Wanton Wisdom Wanted

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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!

[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 ! Anyone want to help me rob a bank or buy a lotto ticket?

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?

[KnottedYet]

YEAH! Hot-diggity!