Why do students stop studying? 

Studying is a constant part of life for most people – from when you were a child till you’re a legal adult and even afterwards if you pursue higher education. However, for a lot of people, studying is something that never really attracts them, and they may end up dropping out of education or stop showing any interest in it. In this article we shall read so as to why students stop studying? 

There are so many different reasons as to why students may stop studying. In college, students might literally not be able to afford to study so they end up dropping out. In school, students may suffer from disenchantment towards their subjects. Laziness, personal problems, and not seeing any financial value in their degrees can also be reasons as to why students choose to stop studying. However, considering the link between studying and financial success, before you decide to stop studying you should think very carefully. 

Why do students stop studying? 

Reasons Why Students May Stop Studying 

Financial Reasons 

This reason applies most to students in the case of higher education who may choose not to pursue a degree or drop out of college. College is very, very expensive and not all students can afford it. Even if loans are available, these may take decades to pay back so students may just choose to avoid college altogether. 

Lack of Interest 

A lot of the time students are pushed towards certain careers by parents and teachers because these career paths are perceived to be more successful. However, if students aren’t suited to these, they may feel bored and frustrated with their studies. If you don’t do what you love, then you’re not likely to keep doing it.

Mental Health 

Studying can be very tough – especially, in the competitive environment created over academic achievement today. Students are pushed to be the best of the best and the frequent use of testing to determine intelligence can be very stressful. A lot of students may stop studying because it is taking a toll on their mental health. Some of them permanently choose to stay away from academic stress while others take just a break. 

Personal Problems 

Students have to manage the stress of school along with problems at home and in their personal lives as well. For some, having to manage these issues can be too stressful and they’re forced to stop studying. Even though most schools and colleges now offer counselling services for students to help them manage their studies along with personal problems, many students are ashamed to share their issues and may never use these services. 

Better Opportunities Without Studying 

Traditional education isn’t always the way for everyone to achieve financial success. For some careers like farming or plumbing, traditional conceptions of ‘studying’ do not make you successful. These careers might require hands-on knowledge and for you to have experience on the job. That’s why people who want to go into these careers may decide to stop studying as it would be of no use to them. 

Laziness 

The culture of instant success stories that we have been flooded with in the digital age, such as millionaire youtubers and viral superstars, has fostered a culture of frustration and laziness in our youth. Some may start to think that if other people can achieve all this success without completing their education, why can’t they? This can lead to laziness and disillusionment in students as they feel that they won’t get success by putting in the effort studying requires. Eventually, they may just decide to stop studying altogether. 

Why you should keep studying?

Key to Financial Success

Studies have shown that the longer time you spend in education, the more financially successful you are likely to be. If you quit your studies, then you’ll have a lot fewer opportunities for advancement in your career and you’ll probably be stuck at the same financial position for a long time. It will also limit the variety of careers available to you as most jobs require a bachelors degree at the very least. 

To Further Your Knowledge 

Studying and education are also beneficial because they develop our minds, make us more well-informed human beings, and help us grow as human beings. While you may think that some of the stuff you learned in school will never be used in practical life – knowledge can have an intrinsic value as well. 

Certain types of knowledge are important to know as human beings and they can help you be a better citizen and a more well-rounded person. In fact, it can even be argued that human beings should never stop studying throughout their lives as it is such a beneficial practice for the mind. 

Keep Up with Your Friends 

Most people choose to remain in the education system and a majority of American students choose to pursue higher education. If you drop out or stop studying then you will likely fall behind all your peers. While your friends will all be sharing the same experiences centred around their academic lives, you’ll be an outsider. 

Moreover, since people who stay in the education system are likely to be higher earners, it is also possible that you will be on a different financial level to your friends after they’re done with their studies. This can create a lot of distance between people and you may not feel as welcome in your old friend group. 

Conclusion 

Students may choose to stop their studies for an array of reasons; however, whatever their reason may be, this is a decision that must be thought through carefully. Whether you’re considering dropping out of high school or college, make sure you consult important and trusted people in your life before making the jump. 

If you’re simply going through a rough patch and want to stop studying in school because of boredom, stress, and disillusionment, reach out to your school counsellor. 

FAQs

Does dropping out of college cost money? 

Yes, dropping out will likely cost you financially as you will still have to pay back the loans you took. Depending on what semester you dropped out in, you will have to pay back the cost of every term you spent in college.

What are the benefits of taking a gap year? 

Gap years can be great as they allow you to take a break from your studies and do some other work that you’re passionate about. Make sure you do something really worthwhile in your gap year in case your college asks about what you did in your time off. 

Can I get a job without going to college? 

Yes, you can get many jobs without going to college. However, even though you can get employment, it is not likely to be very high paying employment. The longer your education is the more likely you are to get higher financial returns from your job.