Update: I went back one year later Update 2: jk, new update video coming soon

It sounds like you're very self-aware; I think your decision will pay off in spades in the future, if it hasn't already. Keep it up man! 👌🔥

Dude this touched me. I wish you luck with everything, I obviously don't know you but I have a really strong feeling that you're gonna land on your feet. Don't stop being great.

This video really hit home for me because I started to see my past flash before my eyes. You took me directly back to the time where I too was ecstatic to start college. Back when I signed up for my first CS classes and did very well in them. Those classes even landed my first CS internship. From the social aspects/clubs I joined and the people I met in college really changed my life as well. Furthermore, when you started talking about the loss of family members, toxic relationships, the stress/anxiety/depression that came with it all, and the complete and total inability to focus, this brought me to tears. I have been dealing with all of that and this video really helped to see I am not alone. This was really hard to put into words until now, but seeing as you are putting yourself out there, it feels good to actually write it down. Keep the videos coming man and I wish the best!

As a community college student, I appreciate the authenticity of your video. I am debating between Cal and UCLA. I love teaching and it is what refreshes me, and I did not find that out till nearly dropping out of high school and working for two years.

once you become a memelord, traditional education becomes pointless

Finally someone voiced this out! I'm in year 3 CS degree - ngl I've been feeling the same for the past few months. Lots been going on - family issues + my mental health has been deteriorating, I just simply could not find the motivation to do things that I loved anymore - even waking up and going to classes took a lot from me. Few weeks ago I was *this* close to jumping off my faculty building, ugh... I'm aware that I need to stop trying so hard and take breaks instead. But its hard - in my uni they only allow us to take Leave of Absence for specific reasons (health issue/national service/financial prob) and I find it really embarrassing to bring up my problems...

Well done sir, you are very mature for your age. Props for having the courage to drop out and pursue your path. Respect, you're going places.

I am so thankful for this video Chris. I have a mortgage, a wife and a stepson to provide for but have decided to go back to school for a CS degree at the age of 34. I kept putting off college for over a decade now because I'd get anxious and severely depressed due primarily to choice paralysis and comparison fallacy. Prior to enrolling I have been devouring hours upon hours of anecdotal advice from computer science majors and coders. It's fucking reassuring to see computer science majors like your self struggling and going through similar slumps like I have; it's genuinely reassuring. Next time I have a panic attack during sleep deprived study sessions I'll be reminded that I'm not the only one going through this. Keep up the good work my man.

Thanks for sharing! Good insight, sorry you had to go through all that dude.

Thank you for posting this. I recently was forced out of school and into the hospital due to severe depression and then chose to withdraw for a semester to rebuild my mental health and figure out what I truly want from college and life, outside of people’s expectations, like you talked about. I am going to return to Cal in the spring and switch my major to something entirely different, something I actually find joy and meaning in. I’ve felt so lost in Berkeley because everyone seems to know what they want already, and I felt guilty and ashamed for not knowing. This video helped me see that I’m not as alone as I thought and it’s not so crazy that I feel this way :’)

Here after Joma's video. Subbed, great video! I really admire your wisdom and courage at such a young age. Many of us never have the courage to step out of other people's expectations and look for what we really want in life. I see you went back to college. Going to that video now.

Hey, good luck man! Good to hear that you’re taking care of yourself the way you need to, and also that you have career stuff lined up too :) That’s super exciting.

I dropped out of college from my first year at the end of 2017 and after that I started learning Web Technologies and Programming but used to feel like I made a big mistake as am from India. And here the recruiters loves degree more than skills. But thank god you are giving me some new Hope's. Keep doing the great work 💯

Thanks for sharing, I'm sorry about what you've had to go through💙💚💙

I LOVE how you always just keep it honest, even about depression and an eating disorder which sadly many men dont talk about due to society. I hope you are continuing to be healthy, and mentally getting strong and staying strong man. Peace, love, and success in 2020 for ya!

Saw your music vid on Oski and life at CAL! Hilarious bro. Hope you find your purpose and keep on living in the mean time 🙏🏽

great video! I recently got accepted to UCLA and uc Berkeley as a transfer. Though I don’t plan to drop out anytime soon, I appreciate your story and experience. It helped me contextualize my own happiness, emotional stability, and expectations. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing. God loves you man, and thanks for your encouragement inside the CS field.

Found your video a week before moving into Clark Kerr. Don’t know if I will survive the next 4 years, but thanks for sharing!

Beautiful and genuine video

Hey man, going through a similar moment with school and life. Best of luck to you! We gotta stay looking at the positives and all the other opportunities that come along!

Sounds great, you're on track, on your own track. Keep going.

Hey man, I’m new to your channel. Just wanted to say this vid is super relatable - I’m studying Aero Engineering and three years ago I began my book reading journey. I was ready to drop out, knowing there’s a way better, more beneficial, more useful (and actually enjoyable) path to learning. With parents and close family everyone pushed me to not do it, so I didn’t have the courage to. Tbh I still don’t know if it would’ve been an effective choice long term. I did get two internships with NASA, but after that I’ve been struggling to finish my last two semesters. Just wanted to reach out and share I’m on the same boat (read the same books, also follow Tai Lopez for a while lol) and wish you well man. It’s hard to tell how we’ll look back on this in the future, but one thing is for sure and that is the University system needs to change (have even been trying to brainstorm an alternative system - would be a cool business for sure). I don’t wish this upon any of the future generations. Anyway, I digress but just know you’re not alone or crazy man. Best of luck with everything!

First two years before transferring to UCI were pretty lax academically. Still went through some of the things you mentioned that contributed to you deciding to drop out, and other different things. Pretty much all the healthy habits you adopted to cope I never took up. Not getting any internships the summer before transferring and after did not help me mentally. got severely depressed last summer, considered killing myself and hurting others but sought counseling and got help I needed. I’m doing a lot better now, but had I been going through the entirety of it at a 4 year I would have wanted to make the same decision drop out. Super brave of you take make the decision with your background

I feel you man. I might take a break due to problems that have come up. Keep it up !!

Hey man, awesome video. Shit hit the ceiling for me too but it was 4 months into my first job out of uni. I took a gap to travel alone and figure shit out and now I feel so grateful I took that decision. Also, I agree that it's hard to achieve a shift in mindset whilst in school, and exiting the situation clears a lot of mental barriers. What did you do to build a new and healthy network?

Here before millions viewers

this man is something else, respect bro

Watched several of your videos and decided to just scroll through your channel. I needed to hear exactly what you talked about in this video.

Such a helpful video! Hope you’re doing great brother 🤙🏼

Thanks for sharing this bro. I didn't know what was going on with me and I feel so alone in this because I feel like I can't disappoint those people around me and it's making my life miserable

this is so well explained. great video chris!

Chris, it was destiny that I found this video. Thank you!

Thanks for the video, it really resonated with me

As a Cal grad I wish you all the best! Fiat Lux and Go Bears!

I actually graduated UCLA with a degree in Neuroscience, but I knew the whole time I didn't really enjoy my classes as much as the people around me. Now, I started to do a computer science course, and I am loving it, and I am planning to do a 1-3 year coding bootcamp and getting into video game development. To not love what you do and not give it a 100% is to sacrifice the gift - it is never too late!

Happy you took a break, your mental health is much important.

Hey I'm glad you made this video. Good luck on your journey. It seems like you have the acumen and diligence to steer yourself reasonably. gobears.

Sometimes stepping back from all the noise and trying to see the big picture for what it really is, is a brave but in the long run best choice to make. Well said and well done 👊🏼

I feel you totally. That happened to me in january 2019. now its been year i feel different better probably

Hey Chris, I've only known your channel for a couple of weeks, but I now think of you as a personal hero

Bro I just started school I’m 24 and realizing I didn’t miss out on much

thank you!

I like the way u organized the video out Nd how ur not fake

My God, you are a real one. I am so happy that you made the right decision for you in stepping away for school and focusing on you. I hope the upcoming chapters are so much better than the ones you left behind. Chin up, kiddo. The world is yours.

WOW thats my housemate!!! I'm so proud of you and this legitimately hit so hard home. I'm so glad to have met you cuz uve been nothing but a great friend and inspiration to me

I have similar story but later i found out that i had prolectinoma may be that was the reason for my depression or vice versa. I also dropped out now a developer.

i had a very similar experience, totally feel you.

Wow. Thanks for sharing Chris! This is some quality content you've got here. Mental health isn't usually talked about a lot especially among students. It's mostly a taboo. I'm glad you're able to share your thoughts and feelings on this topic! *subbed*

Did You get your internship while at school or after dropping out? I was just wondering if it is actually possible to get an intern without a college?

Didn’t drop out but got kicked out from community college with a 1.4GPA no declared major or any plan for my future. Lied to family about going for 2 years before coming clean, found myself, lost weight, got a job, decided to go back got my GPA back up. Now im off to 4 year college to finish my CS Degree (2 years left). Definitely worth leaving school to find yourself if you are not satisfied on how its going. When you are ready to go back just enroll and roll out. We all get to the finish line on our own time.

I just got a FAANG reject today. Was sitting hopelessly at 3 in the morning. You made me realize that life is not that bad.

I wish you all the best and Go Bears!

People value actual knowledge more than degrees. Most kids at UC Berkeley are there Because there parents want them to be there, simply. Why would you pay to be assigned work that will stress you out for 4-5 years? It’s the continuous apathetic willingness to go to college that is keeping college the way it is. If people weren’t willing to go, the education system would have to change. I honestly think if college was free, The diversity of students would change the environment greatly and for the better.

Hey Chris, love your videos man - I also enjoy making videos but have an audience of a much smaller scale haha... I wanted to message you with regards to US software engineering internships/positions. I'm in Australia and I understand that our resumes don't often get read or we don't have the necessary connections that other students from Ivy's do. I'd love to get your advice but I don't use instagram (although I do have an account so I can message). Should I shoot a dm on instagram anyways?

Hey, may I ask what online stock trading site are you using ?

You got my respect man!

Just follow what you realy want man. In asian community sometimes we are trap in a traditional way but we have so many choices in our life. Sometimes its hard but as long as your passionate what you doing, it will be okay.

Proud :)

Thanks for sharing,my son got admitted to Uc Santa Cruz,

You go man!

Inspiring 😊 Hello from Switzerland

I can totally relate to this. I only sleep around 3-6 hours daily because I just don't have enough time to maintain school's work while living life and trying to get a decent job. Sadly, I couldn't drop out of college because I wasn't a U.S. citizen. Now that I am a green card holder but I only have 3 months left before graduating... Guess it's better to just finish it off :)))). Its all about the tradeoff. Time and energy are limited resources.

Keep going you'll find your way. Good job may be you need as little more life experience. It would be good to wait and keep engaged in random life cements.

ok there's too much honesty in this video imma watch some vines

you can always just take a year off!

Can you show us how you started to become a stock trader

Hey man. It's cool that you've traded and are now paper trading stocks. My largest project is a trading bot for stocks and cryptocurrencies that I've been developing for 2 years. Idk how old you are, but I'm 20. It sounds like you've gotten a large variety of work experience from plenty of companies. I'm currently attending a community college, and I have no intention of moving out of my city currently, and I've sensed sort of.. disappointment from multiple coworkers in my past internships for not pursuing a prestigious university. Have you experienced similar because you've dropped out?

What mic did you use for this video?

Nice

Berkeley class of 2023 😬 I’m kinda scared now

Beautiful. :)

11:51 when he says so yea . 😍

I don’t know you but I’m proud of you

Do u kid! Berkeley will always be there, your well being is most important always. Be Well! Take Care of Yourself! the “others” may never understand. It’ll all work out. Your Leveling Up! peace be with you

I think kids my age are so weak minded nowadays. But I will say, you definitely did do pretty well for yourself doing your own thing. I can respect that

hey dude! found you channel today, wanted to comment but didnt know what to say except hello (8

Honestly dude, I sympathize with your problems that you had while attending, but I feel like you portrayed your temporary break from interning and going to school as "dropping out" which is a misrepresentation. At the end of the video, after you talked about getting your internships at Lyft and Facebook, you said you're re-enrolling and the only reason you gave was "because it'd be stupid not to." Sounds kinda hypocritical if you ask me, and it kinda invalidates a lot of what you said about your views on not attending college for the foreseeable future.

man i needed to hear this shit today

Dam that sounds fun

Is good when you got someone holding your back for such descision. If others do that they'll be literally in the streets.

I’ve been interested in trying to figure out the stock market and use it to my benefit. Do you have any recommendations on how to get started as a beginner?

You are a fighter

DON'T CALL GO BEARS A BAD RAP--THAT'S HOW I GOT HERE AND NOW YOU GAINED A SUB!

It seems you were sacrificing a lot of parts of yourself to try to be perfect in every aspect of your life at Cal. You seemed to have everything down honestly. Instead of dropping out, you should just be taking a break (like for 2 semesters) and slow down. I'm assuming you reached a point where you can chill and take a few upper div CS courses provided that you go back to school. A lot of things seem to have built up badly through circumstance (family issues, physical and mental health issues, and toxic relationships). Honestly you have the academic part down, try giving yourself a break from social stuff. That seems to be some of the battle. Please finish school! You are already in a good spot, even having not completed your education! Once you get your degree, so many more doors will open for you! In all honesty they already have (you have an internship already while many Haas and CS students bitch and moan about them their last two years). If you are not feeling something, try something different!

Dude, what you're experiencing at this stage of your life is totally normal. But consider this: there are MILLIONS of people standing in line to go to UC Berkeley. Being admitted there means you beat the odds. So why not experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? When it's over, you'll never have to do it again. And you can take on temporary jobs to fund a long vacation from the academic/working world so you can figure out what you want to do with your life.

I wanto to drop out but I'm from méxico

Wait so this clown discusses all his reasons why he dropped out and then he concludes with, oh btw i re-enrolled and it would be stupid of me if i didn't?? wtf??

I really enjoyed this. :D

would love a Thailand video btw C:

Personally I love your really bad song lol I think it’s my most played song of the year so far lmao

this is hilarious to watch being that it there's another video of you titled "why I re-enrolled" lmaoo yeah no shit

more memes please

Can I get a hug🎖️

Months later... makes a video of day in the life of CS student at UC Berkeley

Why are you a cute bear

Everybody will hit a burnout point sometime in life. The sooner the better because you don't have many responsibilities at a young age.

Seems like a lot of successful tech youtubers have had mental health problems

if you were able to score 99% in CS classes at UCB, you're probably smarter than the vast majority of humans