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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2011, at 21:19:36
So, I want to go back to school. I'm thinking LPN, then do online classes and get either the RN or the BSN.
I talked to someone today who's 10+ years older than me (I'm 26) and has a master's. He told me to get my act together and that LPN is a dead end. He reminded me of my background (well-educated, professional parents) and "living up to my potential."
Thing is...he lives at home, with his parents. When we talk, he goes on and on about his own life and what not. It reminds me of the academics who'd drop by the house when I was younger--conventionally intelligent, self-absorbed, over-educated, and underpaid.
Because of my faith, I believe I'm called to pursue a more extraordinarily ordinary existence, if that makes sense. I don't really want to prove myself by getting the right degrees, but I do want a job that will keep the bills paid and provide enough money for me to read and just...be human...on my own time.
This guy, he makes condescending remarks to me all the time, which makes me want to completely ignore him. Like "You're so humble; most people coming from your background wouldn't be satisfied just being a regular person." I'm like...you live with your parents (but of course, I can't SAY that), despite (because?) of all your education.
I don't want to be special or prove myself or have cocktail parties with over-educated d-bags sippin' on gin and tonics and chain smoking. I just want to be authentic and reasonably well-paid and respected.
ARGH! Help!
Posted by SLS on May 15, 2011, at 8:49:29
In reply to what to do with my life?!?!, posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2011, at 21:19:36
Search for stability and balance.
Right now, I think you lack both.
No insult intended.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on May 15, 2011, at 10:57:09
In reply to what to do with my life?!?!, posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2011, at 21:19:36
I do agree about LPN but a two year degree in RN is fine. Did you know that the pay isn't really different either? But also agree with Scott. Stability first. And you are not your parents. Phillipa
Posted by Willful on May 15, 2011, at 11:06:48
In reply to what to do with my life?!?!, posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2011, at 21:19:36
This guy is self-involved because he's self-involved, not because he's an RN, or has a masters or whatever. You can live your kind of existence as an RN. It's a credential that gives you access to more and potentially somewhat better paying jobs. It's not the difference between being self-involved or compassionate and giving-- I just see it as providing certain possibilities for what type of work you do-- and where you do it. It might be more fun and more challenging to get the RN and open up more roles for yourself -- but more important is what feels right.
Stability, consistency, and ability to follow through on your choice are the basics-- as SLS suggests-- after which you can do whatever. I would recommend an on-site RN, not an online RN, because I think the clinical work is really what makes the degree meaningful. and interacting with your fellow students enhances your own sense of what's possible.
Even if it takes you a while to get there, you can take science courses, volunteer etc-- all things that prepare you for your career while you work on stability etc, if you feel it's not where it needs to be.
Willful
Posted by floatingbridge on May 16, 2011, at 13:09:52
In reply to what to do with my life?!?!, posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2011, at 21:19:36
CE,
Other posters have given good advice. I don't know about the differences between nursing degrees.
I think you have a strong instinct for what you want in life. Trust it. There's always going to be so much yadda yadda to sit through, like the obvious (to you)
discrepancy between your acquaintance's words and life.One of the best things I am learning to do is learn to speak my mind
respectfully, and not endure monologues or advice no matter how well intentionedI find I have less to replay or stew about afterwards. There are surprises, too. That same monologuer might really perk up and the conversation actually become lots more interesting.
At any rate, I love the peace I feel after being heard, and having spoken up for myself, drawing a much needed boundary for myself--and others, too. People (we) don't always know when
going too far. I love getting gentle, skillful reminders when I've gone to far. Besides the obvious situations when someone is playing a perfect *ss, there is something kind about being able to speak and to listen.Your post touched on something personal for me. So this is my own 2¢.
Hope your day's o.k.
fb
Posted by floatingbridge on May 16, 2011, at 13:54:53
In reply to what to do with my life?!?!, posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2011, at 21:19:36
p.s. I think nurses are really cool--it takes quite a bit of skill and talent to be a nurse. I have received some considerable help from observant nurses when my son was born. I never would ever underestimate their importance. And I think they may enjoy more overall job satisfaction and schedule flexibility than many other professionals.
O.K. I'll stop now.
:-)
Posted by floatingbridge on May 16, 2011, at 13:59:30
In reply to what to do with my life?!?!, posted by Christ_empowered on May 14, 2011, at 21:19:36
p.s. I think nurses are really cool--it takes quite a bit of skill and talent to be a nurse. I have received some considerable help from observant nurses when my son was born. I never would ever underestimate their importance. And I think they may enjoy more overall job satisfaction and schedule flexibility than many other professionals.
O.K. I'll stop now.
:-)
Posted by Christ_empowered on May 16, 2011, at 15:01:14
In reply to Re: what to do with my life?!?!, posted by floatingbridge on May 16, 2011, at 13:59:30
I really appreciate the input I've gotten. I'm attracted to nursing because I think it would be a great way to do good things for the community while also earning a living.
As for that guy who talked/talks down to me...I think I can manage. He's an instructor (calls himself a professor), so I think he's become accustomed to being surrounded by impressionable, admiring 18-20 year old students. I've met people like him before, and I realize now that I shouldn't even bother listening to him and his self-absorbed BS.
I think I'm working on the whole "stability" thing and doing OK at it...now I just need to get a job, any job, and work until its time to go back to school.
Thanks again.
This is the end of the thread.
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