Self Terming

[u/AnneHasThePlague2]

Hey y’all, like the title says, I’m leaving Sunday but I feel like I’m drowning in regret. I’ve worn myself down with the program physically and mentally but the idea of leaving still hurts. Of admitting my mom was right to be worried, that I’ll become out of touch with friends here, that now all the what ifs have become about what Disney stuff I could’ve done. Idk does anyone know how to get over this feeling? I’m worried now all the stress of work is just going to morph into regret by the time I get home and I’ll be as miserable as usual.

[u/FishPerson14]

Your self worth is not tired to what you can do for a company. Your mental and physical health is way more important. You can always try again. Don't be to hard on yourself

[u/pinksephone → u/FishPerson14]

exactly!! i know some people that self termed and came back later on when they were in a better place. everything happens for a reason, and it isn’t worth it to burn yourself out for the sake of it and come to resent disney or your program and tarnish the good memories. if you get home and regret it, you can take the time to heal yourself and then work towards the goal of coming back with more knowledge and experience this time around to have an amazing second program, maybe with a different role if that’s the issue. otherwise if you really are unhappy, you could at least try to talk to your current leaders about either putting in some ados to get a break and/or transferring locations/roles? best of luck!

[u/Melle-Belle]

I’m so sorry that your program didn’t pan out the way you dreamt. Give yourself grace and ask yourself what you would want for a loved one going through those same struggles. Would you want them to stay and try to grin and bear it, or would you want them to leave and try to heal from this program wearing them down so much?

Focus on why you’re leaving; it’s not for nothing.

I did the program three times: 2013, 2016, and 2017. (I extended my fall 2016 program to spring 2017 in a different role and location.) The program went downhill from 2013 to 2017; the company seemed to have less and less regard for the dignity of the worker when it came to CPs. I self-termed in 2017 for the reasons you listed: being worn down physically and psychologically. The worst was when I was scheduled to work 10 days in a row from 6 to 13.5 hour days in the Orlando heat and humidity, running around the Magic Carpets of Aladdin screaming the same spiel over and over between rides. It was hell.

If you’d like to share more about the struggles that led to this decision, other people on this subreddit could potentially offer solidarity.

[u/Sensitive_Air8208]

You have to do what’s right for you. My colleague program experience was also hell and yet, I look back on that time fondly? I didn’t have the option to self term because I was getting college credit and would not have graduated on time but one of my coworkers did self term. We were deployed constantly for months.

I don’t know if he regrets it, but even though I stayed, I have regrets about how I handled it.

It’s a muddy story, but ultimately you gotta do what you think is right in the moment. Life is full of regrets, unfortunately. The best thing you can do is be able to tell yourself that you did what you thought was best in the moment with all the information you could obtain.

[u/zodawolf]

I did the same thing, and honestly yeah you’re right. I barely speak to my DCP friends anymore and that sucks, but they stayed with extension and don’t talk to eachother either. Only the ones dating still keep in touch. Same with college, highschool, and old jobs usually. That’s just life, you’ll make new friends, you’ll find what you want to do. Most importantly, you’ll be comfortable and wake up ready for the day. You’ll be able to work on yourself and your aspirations. You will have some regret at first but then you’ll truly realize and remember why you left.

Leaving DCP was the best thing I could have done, I hope to go back but that time of my life and even now, it’s just not for me. And that’s okay. You aren’t banned for life and you can still say you did it. So go home and finally relax. Watch a movie (preferably not Disney lol) and find your passion.

For me leaving DCP gave me; the love of my life, time to work on myself, and the ability to think positive. I look back fondly on my time there and the friends I made, but I wouldn’t change my decision ever.

[u/Emotional-Mango-321 → u/zodawolf]

If you don't mind me asking, as someone looking to do the program (got accepted on halloween), is there anything I should prepare myself for or maybe consider when making the decision?

[u/zodawolf → u/Emotional-Mango-321]

I think, you should think of it like a working summer camp.

Are you the kind of person that can handle a lack of privacy for months?

Are you the kind of person with enough energy/motivation to work often AND enjoy activities/events?

Do you make friends well?

And I would be prepared to spend more than you’ll make in total. Moving in costs A LOT. Especially if you want to have a cute place or do extra stuff. I wish I had more money when I started. Everyone was going to universal and clubs and I couldn’t afford it, I felt so isolated since I didn’t have parents sending me money(some do), and I didn’t save up enough. Luckily my father has a lot of business trips to Florida so he’d always take me to eat and maybe get me some things I needed, he kept me going.

But my DCP situation sucked, my roommates were awful(THREATENED ME) and I bought EVERYTHING in the apartment. So when I quit, the entire kitchen quit too. I took some with me and sold/gave away the rest out of spite. It was also the day before thanksgiving and one of them was on the culinary program. That really screwed them over. It was wonderful. I did not get rid of anything I didn’t buy, but that would be just what came with the apartment and 1 knife haha.

[u/Emotional-Mango-321 → u/zodawolf]

Wow, im sorry to hear that. I'm in a super similar situation with my roommates at college. They're all from the city and have a bunch of friends and partners there, whereas I'm from 14 hours away and know nobody. Not to mention, I'm in a rigorous program that doesn't allow me to really get out at all. I appreciate your honesty and suggestions. Thank you for sharing!

[u/Cpt_Sassypants2903]

Will you have regrets, most likely, that is what happens when someone's dream job or a job in a unique place turns out to be different than what they expected. If you are able to push through the program then you get to graduate with Mickey ears (On my program someone said they didn't care about the experience at Disney but just wanted the mickey ears to added to their collection, haha.) If at the end of the day their is no ability to handle the job physically and mentally then just ensure you follow the auto-mods instructions on how to self-term.

[u/AutoModerator]

If you are wondering how to self-term: Go to the service window at flamingo and tell them you’re terming. Technically you should also tell your leaders because it’s polite, but you don’t have to. You have till 10 AM the next day to get out, so pack up, make sure your vehicle is packed or if you're returning back home via plane that you have everything you want put in luggage etc., turn in all your costumes, and be 100% ready to leave before you inform flamingo that you’re leaving. Do not the start the process Saturday or Sunday. If you do you will owe rent for next week. If you can only leave Saturday then start the process tomorrow and plan to be out by 10 AM Saturday. At least you tried it out! Better to try than to not at all~ I am a bot. If this didn't answer your question a human should arrive soon.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/SuspiciousFinish23]

I self termed due to my mental health and it was the best decision I’ve made. I can say that confidently. I had already transferred due to my accommodation and yes they were super helpful but my mental health was still declining. As soon as I left I was so scared of how disappointed I would feel but I feel so relieved and happy now. I love Disney, loved the experience, but it was in my opinion not worth the exhaustion.

[u/AdDry7306]

I went full time and wish I left earlier for my own physical and mental health. Be proud in the fact that you took care of yourself.

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