My parents want me to go to college, but I want to travel

Your Concern:

My parents want me to go to university but I want to spend a few years traveling the world. They think that if I don’t start now, it will be more difficult for me to start my studies later. I think I can start studying anytime and I want to travel while I am young and can enjoy it. They are threatening to cut off all money to me. They are so selfish!

[Anon]

Jerry’s Response:

If you want to travel the world instead of continuing your education, then you should expect to have to pay your way yourself. Why shouldn’t your parents “cut off all money” to you? Get a job and finance your own dreams.

You should consider yourself lucky that your parents are encouraging you to go to college and that they are willing to help finance this. Many people aren’t fortunate enough to have such support.

Pick yourself up out of the self-pity you are wallowing in and either get a job to save for your travels or sign yourself up for university. Also, it might seem like you are “young” now and won’t be young enough to enjoy your travels when you finish university. but nothing could be further from the truth. If anything, you will be better able to appreciate what you see in this big and beautiful world, after you have filled your head with history, literature, languages, cultural studies, etc.

Your parents are not selfish, you are. Now go pack your bags for college.

Jerry