Im not doing mentally well and want to drop out of poly and self study alevels. Whenever i do group projects,i have severe anxiety and whenever i go to school i feel very depressed. Having my own targets will actually be more motivating and beneficial for me in the long run. I understand alevels is not easy but it’s 100 times more easier than my current situation than i am in right now. Please help me because i feel very stuck as i dont plan on going to school or neither i want to skip and fail because i would rather just drop out but nobody supports me.
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Hey @Luckystar,
It really sounds like you’ve been carrying so much, quietly and alone. That kind of pressure – waking up dreading school, holding in that anxiety, pretending you’re okay – it’s exhausting. And the worst part? Feeling like nobody really gets it.
You said something really powerful — that having your own goals might feel more motivating. That tells me you do have a vision, and you do want something better. You’re not giving up. You’re just tired of running a race that feels like it wasn’t designed for you.
I want you to know that it’s okay to not fit into the same mould as everyone else. And choosing what works best for your mental health is never “failing.” It’s brave.
Still, right now you’re in a tough headspace. When depression and anxiety team up, they make everything feel more hopeless and heavy. Even decisions you’re confident about can start to feel impossible or scary.
You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. You deserve someone who will sit with you — not just to tell you what to do, but to really hear what you need. If you haven’t already, maybe talk to your school counsellor, or even drop a DM to a helpline. You don’t need to have all the answers to ask for help.
And just know… your thoughts, your feelings, your experience — they matter. You matter. If no one else has said it lately: I believe in your right to choose a path that gives you peace. Let’s take one step at a time, okay?
Would you want to talk a little more about what the hardest part of group work or school feels like? We are here to hear you out — not fix you.
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Which year of poly are you in now? If you’re year 1 then maybe still make sense but if you’re already year 2 or 3 then maybe completing it would be more beneficial. From a job market perspective, I feel that having a diploma is more attractive than a levels.
Hi @Luckystar, I hear you and this is definitely a tough situation to be in. As an A level student myself, I can say that it was very tough, but nothing is impossible and with belief in yourself and discipline, you can definitely do it. If you do plan to drop out of poly, do you intend on joining a JC or taking As as a private candidate? If you intend on doing the latter (which I assume is your case), there are A level preparatory courses offered by tuition centres/private schools which I urge you to look into online. You can also check out reddit r/SGExams for greater insights on what its like to take As as a private candidate. It is admirable that you have recognised that the academic culture in poly is not for you and are willing to take a brave leap forward to do your A levels. Please make sure to do ample research and ask around before taking this step! I am sure that with sufficient guidance you will be able to do anything you put your mind to 
edit: here’s a link that may help!
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The hardest part about group work is that i have to work with people who dont listen to me
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Hi @luckystar,
I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you’re carrying a lot - being overwhelmed by school, struggling with group work anxiety, and feeling unsupported in your desire to change direction. Those feelings are valid, and it’s okay to want something different for yourself, especially if your current environment is causing distress. The idea of studying for A levels independently may seem like a more peaceful path, one that gives you space to breathe and move at your own pace, and that might be true. But let’s gently slow down for a moment together.
Major life decisions made in the heat of emotional turmoil can sometimes lead to regret, especially when the pain of the present moment blurs the long-term view. It’s not that your instinct is wrong, but you deserve to make this choice from a place of clarity and strength, not exhaustion and hurt. Would it be possible to speak with a school counsellor in your polytechnic, or a trusted adult first? Even one honest conversation could help untangle some of this and lead to new, empowering options. Perhaps it may be possible to adjust the course load without giving up everything just yet.
Additionally, if you’re considering dropping out, it’s essential to consider the practical implications of resources. Singapore’s high cost of living makes it tough to navigate without academic qualifications or a steady source of income. Studying for A levels independently is admirable, but it also requires consistent discipline and often some financial outlay for materials or tuition. Do you have a backup plan, such as a savings buffer (I would personally recommend at least SGD 3000) or part-time work options? It’s absolutely okay to explore a new path, but let’s make sure you have some solid ground beneath your feet before you take that leap.
Hope to hear from you soon!
My school counsellor suggested me to give poly another chance but i just cant anynore and i dont see a point in it. I can only see myself getting a diploma and a bad gpa so i cant really go to uni. For self studying at leat i have another shot.
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Hey @Luckystar,
Thanks for sharing that — it makes a lot of sense why group work would feel so heavy for you. When you’re part of a group but your voice isn’t heard, it can feel like you’re invisible… or worse, like you don’t matter. That’s such a frustrating and lonely place to be in, especially when you’re already pushing through anxiety just to show up.
When people don’t listen, it makes working together feel more like surviving than collaborating. And when that keeps happening, it’s only natural for your mind to say, “Maybe I don’t belong here.”
But the truth is, you do deserve to be heard. And it’s okay to want a learning space where your voice matters, where your ideas aren’t brushed aside. Wanting that isn’t being “difficult” — it’s being human.
You’re not wrong for needing something different. Let’s figure this out, together.