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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dinah on November 15, 2003, at 15:30:04
Very slowly perhaps.
I hate my career. I'd like to do something where I can see that what I do makes a difference.
It's probably a pipe dream. In fact I can guarantee it. But in the meantime, it won't do me any harm to start studying for entrance exams. My brain could use a good workout.
And even if I'm fooling myself, it'll give me a crumb of hope that I won't be doing this forever.
Posted by justyourlaugh on November 15, 2003, at 16:21:23
In reply to I'm thinking of going back to school, posted by Dinah on November 15, 2003, at 15:30:04
me too d..
but my hubby said he didnt have money for that kind of sillyness...
?
what are you thinking of taking?
Posted by Dinah on November 15, 2003, at 16:42:01
In reply to Re: I'm thinking of going back to school, posted by justyourlaugh on November 15, 2003, at 16:21:23
Well, don't laugh. Because I know it's just a pipedream. But I'd kind of like to take counseling or psychology or something.
Either that or school administration. I gave up on the idea of being a teacher, unless I can have a class of kids just like my sweet son.
How about you?
Posted by justyourlaugh on November 15, 2003, at 17:46:17
In reply to Re: I'm thinking of going back to school » justyourlaugh, posted by Dinah on November 15, 2003, at 16:42:01
paramedic
Posted by karen_kay on November 15, 2003, at 17:50:18
In reply to Re: I'm thinking of going back to school » justyourlaugh, posted by Dinah on November 15, 2003, at 16:42:01
Good for you!!! I have always thought that the best way to start something is to begin planning. At least if you begin checking into available financing (loans, aid, ect), available schools, scheduling, ect. you may begin to realize that your dream may be a reality! Why do you think that it seems impossible to start school again? I feel so old (24) in my classes, as I don't have my BA yet. But, I also realize that I have had financial problems and I also have a really good resume because of these problems. Just start looking into it and I bet that you will begin to become excited. Maybe you'll even start classes in the Fall!! Good luck to you hun, and I really do think you can do it! Karen
Posted by fallsfall on November 15, 2003, at 22:18:32
In reply to Re: I'm thinking of going back to school, posted by karen_kay on November 15, 2003, at 17:50:18
I am thinking of an MLS (Library Science). Wow - now it is in black and white!
Posted by underthecs on November 15, 2003, at 22:38:48
In reply to Re: I'm thinking of going back to school » justyourlaugh, posted by Dinah on November 15, 2003, at 16:42:01
i think you'll make a great therapist/counselor.
Posted by jay on November 16, 2003, at 8:53:12
In reply to I'm thinking of going back to school, posted by Dinah on November 15, 2003, at 15:30:04
> Very slowly perhaps.
>
> I hate my career. I'd like to do something where I can see that what I do makes a difference.
>
> It's probably a pipe dream. In fact I can guarantee it. But in the meantime, it won't do me any harm to start studying for entrance exams. My brain could use a good workout.
>
> And even if I'm fooling myself, it'll give me a >crumb of hope that I won't be doing this forever.Dinah....good for you! Really...because I am 33 and still in University. There are some excellent support networks out there for 'mature' students. One thing I have done is to take only a class or two at the campus, and do the other few classes through distance education. Check out www.athabascau.ca for info on complete, fully accredited distance education university graduate and undergraduate programs. The cost of each course includes all text books, extra reading/tutorial material, and an individual tutor you can either contact through email or through a 1-800 number. All Canadian universities *must* have full accreditation, so no matter which one you choose, you are getting some of the best education credentials in the world.
Good luck,
Jay
Posted by Dinah on November 16, 2003, at 9:07:14
In reply to Re: I'm thinking of going back to school » Dinah, posted by jay on November 16, 2003, at 8:53:12
Thanks Jay. I think distance learning would certainly make things easier for at least part of my courseload given the realities of my family and work obligations.
But I also just looked at the GRE and was taken aback at how thick my brain has gotten. I was once a National Merit Scholar and summa cum laude graduate with the world at my feet. Now I'm a thick old lady who literally not only can't remember what I was about to say, but can't even remember that I was in the middle of saying anything.
Even if I blame the psych meds, that doesn't cure the problem.
Posted by Poet on November 16, 2003, at 13:03:02
In reply to I'm thinking of going back to school, posted by Dinah on November 15, 2003, at 15:30:04
Do it,Dinah. I'm in school for a certificate in professional writing which I finish next month.
My hope is that it gets me a job that uses my brain. The job I just interviewed for is a writing position, please, oh, please let me get it...
Even if it doesn't instantly end my career hell, school has proven to me that I a good writer.
School helped boost my self-esteem, it can help yours, too.
Poet
Posted by Pfinstegg on November 16, 2003, at 23:02:11
In reply to Re: I'm thinking of going back to school » Dinah, posted by Poet on November 16, 2003, at 13:03:02
That's the most thrilling thing I've ever read from you! I never knew that you graduated summa cum laude and were a National Merit Scholar! I don't think you've gotten "dumbed down" one bit. I do think that you and I are the same- in that when our emotions get strong, we find it very hard to speak or think. I don't know if this applies to you or not, but I have discovered that the mute, confused part of me which keeps appearing in therapy is really a dissociated part- she's about six years old and doesn't know anything, even though *I* went on and got a doctorate. Being able to recover my wits and work at a competent adult level actually gives me enough confidence to let that 6-year old come out fully. It's hard to say where all of this is leading, but I think she's getting better integrated with *me*- I do have a lot less depression and anxiety and a lot more hope and trust in life. Dinah, I didn't mean to get off topic, but was trying to say that you have always seemed extremely smart here on PB- it's in therapy that you don't feel that way, isn't it? If you are like me, that's very necessary and important, but it's only a small part of you. It would be so wonderful if you went back to school- I feel absolutely certain that you would once again find yourself at the top of your classes! You would not be the oldest person to be getting an advanced degree by a long shot. You've got a huge amount to contribute to your community and to society- please do it- slowly, maybe by extension, however it would work best.
If you decide to become a therapist, you would be a TERRIFIC one! You're already an indispensable therapist to all of of here, you know.
Pfinstegg
Posted by Dinah on November 17, 2003, at 1:00:41
In reply to Re: I'm thinking of going back to school...DINAH!, posted by Pfinstegg on November 16, 2003, at 23:02:11
Thanks Pfinstegg. :)
I wish I could say it was only in therapy. Because I agree with you about therapy being completely different from anywhere else. I'm a completely different person there, with a difficulty in communication that accompanies the regression that seems to come with that unique combination of emotional intensity and safety.
But unfortunately it's at work and home too. :) My husband makes me face him when he says something and repeat it back to him. And I still forget in the time it takes to turn around.
But I do wonder sometimes. Maybe my brain atrophy is at least partly because I'm not exercising it. Maybe if I do something like go back to school, I'll be my old self again. Maybe my current thickness of mind has to do with the fact that I really don't like doing what I'm doing. Maybe....
I used to love learning. I used to love school. I loved stretching my brain around new concepts. I loved arguing points with the nicer professors. I hate to admit it, but I liked being smart. I would be so happy to have my brain darting about like a hummingbird instead of slogging through quicksand.
But my husband has a point when he says that self actualization is way down on the list of priorities when I've got a wonderful son to raise.
Posted by fallsfall on November 17, 2003, at 7:06:19
In reply to Re: I'm thinking of going back to school...DINAH! » Pfinstegg, posted by Dinah on November 17, 2003, at 1:00:41
To the contrary. I think that an energized, interested, learning mom would certainly be worth the "cost" of your education.
Posted by Dinah on November 17, 2003, at 7:35:11
In reply to Re: I'm thinking of going back to school...DINAH! » Dinah, posted by fallsfall on November 17, 2003, at 7:06:19
I'll study for the GRE even if I don't think it's likely I'll be able to do anything with it. And I'll get the catalog from my local college. Those things won't cost my son or husband anything.
And if I find I can get my mind working well enough not to embarass myself on the GRE, I'll go ahead and take it.
At the very least, it should sharpen me up a bit. That will help my family and my job.
Posted by judy1 on November 17, 2003, at 10:25:13
In reply to Well, I'll tell you what...., posted by Dinah on November 17, 2003, at 7:35:11
Dinah,
I think it's wonderful that you're considering returning to school. Do you need child care for your son if you take classes, or is he old enough to care for himself? If he's in school, can you take classes in the day or will that interfere with your job? I've taken some grad courses in psych for almost a year now, the University provides childcare for my youngest and my son is in school. But I don't work so I'm able to do the day programs. I think school has been a life saver for me, it provides the social interaction I need and prevents my brain from becoming stagnant. Most of all it has helped my self-esteem. best of luck- judy
Posted by Dinah on November 17, 2003, at 15:49:14
In reply to Re: Well, I'll tell you what.... » Dinah, posted by judy1 on November 17, 2003, at 10:25:13
That's wonderful, Judy! I didn't realize you were taking courses. What are your career plans? It sounds as if you are enjoying the experience of being back at school.
I'm lucky in that my work is flexible. I could take day courses, just not many at once. But first the GRE, and seeing if my brain still works.
Posted by Pfinstegg on November 17, 2003, at 16:22:27
In reply to Re: Well, I'll tell you what.... » judy1, posted by Dinah on November 17, 2003, at 15:49:14
I'm so glad you got rid of the biofeedback guy. I think he showed his problems and limitations right off by calling your own therapist a "narcissist". This is just NEVER done and is very unprofessional- not to mention uncalled-for. Really, on what possible basis could he say a thing like that?
As to the brains- they're still right there and functioning- and you have every right to enjoy them- they're YOURS! When your husband tries to make sure you are hearing him, it is probably because your feelings are in high gear, making you distracted and less inclined to focus on your immediate surroundings, or on everyday family matters. Happens to me.
Is your son about 12 now? I think he would love to know that his intelligent mother is reaching out for something more for herself in life- just when he is about to begin doing the same for himself. My son is 27 now, but he told me a year ago that I inspired him, during his teen-age years, by learning and trying new things when he was growing up. He was so forgiving and accepting of the turmoil in my emotional life- he just seemed to focus much more on what I was trying to do, not on whether I was always successful or not. He actually said one time, a year ago, "it's OK, Mom, when you get depressed. I'm sorry you have to get that way, but I"m strong enough to bear it". I felt terrible that he did have to bear it, but I did believe him that he was strong enough. My big job is to get as strong as he is!
And, look, Dinah, your therapist is gone this week, and you only mentioned it in passing. You must be so much stronger and steadier to be thinking about possible career moves rather than the just the pain of his absence. I know you miss him a lot, but it's obviously not the only thing you are thinking about, this time.
As one of your PB companions, I'm still excited that you are thinking about education and career plans!
Pfinstegg
Posted by Dinah on November 17, 2003, at 19:16:08
In reply to Re: Well, I'll tell you what.... » Dinah, posted by Pfinstegg on November 17, 2003, at 16:22:27
My son's only seven, but by the time I pull my act together and get ready to go back, he'll be old enough.
Did you ever see the Friends episode where Chandler (who hated his job) took a career test and discovered his perfect career was.... the job he had and hated. I think I'll do a vocational test, but I'll bet the results will be the same. I'll be perfect for the job I hate. :)
It is true that I'm handling things better this time, but I can't take more credit than I deserve. Not only is my therapist only out of town till Wednesday, but I also left him a voice message from my car phone in the parking garage of biofeedback guy. :)) I'm not quite the independent woman yet. But I did tell him not to call me back. Baby steps, but still...
I'm also absolutely astounded at the action of the triptan I took for my migraine. It not only knocked out the headache within an hour, but it also totally did away with my post-emotional upset grogginess. Which now leads me to wonder if my forgetting naps are maybe a migraine related or at least vascular phenomenon. Biology is just plain odd.
Posted by Pfinstegg on November 17, 2003, at 22:13:57
In reply to Re: Well, I'll tell you what.... » Pfinstegg, posted by Dinah on November 17, 2003, at 19:16:08
I know what you mean. I once tested out as perfectly suited for a terribly boring insurance company job, and actually DID it for year. Luckily, those wonderful job evaluations didn't prevent me from going back to school in health sciences. I bet you will test out to be great for the job you have, too! You'll probably test as being good at dozens more things than you could ever do!
I didn't realize that your son is only seven. But if you take a course or two at a time, by the time you are ready to get a degree and tests your wings in a new area, he will be a teenager- that's a great time to make new moves.
Pfinstegg
Posted by fallsfall on November 17, 2003, at 23:07:17
In reply to Well, I'll tell you what...., posted by Dinah on November 17, 2003, at 7:35:11
I'm so impressed. The GRE scares the pants off of me. I managed to sidestep it by getting my Masters degree from the same school that I got my Bachelors from.
Good. So you do the GRE thing and then tell me about it. OK?
Somebody just took the GRE - I think it was Penny. Let me know if you want to get in touch with her - she's on a Babble break.
Posted by Dinah on November 18, 2003, at 9:45:45
In reply to Re: Well, I'll tell you what.... » Dinah, posted by fallsfall on November 17, 2003, at 23:07:17
Today, still suffering from the adrenaline surge from yesterday, I am reminded. It makes me really wonder if I would even be capable.
But I have long said that if I go back to school, I'd like to follow a career that encompasses my pet crusade. To reduce school or peer bullying. I'm not altogether sure what role I'd like to play, or what degree would best get me there. That's why I was wondering about counseling or school administration.
I kind of think my natural bent is more towards research though. Wouldn't that mean becoming a psychologist. I think a doctoral degree might be out of my grasp.
Thanks for reminding me about Penny. I haven't heard from her from a few days and will drop her a line.
Posted by almondjoy on November 18, 2003, at 16:44:20
In reply to Re: Sometimes I forget that I'm not really well. » fallsfall, posted by Dinah on November 18, 2003, at 9:45:45
Research in sociology is somewhat related to the careers you mentioned too (that's what I'm studying for, an undergrad sociology/political science double major) You can get into research with a master's in sociology, too. I'm sometimes tempted to lean towards behavioral science, though. Who knows?....
Posted by judy1 on November 19, 2003, at 10:13:25
In reply to Re: Well, I'll tell you what.... » judy1, posted by Dinah on November 17, 2003, at 15:49:14
I have a graduate degree in a scientific field, but I really wanted to interact with people- so probably something along the lines of clinical psych. At the rate I'm going, this may take a long, long time:-). Both my shrink and therapist have a history of mental disorders, and I've found them to be much more empathic then any other clinicians I've seen, so I guess that's my motivation.
Please don't worry about the GRE, it's a whole lot easier then the MCAT more along the lines of the SAT. You can get books with practice tests (I'm sure you already know that) and if you're really uncomfortable you can find courses on how to take the test. I did that for the MCAT and it really brought my scores up.
best of luck-judy
Posted by Dinah on November 19, 2003, at 19:09:47
In reply to Re: Sometimes I forget that I'm not really well., posted by almondjoy on November 18, 2003, at 16:44:20
I'll look into that as well. Thanks! I really do want to make a difference with my work, but I also need to keep in mind my interpersonal ummmm.... quirkiness.
Posted by Dinah on November 19, 2003, at 19:12:09
In reply to Re: Well, I'll tell you what.... » Dinah, posted by judy1 on November 19, 2003, at 10:13:25
That sounds great! My rate would be similar, I suspect. I figure I could get my degree just in time to retire. But at least it would open a window in the trap of a life I have now.
(I don't mean to be melodramatic. I just really really hate my job, while being sadly aware that I'm pretty good at it.)
This is the end of the thread.
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