How Can I Convince My Parents To Let Me Dropout?

[username1]

I really want to dropout of school. I don't have my job completely figured out yet, but I know 100% that I'm working for myself. I don't need a diploma or a college degree to do that. I'm not sure how to go about asking them about this though, neither one would like the idea. What I'm thinking about doing for a job is blacksmithing, combined with something else to make money. I recently tried to start blacksmithing, but had to stop because I moved into to an apartment complex. I'm a jack-of-all-trades, I can do just about anything, I just can't do everything amazingly. I can do art, blacksmithing, writing, I could build things, I know a tiny bit about computers, and I'm sure I'm stubborn enough to be able to make it by with that. My parents will end up saying that I just want to dropout just so I can play videogames, which is partially true, but I also think school is a waste of my time. While everyone is at school re-studying history lessons, and getting scientific theories that you don't believe jammed down your throats, I could be spending that time getting better at the things I actually want to do. Also, if my plan does fail, and I end up being super broke my whole life, I still think that that would be much more interesting than if I was like everyone else, and got a boring job where I sit at a cubicle half of my life.

[Buenchico]

Why not look at a compromise situation, whereby you'd be studying something you enjoy (such as blacksmithing skills), rather than text-book education?

You've not told us how old you are or which country you're in. (You're use of terms such as 'college degree' and 'apartment complex' suggest to me that you might be in the USA). However here are some of the options for relevant study available in the UK:
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/Blacksmith.aspx

[MallyJ]

I am a firm believer in keeping your options open particularly when you are young... that means that you get an all round education that will allow you to change direction at any time that it is necessary. You sound as if you have an aptitude for for practical things .. and that is great and definitely an area to pursue. Trouble comes if you are unable to continue because of an accident for example ( friend of mine desperate to be a hairdresser had an allergy to chemicals involved) then you would need to look for work in a different field. If you have paper qualifications already then the transfer would not be too hard. In England this is called a belt and braces approach.... it means you have covered your back and will always be able to support yourself. Your assertion that being unable to pay your way may be interesting suggests that you are very young. I can assure you that living on the streets is unpleasant and dangerous.

[MallyJ]

The other thing is that if you work for yourself you will have a huge amount of paperwork to do.. and it will be vital that it is done properly .... your education school work may well be invaluable in helping you to do some of the tasks and learn the skills needed to complete paperwork, bills etc.

[jourdain2]

You sound to me to be American and a non-academic with practical skills who is constrained by the system. OK, a lot of people are like that, but you need 'the base' in order to keep your options open - just suppose that in 15 years' time you have an accident and cannot do hard physical work?

You need to grit your teeth, get whatever basic qualifications apply and, whilst you are doing that, find out about proper courses in blacksmithing, being a farrier (that would be a good choice if you like horses - I do not know a poor farrier) etc. and get you applications in. This is my very, very best advice - palatable or not.

In your future years just think how it would look to clients if you were the sort of person who gave up because things were difficult. Good luck - and think very hard.

[Old_Geezer]

Ah, the best laid schemes o' mice an' men, gang aft agley.

It won't hurt you none to put your blacksmithing plans on hold for a bit; if there's a decent lifetime opportunity there it should still be there later. Meanwhile build up a decent educational foundation to fall back on.

No one loses out by having multiple options.

[sandyRoe]

Education opens doors for people. The lack of it slams them shut in your face.

[atalanta]

If you want to convince your parents, you have to show them some facts.
Such as - how much you could earn, where you would work - your bedroom ? How you would pay your way, or alternatively, you must make a good case for your parents' continuing to support you while you abandon school and play computer games several hours a day.
Perhaps what you need is some kind of apprenticeship or learn-while-you-work programme.

[woofgang]

How old are you and who is paying for your apartment complex? If I was your parents and you are an adult, I would be saying "Do what you like but we won't be paying for it."