If I'm MISERABLE at college then what should I do?

Kim's comments are pretty much right on. If you enter an industry without a degree, consider the following: Once having obtained a position, (sometimes much easier with the degree) you may have a possible advantage over those peers, who are pursuing a four year degree that does not necessarily relate specifically to that industry. By starting four years ahead, you have a potential advantage of over 8000 hours of experience in your chosen field, years of experience within the industry and the company you are working for; and an opportunity to showcase your commitment, prowess and willingness to learn that may put you ahead of others.
In a company that is interested in making money, if you’re in the above category, you may also be eligible for educational assistance from your company, mentorship by someone of stature and experience within the company. Promotions may actually be easier if one is not only experienced in the functional and business acumen of the company, but is also pursuing an education concurrently.

I once worked for an engineering company when I was a few years out of high school. I had some electronics experience as I had been an amateur radio operator, had done field and research work in another company (although in aviation) and had a good idea of how the company worked as I had talked to several people who had worked there prior to applying for the position. I knew from my research that they needed people who had a basic practical knowledge of all things electrical and that most of the senior people there had worked through the ranks to get ahead.

One of their primary products was a line of variable voltage power supplies. My first task in the interview was to design a basic power supply: Nothing fancy, just the basics. I could use any reference material at hand and I managed to make quick work of the task…..something that several of my well educated peers struggled with. I then was taken to “the lab” and was told to build something close to what I had designed with materials that were on hand, which I did…..I had to demonstrate it and then write the instructions for its use. No one else got through the whole interview and I got the position the same day.

I would later be responsible for review of all shop drawings from the design department, testing of new designs, field installation and troubleshooting, writing lab manuals and instructions and concurrently got to work with the purchasing department when they got behind, the business folks when inventory time came around. I got to do most of these things by saying “yes I can”. Over the several years I stayed with that company, I learned every aspect of the business from the purchase of raw materials to installing and demonstrating their products.

I would also note that my first year of college was paid for by them and as the school I went to used the equipment we manufactured, I had quite a leg up on the other students. While that four year degree will help get you to the interview and in some companies, may give you a better shot at a position, once the actual work starts, all bets are off. Companies pay for and notice who is performing, adding value and going beyond to learn and improve. These are the people who don’t get laid off, get placed with top performers and get groomed for future promotion.

I would later use the same methodology in the transportation industry where I started on the bottom and worked through many departments and skill areas, got further in my education and ended up responsible for a large segment of rail operations spread over seven states and, a 3500 person workforce; I still don’t have that four year degree….although I have attended many colleges and Universities…..you just work a lot harder..... I was not happy at college either......

Well I would say if you are between ages 18-24 years you may want to take a step back do some like shadowing or volunteering for this particular area. College is mostly for improvement right so when I was in college towards the ends I began to hate it because it seemed like it was a business that was making money off of me. I didn't see the reason why I needed to pay such high tuition or get into debt but then I realized I liked helping people and I was intrigued by the medical area and began volunteering. I made up in my mind that the remainder years left I would do my very best and then look for a job or try to find something that would interest me. It is very hard being in college and having to work but I did do it. It may have taken me forever to complete but I did that. I received my BA in Biology, 2014 and a minor in Computer Information Systems.
I will say college is for those who choose to go and want to go. No one forces you to go but if you want room for improvement than I say finish it up those years fly by so fast before you know it you will have a degree and if you decide to do an internship in the broadcasting or radio, I am sure you can climb up the ladder with the company because it shows you want to do something you love and they are more than willing to write recommendations for the type of position you are seeking as well as you never know they may hire you after you complete your degree. A tip for you since you hate it just like 2 or 3 classes and volunteer or shadow someone in the field. You don't have to go full time and that is always a misconception when it comes to college people think you have to go full time. You really don't just take your time and do your best, what you learn from the many experiences will help the next person trust me. I am preparing to soon head back for my Master's in Physician Assistant and maybe a PhD in Medical Medicine specializing in hospital and I am doing all I need to so I can be the best for that school and for myself really. But research and educate yourself on the type of communication you want to focus on and read about other people's experience it will probably help as well. Good luck and hope this helps.

I can't see how. College is a lot of fun. There must be something bothering your mind and inside.
Maybe somethings are hard? Maybe you don't have too many friends? Maybe at home there are issues?

There are so many subjects that delve into things about our world that are very interesting, and THIS is the place where you can start exploring.
Once you find out what makes the world wonderful and spin for you, THEN you are ready or closer to ready to enjoy college.
It seems to me Liana, that the problem is not college, it might be you. If the problem is college, then everyone would be miserable.
Take the plunge and delve on the inside, take pen and paper and start writing this sentence. I HATE COLLEGE BECAUSE.....
when you are done now try this one: COLLEGE WOULD BE A GREAT PLACE IF ONLY .....
see where your thoughts lead you. This is the truth. College is a door that opens in a great mystery, and surprises.

There is a wonderful world out there waiting for you. DISCOVER IT!

Liana,

To answer this question, we must first understand why you do not like your current situation. Are you homesick? Do you miss your friends? Have you made new friends? Have you joined any clubs or groups? Are your classes boring? Do you take time out to have fun? Are you at the wrong school, or do you think you'd feel this way at any school?

You are a very philosophical person, and I honestly don't know where I envision you going (from reading your questions). I can picture you in a meeting with a group of Greek philosophers. I'm not sure such groups exist anymore!

Is college necessary? Sadly, many young people are going to college, so it will likely be a factor in many hiring decisions. Unless, some bold person manages to lead a rebellion against this because of the cost of college and the low salaries awaiting those who take on this massive debt. Perhaps that will be you?

It's easier to get it done and over right after high school, however, if that is not for you, you can always do it later.

let me know if I can be of any help. Life's journey will give you many situations like this. But it gets easier the older, and more experienced, you become.

One common problem I see is that some folks are encouraged to go to college because it's "the only way to get a good job." This is not always the case. One thing that's missing today is young people gaining skills that our parents took for granted. There was a time when it was difficult or nearly impossible to get into a respected trade without some form of internship. Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanics -- these are jobs that are often done in a rudimentary way by little-trained folks, but in fact, to be good and then skilled, requires years and years of dedication and knowledge and training. These people are absolutely necessary to the functioning of a robust society. And each of these skills is far more extensible that many people realize. You can get a job in a garage with little training. But the people who are paid well and respected are the product of decades of experience. See where you can get a job where you might learn these, become an apprentice, get certified. Taking classes at college in something you hate will guarantee failure, unhappiness and being bad at whatever you do. The key is to find that thing that will make you want to do it. And that's the best way to help others -- by being good at something valuable.

Hi Liana,
I can totally relate, as I was quite miserable during my first college years.
In today's world, it is possible to get a job in Marketing/Communications without a degree.... but extremely difficult.
And even if you have the skills and build your experience, it will be hard to compete with others that will have similar skills but with a degree.

I know college is hard but try to stick to it at least until you get a Bachelors.
Did you think about switching to a different major that might interest you more?
Did you think about studying with other students (study groups) ? It can help you in areas you're struggling the most.

Keep on going, it's hard but you can do it!
Good luck.