There's turmoil in my immediate future. (page 2)

CunningMan

I'm in my mid-twenties. I've been looking for a job this summer with no luck. I have little job experience since I've been going to college for several years now. With all the crushing debt and the shitty economy, how am I able to afford to move out? I'm not concerned with my parents as I am with the body of elders at my local congregation and the CO who is visiting this week. These guys are hard-liners and I strongly suspect that they will put pressure on my dad and that means pressure on me to drop out.

Casper

I reviewed how our CO handled it. He particularly condemned the GOING AWAY to college part, which is completely unfair. Those that are in college towns and get accepted locally, congrats! Just keep up appearances, and you're blessed. Where we are, there is no "local college". So, "no college education" is very clearly stressed here, since it would involve GOING AWAY.

That is a quote from the other thread....

If you are at home, you haven't "Gone Away" to school.... right...??

Cas

CunningMan

That's correct. I live in a college town. However, I don't know how the CO and body of elders are going to interpret this edict. I also want to go to another state and pursue a MA and eventually a Phd. This was part of my plan to fade away. I don't know what is going to happen in the next few days, but I know it won't be pleasant.

Jringe01

Don't drop out no matter what.

The ability to pursue an education is your right and knowledge is freedom. Even if you can't get a job in your field just the fact you were able to stick with the program and graduate shows you have the skills necessary to slug it out for as long as it takes to achieve your goals (that is one of the things employers look for, too bad the WTS won't take that into consideration but as I said...knowledge is freedom...a risk they can't take).

Yes it'll be rough if your parents get pressure but this is your life, not theirs. As others have advised, don't make any hasty decisions right now. Even in a shitty economy there are still good jobs out there and good deals on places to live as well if you look hard and long enough, persistance is the key.

Right now start making contacts with as many people as you can. The more people that know you are looking to live on your own and get a job that'll help support you (without going into the whole JW thing, spin it as you're ready to move on and make a change) the more likely you'll be to land something that will at least enable you to survive on your own.

White Dove

Where I'm at, this is a college town so we had a couple of pioneers in college and elders' kids in college when I started.

CunningMan

Jringe01, I have no intention of dropping out, but I hate confrontation. I'm afraid of confronting my parents, elders, and CO on this matter. I know they will not listen to what I have to say. I know that at the moment I put my foot down, they'll make my life a living hell. I don't know what to think right now. If I end up leaving for good because of this, I'll probably be kicked out of the house over it. Then again, I don't know how my parents may respond to me leaving. Of course, I know my mom will be bawling constantly and my dad will probably be angry at me for refusing to cooperate. But no, I won't drop out. Over my dead rotting body. I've worked too long for this degree, and I'm not going to drop out because of this.

JK666

Whatever you do, do not drop out! There is no future in the cult. The student loan debt will not hit until you are out of school for 6 months, and the you can get an extention if you are not employed yet. Stay the course!

JK

jamiebowers

As others have said, start networking. There's a good possiblity you could live in a room mate situation for less money that it would take to live on your own. You might also want to place an ad for room and board in exchange for house and yard work. Go to your financial aid office and see if you qualify for work study. There are a lot of options out there other than you dropping out of school. Of course, if the new rule is true and it is enforced, you will have to deal with the shunning, but there are a whole bunch of people on this board who can help you with that. Just don't drop out. There are also a lot of Masters and PhD programs that pay a stipend to students. Like I said before, check things out with your financial aid office at school. Good luck and God bless!

Casper

Cunning,

Jringe01, Jamie and others have given you some good advice... I sincerely hope you consider it...

Wishing you the best, keep us posted as to how things turn out after your CO visit.

Cas

CunningMan

Yes, I attend to follow the advice and I've been following some of it already. Thanks. I don't know what's going to happen, but I'll keep you guys up to date.

There's turmoil in my immediate future.

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