I have been going to college part time for a while and recently began on online degree program. I would like to explore other positions through volunteering and part time work to find my "niche". I can't do that while working fulltme. I'm scared of losing the security of full benefits, a retirement plan and job history(in case I need credit). Has anyone else contemplated or done this? How did you handle it?

You should check out the thread "campus life" I brought up this very subject and got some good feedback. I know its hard. I will be on assistance a couple months but tax time os coming around, and a new semester witgh the grant money so I shouild be ok. But it is extremely hard doing it alone with no help from the kids dads or not having any family to support you. So I say if you need the time go for it!

I say do it

warning label: I have bad credit, don't take financial advice from me.

That said, you could always get a credit card or 2 before quiting so you'll have plastic in case of emergencies later on.

I'm managing in college, but I'm also too broke to fix my credit (or anything else). It's a risk. You've just got to decide if you really think the risk is worth it.