I miss my old life.

[Becky]

Becky - If you are reading this on Thursday you should be studying . If you are reading this on Friday, you should be celebrating Good luck!! Go get that dream!

Thanks for the well-wishes. Things went rather well today and I am celebrating- just finished a cocktail - but I'm questioning the whole idea of going back to school. It's more the notion of giving up my free time and cycling and bike commuting than the idea of studying and essays and exams that makes me uncomfortable. (Sounds selfish, doesn't it?) But if I don't do this now, when am I going to do it? *sighs* I'm dreading those admissions essays too....

Words of wisdom, anyone?

[Fredwina]

Hang in there! my biggest regret is dropping out of grad school. twice

[Crankin]

Do it!
I am 55 and "starting over." I had a very good career as a teacher, making high 5 figures. Easily commutable for a few months a year. I worked in a good place and had a lot of respect. I wasn't burned out, but I was bored. My life was focused on how quickly I could leave work to ride...
I went through the essays, etc last year at this time. Had a stressful interview with 5 other applicants.
The one thing I would say is evaluate your time management skills and ability to read quickly and write in a scholarly style. This is my second masters. My kids are grown and my husband can support our lifestyle. If I had the stresses of small kids or worrying about money, I would not be doing this. I look at it as my job.
I was in a doctoral program when I was 27. I lasted a year, in a 2 year program. The time was not right. I did well academically, but I was a wreck. I decided I wanted a family, instead. It was the best decision I ever made. So, there's a time for everything.
When I finish, I have to work full time for 2 years to get my license. It can't be in a "fee for service" environment, since insurance requires therapists to be licensed for that. So I will be spending 2 years, probably working in a stressful job, with difficult clients when I am 58 years old. When I am almost 60, I will be able to join a group practice or work independently. My goal is to work a flexible schedule until I can't or don't want to work any longer. Am I nuts? Maybe, but it's exciting. Most of the people in my program are making considerable financial sacrifices to be there. The tuition is 18k a year. Many are working a lot of hours. I could not have done it like that.
Good luck!

[Flybye]

MY OLD LIFE IS WAITING RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!!!!!!!!!!!!

How is everyone else hanging in there???????

May 8 May 8 May 8 ....chant with me......