December 16, 2025 · 2 min read
I dropped out of university at 19 and went on to work at and build some of the coolest startups in Canada.
Many ask me how to drop out, if they should drop out, and most difficult of all, how to get your parent's approval.
First. Should you drop out? The answer is no. You should not drop out to drop out and do something cooler. You should drop out only because school is getting in the way of what you are already doing (job, business, startup).
How do you drop out? The best way is to take leave from university. Most schools allow you to take up to a year away without losing your student status. Apart from that, just don't take anymore classes and boom you've done it.
How to get approval from your parents? The answer depends on your culture. My experience applies to Eastern European, middle eastern and south asian culture but the pointers should apply across the board. First, get off their payroll. If you live at home, they pay for your school or support you financially in any other way you have ZERO right to go against their will. If they have paid for your school, pay them back. If they take it, your debt is cleared. If they refuse, at least you offered.
You do not have to move out to drop out. If you still live with your parents and intend to continue doing so, offer to pay rent. If they refuse, the least you can do is buy groceries or cover utility bills. Find some way to contribute financially to the household. If you cannot afford to do this, you cannot afford to drop it.
Finally, depending on how close you are, share monthly "investor updates" with your parents. Talk about your wins, challenges and goals. Show them progress.