This is up to you, and much like being forced to be in school against your will, you will only truly own the decision if you make it yourself. If you want other

This is up to you, and much like being forced to be in school against your will, you will only truly own the decision if you make it yourself. If you want other people to validate your decision, you haven't worked it through or been through enough pain to own the outcome. If I was in your shoes (I was) I would drop out. I completed high school in three years (I hated it, but forced myself to finish for signaling) and then it seemed to make more sense to just start working full time, so I did and I do not regret it at all. I am an outsider because I did not even start university, and I am usually the only person on a team or call not to have gone to university. It doesn't matter now, but only because I have some professional experience. That said, at least two thirds of companies I have ever talked to screen me on the first call for not having a degree. So you really force yourself into a part of the economy that values merit. For the most part, this has not been an issue, but it may be for you. I more or less ignored my parents thoughts on this, though they were surprisingly supportive, as their influence goes down a lot when you make your own money. I would think more about what your goals are long term (presumably not just to program for someone else forever) and what they require. If you want to do anything more conservative (big company in non-tech industry, government, etc.) you should stick it out for signaling. If you want to run your own company and/or are on that path, you really won't miss it. If something is hard but seems right, usually that means it is right and the hard part is the part preventing you from taking the leap. Most people project conservative values on others, while being more forgiving of themselves, so you will get a lot of "stay in school" advise.