Wanton Wisdom Wanted

[trickytiger]

I'm a frequent lurker, sometimes poster, nearly never a thread-starter. But. Here goes:

I want to change careers, but I'm terrified at the thought of "stepping off the cliff". I'm a geologist, albeit an unhappy one. I loved the process of getting my undergrad and master's degree, I'm proud of my thesis, but, but, but, I'm not even remotely happy as a professional in the field. I've been at this long enough to know that it isn't going to get better for me, nor are there really many choices for jobs. This job requires frequent, unpredictable, extended, isolated travel. On short to nearly non-existent notice. It's okay for the short term, but I'm not willing to give up running, biking, friends, family, etc for the rest of my working life (about 30 years). For example, I've just been sent on a four to eight-month trip to work on a mine, by myself, 12 hours day/7 days a week, living in a hotel, with one week's notice. I can't do ANYTHING in this remote town that I normally do.

Enough about that. What I really want to be is a physical therapist. I've been volunteering (when I'm home, that is), and I love it. I like the work environment. I understand the emotional challenges, and I like the mental acrobatics it requires. I'm also a people-person.

However, I'm scared out of my mind to go back and take the pre-reqs (4 quarters worth) to try to gain admission to an extremely competitive field (around 10% acceptance rate). It's terrifying to give up a reliable income, even in a job I hate, to go back to being a student so that MAYBE I can achieve this goal. I can't take classes while working this job, well, because I'm never home. I'm not used to failure, and it's hard for me to deal with the uncertainty. But, I know what I want, and I've gotten very positive feedback from the PT's that I've been volunteering with. They are my kind of people, if that makes sense.

So, I need to hear some advice. Have any of you attempted similarly crazy-sounding ideas? Am I just lacking perspective or life experience at the ripe old age of 28? Am I being melodramatic for thinking I may not make it and will be forced to make do with a less-than-acceptable job for the rest of my life instead? Oh, the drama!

Thanks,
-TT:confused:

[Pax]

Life is too short to be unhappy if you have the ability to change your circumstances. If you can live on less money for a while and truly want to follow a different path then make it happen. I can tell you from experience that it SUCKS to look back and wonder what could have been.

[KnottedYet]

Did the same thing (libraries to physical therapy) at the ripe old age of 32.

In my case, there was no way I could afford to go to get my doctorate in physical therapy. Nor could I afford to re-take all my undergrad sciences (zoology major) which were unacceptable because they were more than 5 years old. Plus I was a single mom.

So I went to community college and got my PT Asst degree.

I used to love the work. Now I'm getting burned out. I'm tired of not being able to do what I'm good at, instead I'm having to shove as many patients thru as I can. The work isn't any easier for the PTs.

Trust me, there is a huge difference between volunteering and working. I would recommend you work as a PT Tech before you go to grad school. (my clinic is hiring)

Now I'm looking at going to grad school so I can go back to libraries as a science librarian. And I'm a lot older than 32 now, and still a single mom.

[Thorn]

As Queen says, "Life is too short to be unhappy". I went back to school the first time at 22 for x-ray and the second time at 28 for engineering. I stopped going to school at 40 (just shy of finishing the PhD). Some days I think about it again, but in a totally different area.

When I started the second time my husband told me I wasting time and money and that I'd never recoup the loss. I looked at it differently. To repeat, "Life is too short to be unhappy". I went back anyway and the divorce followed shortly. Absolutely no regrets.

I once read a story about a woman who changed careers every 10 years. She was 50 and in school again. She budgeted for 2-4 years of school and 6 years of work before she stopped and started again. OK, that might be a bit excessive, but you gotta like her spunk.

But seriously, if you think you can afford it and you really want it, don't let the 10% scare you--give it a chance. If you don't try, you can't fail, but how bad will be the regret?

[crazybikinchic]

I am currently going to school after 12 years in a job that I had done everything possible in the field (and made really good money). I also changed careers because I was so fed up with the career path that I had been on. Have you thought of maybe teaching in your current career while you were going to school? By the way, I don't regret going back to school, I would have regretted not going back to school.

[LBTC]

Well, TT, you are more than half way there.

The thing is, not only have you identified that you want a big change, but you even already know the direction you want to take with the change! This is fantastic news!

Yes, you're right, the path from here to there could be a difficult one, but you know that it will be worth it. You will find a way, and the ideas will keep coming as to how to navigate that path.

Keep your eyes, heart and mind open, let the universe show you the way.

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Wahine]

I'm a PT and I love my job. But as Knott says it is not easy and how happy you are depends a lot on who you work with. I'm lucky enough to work for people who are truly motivated to help and are not into the money grab.

When I was an undergrad I had a very promising path ahead of me as a molecular geneticist. I had a premier researcher take me under his wing and it looked like this would be my life. I was on track to go to grad school at MIT.

In highschool I had always entertained the idea of being a PT but circumstances were such that I ended up in sciences instead, at first anyway. The researcher I spoke of unknowingly sealed the deal for me. he gave me a vey well paying (for a student) job in his lab for the summer. I helped him with ground breaking research. I counted bacteria, washed flasks and set agar all day. I didn't talk to a soul for hours at a time and I went crazy. I decided I needed a much more social career and went back to PT. Never regretted it.

So now I make a modest living but I love my job. To reiterate what others have said, life is way to short.

I think Knott's advice is good. Work as a tech for awhile before you commit to tuition etc. It's not a decision to take lightly but it sounds like you need some sort of change.

[KnottedYet]

Also, if you have work experience in PT (not just volunteer) it will help you rise to the top of the applicant pool for grad school.

I'm serious, my clinic is hiring. What part of Seattle are you in? I'm not sure how financially stable the clinic is (lots of red flags going up), but it has an excellent reputation. We also have a very active student internship program with the U.W. and treat some of the U.W. PT faculty.

[Meaux]

I am 27 and just now going back for my grad school degree. I am scared as all get out. However, I'm exhilarated at the idea of going to school and getting to start a new career. I have been working so far outside my chosen field, it's ridiculous. I say go for it, I wish you the best of luck in all of your adventures!! (P.S. When you become a PT, you want to come to TX and fix my knee? :p )

[trickytiger]

Wow! I didn't expect such a quick reply and so much good advice! Knotted, I'm sending you a message so we can talk- I would be very interested in actually working so that any potentially silly romantic notions that may still be in my head are erased. And Wahine, you have a VERY good point about being careful who you work for. The others- I needed very much to hear that I'm not crazy for looking for another path.

Thanks, ladies!

[wannaduacentury]

Did the same thing (libraries to physical therapy) at the ripe old age of 32.

In my case, there was no way I could afford to go to get my doctorate in physical therapy. Nor could I afford to re-take all my undergrad sciences (zoology major) which were unacceptable because they were more than 5 years old. Plus I was a single mom.

So I went to community college and got my PT Asst degree.

I used to love the work. Now I'm getting burned out. I'm tired of not being able to do what I'm good at, instead I'm having to shove as many patients thru as I can. The work isn't any easier for the PTs.

Trust me, there is a huge difference between volunteering and working. I would recommend you work as a PT Tech before you go to grad school. (my clinic is hiring)

Now I'm looking at going to grad school so I can go back to libraries as a science librarian. And I'm a lot older than 32 now, and still a single mom.

Hey knotted, I just switched to libraries.(dh works in one too) I'm fininshing my B.A. so I work p/t in the college library and p/t in the public lib. 2 diff tasks for each one. It is much more relaxed to work there than in retail where I was burned out. It had to go. I love to read, and like computers, so an a.l.a. may be in the future for me as well.

[wannaduacentury]

I'm a frequent lurker, sometimes poster, nearly never a thread-starter. But. Here goes:

I want to change careers, but I'm terrified at the thought of "stepping off the cliff". I'm a geologist, albeit an unhappy one. I loved the process of getting my undergrad and master's degree, I'm proud of my thesis, but, but, but, I'm not even remotely happy as a professional in the field. I've been at this long enough to know that it isn't going to get better for me, nor are there really many choices for jobs. This job requires frequent, unpredictable, extended, isolated travel. On short to nearly non-existent notice. It's okay for the short term, but I'm not willing to give up running, biking, friends, family, etc for the rest of my working life (about 30 years). For example, I've just been sent on a four to eight-month trip to work on a mine, by myself, 12 hours day/7 days a week, living in a hotel, with one week's notice. I can't do ANYTHING in this remote town that I normally do.

Enough about that. What I really want to be is a physical therapist. I've been volunteering (when I'm home, that is), and I love it. I like the work environment. I understand the emotional challenges, and I like the mental acrobatics it requires. I'm also a people-person.

However, I'm scared out of my mind to go back and take the pre-reqs (4 quarters worth) to try to gain admission to an extremely competitive field (around 10% acceptance rate). It's terrifying to give up a reliable income, even in a job I hate, to go back to being a student so that MAYBE I can achieve this goal. I can't take classes while working this job, well, because I'm never home. I'm not used to failure, and it's hard for me to deal with the uncertainty. But, I know what I want, and I've gotten very positive feedback from the PT's that I've been volunteering with. They are my kind of people, if that makes sense.

So, I need to hear some advice. Have any of you attempted similarly crazy-sounding ideas? Am I just lacking perspective or life experience at the ripe old age of 28? Am I being melodramatic for thinking I may not make it and will be forced to make do with a less-than-acceptable job for the rest of my life instead? Oh, the drama!

Thanks,
-TT:confused:

You could also take another job you don't really like but gets you around people while you go back to school. Just make sure your finances are in order b/f youleap. But changing careers is a great idea- a whole new adventure -go for it. Jennifer

[Bad JuJu]

After a 20-year career in the navy, I started grad school at the age of 40. All my classmates were younger than me and many were fresh from their BAs, so I had to play academic catch-up for a while. Also, my field--college English--is quite competitive too, believe it or not. But here I am, doing it and loving it.

I don't have any words of Wanton Wisdom to help you get through it, but just want to repeat what some have already said: that it's been totally worth it--the low finances, the long hours of studying, the volumes of reading and writing, the separations from DH when classes were in session--to end up with a job that I love.

You've got a lot of working years ahead of you--you don't want to spend them hating to get up and go to work every morning.

[Dianyla]

I'm in a similar boat... after a 10 year IT career that has been profitable but ultimately unfulfilling, I decided to pursue my original dream of being a physician. Mind you, at the time I was 27 and had one less-than stellar year of college under my belt, so I was starting from scratch. I enrolled at my local state school and two years later I'm still grinding my way through an undergrad degree + pre-med requirements. If all goes well, I hope to enter med school when I'm about 32, which puts my final completion date at around 40 years old. (With about $200K in student loan debt, most likely. :eek: )

And you know what, in 10 years I'll be 40 years old anyways. I might as well be doing something I love. :)

[KnottedYet]

In 3 months I'll be 40 years old. Trust me, you want to be doing you love!!!

[trickytiger]

Dianlya-
I have a good friend who is doing the exact same thing- going for med school. He said that older students commonly have a better chance of getting accepted because your "life experience" shows the schools that you understand hard work, know what you want, and have the discipline to get there. Best of luck!

And yes, it's a shame to spend your life hating what you do for a living, if you have a choice or a chance to change it. I need to shift my thinking into "Adventure Mode"!

thanks!

[Thistle]

worst case, you dont like it, and you can go back to what you're doing now. that's how i looked at it.

i left IT at the end of 2000 (just couldnt hack another minute) and did a partial undergrad degree in psych (i already had one undergrad degree, so got some credit).

I worked hard, did extra units over summer, being older i was way more motivated than the young ones who didnt really know what they wanted to do.

2.5 years later started my PhD which i am now valiently trying to finish before I start my new job in July! So 7 years of study and i'm ready for my new life.

Sometimes it's been hard (i was 41 when i made the change), and yes we've had to go without a lot of things cos of the finances, but i wouldnt change a thing. I am actually looking forward to my job, whereas I found working in IT with all its associated "we have to have it yesterday but we're going to give you 1/4 the staff and no money" problems drove me to the edge of my sanity.

So, i say go for it. Being poor and happy is so much better than being ill every time you get up to go to work. :D

[logdiva32]

I agree, with everyone else. But If I told you go ahead do it, I would just be a hypocrite. I like BadJuJu plan to retire from the military. At the earliest I will be 43 y o. I was thinking last fri, I am never going back to school. DH, a teen, two babies, mortgage...... Law school is out of the Q. So maybe you can motivate me, and do it. Live the life you want, and inspire someone else.. Just a thought.

[nancielle]

While I can't offer wanton wisdom, I can offer my experience with making such a big change.

I switched from business (had been in it for 14 years, probably 10 too long since I was absolutely miserable) to counseling. My family and friends thought I was crazy. I still worked at my hated job while taking classes (I stretched out my program a bit) until it was time to do my internship. The agency where I was doing that hired me. Buh bye old job.

I questioned my sanity many times while doing this but once all was said and done, was psyched I had taken the plunge.

I was in my early 40's when I started classes. Earned my Masters four years ago. I spent w a y too long doing something that meant nothing to me. The second half of my life is going to be doing something I love.

Good luck with your decision.

[trickytiger]

BIG Breath.

Today I quit my job.

And, I really wasn't expecting it to happen THIS SOON. But, I was asked to provide an answer to my boss about whether my current career was the one for me, and I was given a few days to think about it. To say yes meant total commitment, to say no meant going forward with changing my career.

Stresss, yes.

However, in the long run I had to be honest with myself and my company. No, I was not ever going to be happy with my job, and I am pretty sure I want to forge ahead with new plans. So, it was pretty straightforward, although I am completely overwhelmed and more than a little scared.

I hope I don't starve! I hope I can get into school! Ohmigosh, what HAVE I DONE!

Ironically, driving home today, the sun came out for the first time since that freak snowstorm last week.

[sbctwin]

Well, you made the first step to the rest of your life. Good for you. I can offer my congratulations and best wishes. You are brave to do this. As you said, the sun came out for the first time in awhile. I believe this is a positive sign for you. You saw the sun and you welcomed it!!!!

[LBTC]

Yahoo, TT! You rock!

The journey of 1000 miles begins with just one step. And in this case, that first step is a doozy! Well done! Keep your heart and mind open to all the amazing ways the universe is going to take care of you now!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Mr. Bloom]

It seems you did the right (and courageous) thing. March forward, don't look back. Think of this as the first day in a new chapter...one with freedom.

[Wahine]

Wow TT. I admire your courage. :D

[wannaduacentury]

BIG Breath.

Today I quit my job.

And, I really wasn't expecting it to happen THIS SOON. But, I was asked to provide an answer to my boss about whether my current career was the one for me, and I was given a few days to think about it. To say yes meant total commitment, to say no meant going forward with changing my career.

Stresss, yes.

However, in the long run I had to be honest with myself and my company. No, I was not ever going to be happy with my job, and I am pretty sure I want to forge ahead with new plans. So, it was pretty straightforward, although I am completely overwhelmed and more than a little scared.

I hope I don't starve! I hope I can get into school! Ohmigosh, what HAVE I DONE!

Ironically, driving home today, the sun came out for the first time since that freak snowstorm last week.

There is something satisfying about being able to take charge of your own life w/o a company owning all your thoughts and actions-esp when they hinder family time. Enjoy your new life- money may be tight, but there are many rewards ahead you can't see until you leave the old post. Good Luck.

:)

[KnottedYet]

Yay! Now get a PT tech job and start applying to U.W.!

(My clinic is always willing to take some volunteers, too; if you want to increase your volunteer experience. They just aren't hiring techs anymore, just assts.)

Are you going to be in a housing crunch because of your income change?

[Dianyla]

Congrats, trickytiger! :eek: :D

[trickytiger]

Well, I woke up this morning and freaked out all over again. However, the good part is, now I am DEFINITELY committed! There is no other way to go but forward! :D

[trickytiger]

Well, since I started this thread, life has changed dramatically, to say the least. After a year of working, schooling, and volunteering my little hiney off, I'm headed to PT school in the fall! This is major, major, major for me. I was terrified to take the chance, terrified the whole time I was taking prerequisites, terrified while writing my apps, and terrified when I got the letter in the mail! However, I'm pretty darn proud of myself for DOING this and gaining admission to grad school, because it was nerve-wracking.

Now I'm just terrified about how much money I'm going to have to borrow :eek:! Anyone want to help me rob a bank or buy a lotto ticket?:D

And, I want to say thanks for the words of wisdom offered to me. I really took all of them to heart, and had a long talk with myself (not out loud, I promise) about what I want and what I'm willing to do to get there. Your thoughts and shared experiences encouraged me to try, and so far I am SO glad I did.

Y'all get one free knee-fix when I'm a PT, okay? :D

[KnottedYet]

YEAH! Hot-diggity!

[wackyjacky1]

Good for you!

I was stuck in the rat-race for 15+ years. I was making decent money, but I hated it. Then the company I was working for got bought out by a bigger one, and I took the opportunity to get a small severance package and bail out. One day, as my severance was running low, I was in a local bakery buying bread, and on the spur of the moment I asked if they were hiring. They were. I am now in my 7th year at the bakery, and I've never been happier!

It was scary -- my income was cut nearly in half, and I had to make some lifestyle adjustments. I got rid of all my credit cards, got rid of my car and bought a used car that was paid for in full. But I found that money isn't everything (it's A LOT, but not everything ;) ) and the peace of mind I gained far outweighed the financial negatives.

The best part? Never having to wear pantyhose again! :D

[katluvr]

Just stumbled on this thread. Yes I am at work, "surfing" TE discussion forums. You can tell how much I enjoy my job. It's a long story to discuss my current career....started out nurse and still in health care but NOT direct patient care. No matter how I slice it I AM NOT happy. I think I really just want out of health care. Sad part I am a slave to the paycheck. It allows me to "play"--and stuff like a new carbon road bike!
So what does one do? And what if I "don't know what I want to be when I grow up?". I am over 40....
I think I want something in the health and fitness realm. My dream is to own a retail store (yes, in this crummy economy) and sale riding, cycling & tri clothing & accessories (women stuff) and incldue "larger sizes" for real women. And also have after hours seminars to encourge and get women interested in physical activity... discuss training, weight loss, nutrition, beginngin running, etc.
Alas...not ready to take the plunge or have the finances to do that. But I know I need to eventually make a change...life is toooooo short to wish my week away until the weekend.
Any advise? Anyone visit a career counselor to see what it is I want to do? Afraid I won't be happy no matter the career change. Maybe I just really don't want to work!:o

[Melalvai]

I am inclined always to encourage changing careers or at least changing jobs if you're not happy. Too many people say "Try to outlast the people you hate" or "Changing careers is a big step, do whatever possible first before giving up on the current career". In my experience, people have already done those things by the time they are saying "It's time", and have already spent too MUCH time chasing a dead horse (to mangle metaphors).

A big obstacle to overcome is the idea that you've invested so much time/education into this career already. When you spend nine years in school it's hard to admit "I hate this".

So, katluvr, I cheer you on toward changing careers.

I will note that I have not yet changed careers. There are parts I love, parts I hate, and I don't yet know how it all balances out. Maybe someone who has done it would have different advice.