School Survival


Has school destroyed your creativity and self-confidence? I'm working on a book called Recovering From School, to help you heal the damage caused. Join the Patreon or Newsletter to be notified about updates. Paid Patreon members will get early draft previews, as well as a free digital copy when it's done.


School Survival > Blog >

Is Hating School Normal?

So you hate school? First off, let's clear the air. You're not alone. Not by a long shot. There are countless others out there who feel just like you do. And guess what? Your feelings are valid. Completely and utterly valid.

School can feel like a suffocating maze, can't it? The pressure to fit in, to perform, to conform—it's enough to make anyone feel like they're drowning. But here's the thing: there's nothing wrong with you for feeling this way. It's not a flaw or a defect. It's a response to an environment that often feels stifling and unyielding.

Here are some reasons why it's perfectly normal to hate school:

Firstly, let's acknowledge the suffocating pressure cooker that is the traditional school environment. From early morning bells to late-night homework sessions, it's enough to make anyone's head spin.

Secondly, let's talk about the cookie-cutter approach to education. One size fits all? Not hardly. We're all beautifully unique beings, and forcing us into the same mold just doesn't cut it.

Next up, let's address the soul-crushing monotony of it all. Day in and day out, the same routine, the same subjects, the same uninspired lectures. Is it any wonder you're feeling restless?

And then there's the social scene. Ah, yes, the endless popularity contests and cliquey hierarchies. It's enough to make even the most resilient among us want to hide under the covers.

Let's not forget about the lack of autonomy. Your schedule, your curriculum, your future—all dictated by someone else's agenda. It's enough to make you want to scream, isn't it?

And what about the constant scrutiny? Grades, test scores, performance evaluations—every move you make, every breath you take, they're watching you. Talk about suffocating.

Let's talk about the sheer lack of relevance. How much of what you're learning in school do you actually see yourself using in the real world? Yeah, that's what we thought. "It teaches you how to learn, they say"... it teaches you to hate learning!

And then there's the pressure to conform. To fit in, to blend seamlessly into the background, to suppress the parts of yourself that don't fit neatly into society's little boxes. It's exhausting.

And lastly, let's address the toll it takes on your mental health. The stress, the anxiety, the constant feeling of being overwhelmed—it's a heavy burden to bear, and it's perfectly normal to feel weighed down by it all.

But let's not dwell solely on the darkness. There are alternatives out there, paths less traveled but no less valid. Self-directed education is a revolutionary concept that puts the reins of learning firmly back in your hands. No more one-size-fits-all curriculum. No more rigid schedules. Just you, your passions, and the freedom to explore them on your own terms.

And what about online school? In today's digital age, the classroom has expanded far beyond the confines of brick and mortar. With online schooling, you have the flexibility to learn at your own pace, in your own space. It's a game-changer for those who crave autonomy and independence.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But I don't have the power to leave school. I'm stuck." And yeah, legally speaking, you might not have that option right now. But here's the thing: you do have power. Maybe not in the traditional sense, but it's there, simmering beneath the surface.

You have the power of self-kindness. The power to be gentle with yourself in a world that often feels anything but. You have the power to stand up for yourself, to assert your needs and your boundaries, even in the face of resistance.

So, my dear friend, take heart. You are not alone in your struggle. Your feelings are valid, and there are alternatives out there waiting for you to explore. In the meantime, be kind to yourself. Stand tall. And know that brighter days lie ahead.

Where to next? Pick one!

Posted in: Blog on April 10, 2024 @ 7:23 PM


If you like what we're doing here, you can become a Patron and sign up for our newsletter!