Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DSS saying he wants to quit sixth form and I don’t know what to do

102 replies

StressedOutOctober · 30/09/2025 21:19

He’s just come in from KFC and said he’s done with sixth form he can’t do it anymore and wants to just work full time I honestly feel sick writing this I knew he was struggling but he’s only just restarted Y12 and it’s only been a few weeks 😭 I don’t know what to do at all I don’t want him wasting his life but he’s adamant it’s too much pressure and he’s tired all the time from working shifts as well

DP just said he needs to man up and get on with it which is easy for him to say he never helps with homework or goes to parents evening I’m the one who does all that I just feel like it’s all on me again and I’m not even his mum officially but I’m the one worrying sick while DP shrugs

AIBU to think he should at least try stick it out for the year and see how he goes or am I just forcing him into something he can’t do I don’t want to be the evil stepmum but I’m panicking he’ll throw everything away before he’s even started

OP posts:
Notsuchafattynow · 30/09/2025 21:26

Is he working too much, how many hours is he doing at KFC.

It's always hard once they get a bit of money in their pockets. The lure of even min wage is great when you live at home and you have cash to spend.

Have you considered an apprentiship? Would he be more suited to that? Everyone has an academic point that they tap out at. Maybe he reached his? (This does not mean he is not intelligent).

Forcing him to stay could be the worst decision, even if him leaving currently feels like it is.

Your DH sounds rubbish with this 'man up' comments. Thank god your DS has you x

fairlygoodmother · 30/09/2025 21:26

What is he doing at sixth form? If A levels, what were his GCSE grades? Does it seem to you that he should be able to manage with the right support or is he maybe trying something unrealistic?

Can he work less shifts?

And his dad needs to step up.