Its hard, but its one of those things you just need to come out and say. Let them know how sick its making you. Let them know its affecting your studies. Let them know you may not have it all figured out after all and you need time to regroup and figure out what you want so you don't waste your time, and their money.

Aside from that, there is little else to be done if you want to make that change. Its gonna suck. Chances are they will be very disappointed...there is no magic piece of advice to give you to keep that from happening. Its something that you will have to accept as short term consequences to a long term goal.

I dropped out of college the middle of my sophomore year because I was out of money, being pressured to pick a major, and living with terrible people. I was sick all the time, I started skipping class. I eventually lost all motivation to attend and I started the conversation with my parents over the phone as a snap decision because I was too afraid to do it in person.

The best you can do is make it clear that you have thought this through and it is, at this time, not only your best option, but also your only. That you understand that if you were to return to school that may mean returning on your own dime, but during your break, you fully intend to make use of that time and work.

Leaving was the best decision I have ever made. I had no direction, and I hated classes and school work. I wasn't bad at it, but I did hate it. I left school in fall of 09 and I have only just figured out what to do with my life. I'm going back to tech school to learn a trade instead.

My parents are still skeptical. They don't understand why I have made the choice I have made and they both think I was meant to do "better things". Unless I bring it up, they don't even talk about it. I know they mean well, though and they are scared. I know, though, that when im done and making good money and they see that im happy and enjoy my job and that im fairly compensated, they will relax and finally let themselves be proud of me and my choices.

Yours will too, eventually. But it will take time. You just need to take a deep breath and make the choices that you need to make in order for you to be happy now.