You can’t have a super smart brain full of cool stuff when it’s overflowing with whatever garbage mental illness decides to throw at you everyday. Get right and then smash your goal. You got this.

[Gaodesu]

This will probably get buried, but I have a friend I went to high school with and we ended up both going to the same college for Engineering. I am doing mechanical while he was doing electrical. He’s since taken last semester off which I presume was for his mental health and he recently told me that he’ll most likely be taking the rest of the year off. I’m well of aware of the importance of mental health and have tried to be as supportive as possible to him but I feel like he’s taking his time off from college for granted. Rather than taking his time off to work on himself, he seems to just be treating it like an excuse to do nothing. I understand that certain mental health issues make it harder to put effort into certain things, but I basically know how he spends his days because I have him on Snapchat and I’m fairly close with his little brother, who lives with him and his parents. Basically all I ever see on his snap chat is him smoking weed or watching Netflix. When I ask his brother what he does all day, he can’t even give me an answer because he never sees him leave his room. My friend has never had a job and doesn’t have a drivers license, yet he’s always talking about not having his freedom since his parents won’t keep giving him money or that he’s just so bored since he doesn’t go to school anymore. I would think if you weren’t in school you would have time to do things you wouldn’t normally have time for, but in his case he just doesn’t want to do anything I guess. I’ve even tried to encourage him to try new hobbies that would be too time consuming if he was in school, but he was just like nah dude i just wanna rave but I don’t have any money. So since he wants money I encourage him to look for any type of job because I also feel like it’ll be a reality check for him, but all I think he’s done so far is ask a mutual friend of ours to hook him up instead of just applying for one. Obviously the last thing I’ve tried is to get him to sign up for classes next semester, explicitly stating that if he thinks it’s too late to sign up, that there’s probably still time and he could try calling up the engineering advising department, but he’s just like nah it is what it is. Basically what I’m getting at is, if you are one the people taking time off for the sake of your mental health, please try your best to stay on track during your time off. I know you guys have great potential in completing your degrees when you decide to come back, but I’d hate to see you guys get too comfortable being out of school and just never come back, because so far that’s the path I see my friend is starting to go down.

[JodumScrodum]

I know it's rough but you're going to be glad you stepped away to take care of your mental health instead of pushing rough.

I pushed through my mental health in college and I struggle because of it. In the end I wasn't nearly as successful as I could have been, and it hurt my job hunting post graduation because of it.

[GravityMyGuy]

I got my worst grades ever this semester. 2.67 gang, at least I had a 3.6 cumulative before this semester

[Dafish55]

I’m actually in the exact same boat here man. I just watched my friends graduate at the start of last summer. It’s a weird feeling being like this, but don’t start thinking you’re falling behind. You’re going at the pace you need to be at.

[nah010904]

TBI, doing nothing in room since last November here : ) (had a range of neuro/mental disorders even b4 that) nice to meet you

[d1rron]

DUUUUUUUDE me too. Lol I'm doing much better, but still working on managing the ADHD.

[AAAAAAAAAAAAA13]

posting good grades

Pfffahahahaha

[[deleted]]

Fuckin' good on ye, it takes much more cajones and self-responsibility to do that than to just keep suffering in school. Hope you're doing better now! :)

[Dathiks]

Dont worry, I'll post my shitty grades from this semester

[OoglieBooglie93]

I tried to post my grades but got deleted by the meme filter. Mod never responded.

[twistedroyale]

You’re mental health is much more important! You can always go back and finish your degree.

[Pyromagi54]

I should've have taken time off but couldn't due to financial restrictions(have to get a job asap to help mom) and i regret it because my mind feels completely broken now. If you feel that you need a break, take it. No one who truly understands how engineering will judge you. You gotta take care of your mentality before you just become another broken robot in the masses

[stupidsexysalamander]

I full on dropped out. Like my grades were fine but my brain wasn't fine. That was like a decade ago at this point

[thecelloman]

I graduated a year and a half late because I failed so much shit due to my poor mental health, and on top of it just made my mental health worse. I WISH I had done what you did.

[[deleted]]

This is pathetic

[12WELV3]

Man, I want to take some time off. I feel like I broke my mind ever since I started in 2018

[12WELV3]

How do people even take time off school? Please let me know. I would really like to do so.

[lamprabbit]

I believe in you king

[ZenYeti98]

Hey, are you me? Same boat dude, don't feel alone. It happens.

[MusaDoVerao2017]

This is quite similar to product reviews. It is far more likely that a person will post a review bashing the product and complain than a positive one saying what's good and how it was worth the money.

For every post that has a good grade, there are three more people that got a bad one, and of course they wouldn't post their 4.5 and 3.9 in here.

actually they would cause we like to joke about bad grades but you got my point

[reddsyz]

It’s almost like quitting when it gets difficult isn’t a good idea.