<p>I’m with those that advise humoring her while encouraging her to keep her options open – she should continue with a college prep academic track and keep her grades up in case she wants to go to college later; encourage (but don’t force) her to apply to some colleges as well – but given her willingness to be a tattoo artist, there is no reason to get stressed out about selective college admissions - your in-state public university options will do. </p>
<p>My daughter, who is now at an extremely selective college, spent a good part of her senior year fantasizing about quitting school and moving to Boston to live with her boyfriend, where he would finish school and she would get a job waitressing to support him. I cheerfully played along, musing on the fun and exciting world of waiting on tables. I did make it clear that I wouldn’t support her financially in the endeavor… but she could probably make a lot in tips, right?</p>
<p>Which brings me to another point/suggestion: if your daughter seems serious about that, then sit her down and have a matter of fact discussion of finances, including not only what your boundaries are in terms of financial support, but time-frame as far as a college education — after all, some of us would like to retire eventually, and we can’t be expected to subsidize a delayed college education at, say, 2012 tuition rates. My son quit college after 2 years; we had “the talk” – he did not get financial support from me because he was out of school, and by the time he returned to school, he had passed the 5-year window during which my offer of support with tuition expired. So he’s paying his own way now. </p>
<p>It can be tough going, but sometimes kids need to learn the hard way – and in some cases it works out for the best. Students who enter college later often are more serious about their studies and focused than youngsters away from home for the first time, who are more greatly tempted to explore their new-found freedom. The older students have a been-there/done-that attitude toward drunken reveling, and more disciplined approach to work.</p>