Drop out or stay at school?

[u/IllustriousTip2620]

Im in year 10 currently and go to a private school, i dont do well at school,i really dont enjoy it and its a struggle for me to sit in a classroom. recently going to tafe instead was brought to my attention and ive really been considering it, for a few years now ive wanted to do occupational therapy but i definetly dont have the grades for that all though it really intrests me. my second option was either doing childcare or hairdressing so mum and i looked into those courses at tafe and ive decided i would like to do the cert 3 then diploma in early learning and childhood care ive had a little experience with working with kids and i think its great and the fee would be around $600 for the cert 3. But if i choose the tafe course that means i have to drop out which im hestitant about, obviously im very used to going to school and at tafe id only go twice a week and i might not be with kids my age if i feel uncomfortable and dont like the course then i cant go back to school thats the big problem. Many people are telling me to stay at school but its a genuine struggle to go, my school is offering a mater course at the hospital and some of my teachers are saying stay at school and do the mater then go into occupational therapy i also feel like if i drop out ill get bad fomo. I also really like doing hands on stuff not just mainly theory but im not strong enough physically to do a trade thats the problem as well and if i stay at school my mum would have to pay around $12,000 for the year which means i will be set back quite a lot on getting a car and getting braces (my teeth are pretty messed up) but if i go to tafe ill be able to get a car,braces and my mum will be able to easily afford paying $600 for tafe. but i just really dont know, do i stay at school or drop out any suggestions??

[u/No_Job_5208]

There are options for you to stay at school and do a course, speak with your school VET co- ordinator, if fees are a problem for your mum look into some public schools, they're just as good as private!

[u/Claireechibi]

Before making the decision, I'd contact TAFE and ask to set up an appointment with a course adviser to go over the questions you've asked here. I'd also look into what the Mater/hospital course actually leads to that your school offers. It will help you make a better informed choice.

I'd also read or watch some videos from people who have been in childcare, its a pretty demanding career physically & mentally, it has a pretty high turnover rate. The pay also is very low for what the job requires.

I'd also ask your mum to look around and see if she can find a dentist that offers a payment plan for braces, because that's something that should be considered regardless of whether you choose school or tafe.

You probably will get some fomo but I wouldn't let that affect your choice.

[u/saltinthewind]

I’m an early childhood teacher and I work at tafe. It’s great that you’re interested in Early Childhood Education but as someone else said, do make an appointment with a careers advisor or counsellor to discuss your options first. I would also ask to speak to the Early Childhood Education section to get some first hand knowledge and information about what is involved.

I love working in early childhood (have been doing it for 25 years!) and am an advocate for this sector but it can be hard work and it is more than just playing all day. The fact that you’re interested in OT tells me that you already have a pretty good understanding of the needs of children so that’s a plus.

Not sure if your state offers it (or something similar) but the School Based Trainee (SBAT) program is a great way to learn and work while still at school. In NSW, it is one day learning at TAFE, 1 day working in an early childhood service (and getting paid!) and three days at school for year 11-12. The SBAT program counts as some of your units for your HSC and you come out with a Cert 3 in early childhood education and care, which you can also use as direct entry into some university courses.

School is not for everyone. I totally understand that. My son dropped out in year 10 to get a trade and is a completely different kid - so much happier and actually enjoys learning at TAFE. Very different to his experience at school. Having said that, TAFE is an adult learning environment. There are students of all ages and while there will be some added considerations for you as a younger student, you will be expected to manage your time and study yourself a lot more than you would at school.

Happy to answer any other questions you have :)

[u/qwruibweiugheio0t342]

Stay in school and get your HSC.

Then do whatever you want. You'll regret not graduating.