-- Posted by Lulamae at 10:54 am on Oct. 30, 2008 I know that fashion design is what I really, truly want. So, I could technically quit school after this year and get started on that. If I did three more years I could go to university, but...if I don't do that I can go to a fashion design school (I can also do this if I finish the three years). I love school, I love keeping my options open. And "dropping" out, though it isn't really dropping out, makes me feel like a nitwit, but maybe sometimes it takes a leap of faith and a sacrifice. I'm getting to feel like I'm just waiting to go to design school, just trying to get great grades for the sake of the grade, for the sake of working towards what I want. What should I do? Continue the three years and be able to study whatever I want or quit next year and be able to specialize in the arts? -- Posted by Chiefette at 10:57 am on Oct. 30, 2008 I would finish my education, so that if you do fail at fashion design you have something to fall back on.  You can always go specialize in fashion design after you finish. -- Posted by LeanneS at 11:39 am on Oct. 30, 2008 Well, i mean i finished school a year early thinking i knew what i wanted to do. I just didn't see the point in staying at school studying for things i had no interest in. However, when i left and went to college for 2 years i soon realised it wasn't what i wanted to do, and then wished i had stayed at school and gotten better exam results. So if i were you i'd stay at school, as you could completely change your mind about the whole Fashion Design thing and decide you want to do something different. Whatever you choose, i hope it works out. -- Posted by Hysteria at 3:35 pm on Oct. 30, 2008 If I were you, I'd keep learning, fashion design you can always keep up as a hobby and keep building on your portfolio of work, this would put you at an advantage if you do finally go to design school.  Fashion design school is something that you could always pick up later on in life if you need it; but remember, you don't always need to be taught something to have a career in it, sometimes experience, dedication and talent is enough in itself.  I'm not sure how it all works in Germany but in Britain we have the option to study things like textiles and arts at college; maybe you could do that?  and maybe you should look at courses in marketing and business studies if you're thinking of ever starting your own fashion label/shop etc. Do lots of research before you make your decision and if you can talk to people who have jobs in design; they would be the best people to advise you.