I could use some advice

[Stressed Guy]

I'll just start off by saying sorry for posting a lot on here this year


Today I just wanted to get some advice on what I should do with a particular problem I'm having at the moment.


So, the thing is that my parents and I are moving next month. I'm currently enrolled in a Diploma of Travel and Tourism online. I'm about halfway through the course but because of clearing the house, putting belongings in boxes and all the other stuff that goes with moving I've fallen behind in the course.

This wouldn't be an issue since I've got until January 2022 to complete it except that I'm enrolled at Uni next year in a Bachelor of Arts (Which I'm looking forward to)

I don't know what to do at the moment. I felt burnt out from this house stuff, my tafe course and I'm trying to finish editing a novella I'm working on.

I've been studying since last August (I completed a Cert 3 in Retail last year) and had a month and a half off between completing that and starting my Diploma.

I'm going to be honest and say that I'm not enjoying my course online. The work and the way it's worded has been confusing at times. I don't feel like the teachers care either as it's taken them almost seven weeks to mark my assessment (Even though I've emailed them several times)

They have agreed to delay the due dates for my units.

I'm just under a lot of stress, depression and anxiety at the moment. I've mentioned this a few times but I've never had a girlfriend, I have no friends, have never worked and my brothers don't really care about me and haven't helped this year.

I haven't been sleeping well the last few days either. Once we move I plan on seeing a psychologist as well.

Anyway circling back to my main question do you guys think I should complete my Diploma and try to delay starting uni?

Or do you think I should quit my current course now and start uni in March.

One more thing I wanted to add that if I fail this then I've failed two diplomas and wouldn't have finished any thing higher than a cert 3. I think I wanted to complete this course to prove to myself that I would be able to handle uni. It was sort of like doing things in the right order so to speak. Also if I drop out now will I be able to complete uni in the future?

Sorry for rambling and I appreciate any advice offered.

Kind Regards,

John
 

[james1]

Hello John

It's nice to meet you here, and please don't feel the need to apologise at all for posting. You are always welcome to post as much as you want or need. We all have different needs and I think most of us don't get to talk about our problems as much as we want to or need to.

I will respond to your direct question first, because it seems like that is what is stressing you out a lot right now. I think the most true but unhelpful answer is that there is no right answer to whether you should finish your Diploma and delay uni. Both will take you forward in some way, and if you are dedicated to it, you'll get something out of it.

Perhaps the most useful advice I can give is to suggest that you get all the facts on the table, by going directly to the university. For example, are you even allowed to defer? How long can you defer for? Can you do a lighter study load to help free up some time to finish the diploma? I find it can often help to do the easiest bit of just getting all the facts down. Then you can put together your options, and see what is possible, and what actually works best. You can get a better sense of what helps you reach your goals better.

Again, I don't think there's a right answer, but if you make your decision based on first researching then assessing all the available options, at least you'll feel more confident that you've made a decision as best you could

But more generally, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. I'm glad you also have recognised this and have tried to lighten the load a bit. Seeing a psychologist when you move could be a great idea too, just to have someone else to help you with all these thoughts and options. Whatever option you choose should take into account the stress that you're under right now. In my own experience, I did an honours course while dealing with relationship stress and working full time, and it was a poor decision in hindsight.

I hope that helps a little bit. Please feel free to reply to me here if you'd like to keep talking it over.

James

[MidnightOil]

Hey John,

I'll echo James' comment and say that you definitely don't need to apologise for posting. I'm glad you feel like you can share here.

I think going to the university would be a great start and I would definitely ask about whether you can lighten the study load by studying part time or doing some sort of summer/winter semester between the normal university semesters. I think this is offered at quite a few universities and I have spoken to many people who have said that it works well for them. Obviously you will have to decide whether this option would suit you.

I'm sorry to hear that the course isn't really enjoyable and this definitely makes it more difficult. I'm also studying at the moment and I've learnt a couple of things that work for me that could maybe help you if you do decide to complete the diploma or, if not, when you go to uni.

Working with other people makes a huge difference for me. Whether we're studying the same subjects and can talk about the content to share ideas/solidify concepts or whether we're studying different things in the same room, it helps my productivity to have other people around.

Getting into a routine can also make a massive difference. Set aside time each day for your uni/tafe work, some time to rest/do something you enjoy and also time to look after yourself physically and mentally.

I think seeing a psychologist could be really helpful too and I hope it all works out, whichever option you choose. Feel free to come back and let us know how you're getting on 🙂

All the best

[AliasKind]

Hi Stressed Guy - thank you for posting and being so open, it helped me. I don't have any advice that I think would help you, I think what you've received on here from James 1 and Midnight Oil is good advice. I related on the single aspect as I too have never had a partner. Just wanted to lend some support and empathy as I know the added challenges and hardships this brings. I too live with my parents and don't currently work, although I've worked in the past. You have a lot going on and I feel proud for you, you have a record of success, completing your Cert 3, in the midst of editing a novella - good on you! Wow. You give me inspiration, I'd like to follow your journey if you come back. Wishing you well x

Midnight Oil - just letting you know, I particularly enjoyed your post as-well, thank you.