[ThisWillDestroyYou]

This is going to be long, but I'll try to shorten it up.

My job has gotten very mentally unbearable. I have been working full-time, and going to school part-time. My job has made me extremely depressed, details can be spared, but after discussing this with my family, we've decided it's time for me to go to school full-time.

I am majoring in Aerospace Engineering, and my step-dad works for the FAA and knows several engineers. I also know a couple. We discussed with them how I should proceed, and unanimously they said that it will be impossible to work and continue my education.

My courses have started to get difficult, but starting I am planning to work 2 days a week for extra income, and live off of my student loans (I do not live at home anymore, I live with my girlfriend).

And here's the issue: This is extremely stressful for my girlfriend. In fact, the depression I am trying to avoid seems to have rubbed off on her due to my decisions with school. She has already graduated and is at a different point in her life. She wants to be further in life, not dependent on my family and loans for income. Not to mention the affect that engineering school will have on our relationship.

I really don't know what to do. I cannot continue working if I want to better myself long-term, but I hate to put someone else in the situation I've been in for the past few years. Especially my girlfriend.

We've been together 2.5 years, and we live together, we also share a bank account. So my finances, are literally hers. My debt is hers, etc.

I've suggested that we go on a break, separate our accounts, etc. so that she can feel less stressed and have her own money and own life while I pursue my dream.

She won't have it. She refuses to separate our bank accounts, and refuses to move on.

Don't get me wrong, I want to be with her, but I love her and I can recognize that I am being a drain to her happiness, and I don't like that. I am sparing a lot of details to keep it short, but the situation is very serious.

What should I do? Should I let her make the decision on whether we split? Or should I just call things off?

The problem I really face is I know she'd be less stressed and happier without me. I don't doubt it at all. But she has a problem with letting go and moving on. And, while I say all this, I do want to marry her one day. I just don't feel like the timing is right. I don't feel like we should be together right now.

I know that sounds horribly cliche, but I don't know what to do. I don't want to be looming over finances, struggling financially, and forcing her into that situation. I also don't want to have debates and arguments about how much time I spend on school, nor do I want to argue over money... I won't be able to handle it with my classes. When I see how depressed she is, I shut down and can't focus. I can't have this happening. I am currently a 4.0 student, and the future is looking bright, but I need to know how to handle this. Please help.