A Tough Decision--could use advice!?

Question

So, right now, I'm in between a rock and a hard place. I have less than three weeks before I leave to study abroad in Ireland, but I may not go. Problems with housing, funding, etc., but I'm about 50/50 on going. My issues are: Money. Living in Dublin for a semester will be expensive. I need funds right now, and currently have none. Also, I just got a pretty good gig as a server at Applebee's, and I'd hate to put in my two weeks after only about a month of work. My friends are also a problem. For almost ten years we've been inseparable, but as of late, they joined a Pentecostal church (cult) and now spend all their time with the "Youth Pastor" (ie; tall, dark, and manipulative) at his house playing board games. They're so obsessed with him it's sickening! We aren't the same close group we used to be.

So those are the pros and cons for me leaving the country. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

This is a very tough decision on your part.  If it's a money issue then I think that needs to weigh heavier than the friends issue.  Think about the money and the job and what's going to happen if you stay.  You work at Applebee's and miss out on a great experience.  Applebee's will still be here when you get back and I'm sure they'll understand that it's a once in a lifetime opportunity.  

A cousin of mine studied abroad in Australia and loved it.  I'm assuming that the experiences are different for each college, but I'm pretty sure that his housing was provided by the college he studied at.  I'm sure you could get a work permit in Ireland that will allow you to make some money on the side to help out.

And about the friends..  I wouldn't exactly "down" your friends and make it an issue just because they've found a church they like and a youth pastor they are comfortable with.  Not all Pentecostal churces are cults.  Although some people think that because it is such a radical change from one lifestyle to another.  Since you're not so close to your friends anymore that shouldn't even be a worry or problem for you.

Answer 2

If I were you, I'd definitely go.  You may never have this opportunity again.  You definitely don't want to look back on this as a missed experience, especially if you passed it up because you didn't want to lose a job at Applebee's.  I know people who have passed up study-abroad programs and they definitely regret it.