Disappointing dad....or follow my heart?

Question

I'm a college student, and recently I've realized that as of next year I lose all financial aid and will be stuck with a bill of 20k every year for the next three years.

My mom doesn't have a whole lot of money, we lived paycheck to paycheck (parents are divorced) for a really long time.

My dad however has enough money to comfortably write a check and pay all my tuition for the next three years, but won't. Because in my parents divorced he wasn't forced to.

He still expects me to be in college, the same year as my peers my age, and finish with debt and have to go to my masters and aqquire more debt (my degree won't let me practice with just a bachelors)

And I've sort of come to the choice that if I just work for the next three years until I'm 22 and then go back, I'll get aid because I can say I'm not dependent on my parents, making school around 1.5k a year instead of 20k.

The only problem is my dad will be more than disappointed in me, and may disown me for not going with his stubborn ways, I just don't want to be 60k in debt at 22.

Should I risk his disapproval for my happiness and financial security?

Sorry for sounding a little whiny I just feel really stuck!

Accepted Answer

You already know the answer to this question. YOU'RE the one racking up debt. YOU'RE the one whose life this affects. If a parent disowns a child over such an important life choice, I honestly think you're better off without him.

Answer

If he's not willing to help, do what you gotta do.. YOU'RE  the one that has to pay for it not him..

Answer

Yeah, this is your life, your education, you're decision. Use your judgment. Your dad may be disappointed in you, but unless he's willing to foot the bill then he shouldn't have a say.

Also, there are a ton of scholarship options. Look into them. You will get all sorts of money for school if you put work into it.

Answer

If he's not paying your tuition he has no say in your college career. Period. Tell him he can either pay for it or quit being an ass.

Answer

You know you need to follow your plan. His way sounds hellish. Tell him if he pays you'll go. But otherwise, you have to be smart

Answer

Dude, your dad sounds like a bit of a jerk - no offense. If he won't help you pay for college, he can shut up about it.

Answer

if you work for the next three years, when you fill out your financial aid forms you may not qualify for anything or much because they will show your previous income. They don't take into consideration you won't be working as much while in school

Answer

Depends on what you're going to college for. If you go to be a doctor or some blue collar job, you'll be set. But if it's something like graphic design or gender studies, you won't make any money back.

Answer

I have almost 100,000 in student loan debt.  The payments are insane. I love to have my degree and education but I will be a slave to what I owe for the rest of my life. I think your plan sounds much better than your dads. If he wants you to go to college right this minute so bad, tell him to fork up the cash or you do not need his input.

Answer

I'm in a similar situation where I have the possibility to jump into a full-time managerial position for a job that I hate, or wait just a little bit longer for my passion (photography) to become my career. I have a several thousand person following on social media sites and I can feel the success at the tip of my fingers, but my dad still believes the retail full-time position is better for me. I'm stuck between my dream come true and the soul-sucking responsible option.

Disappointing dad....or follow my heart?

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