Wanton Wisdom Wanted

[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? )

[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!