Maybe this is a crazy idea...

mrron2u

I've been pretty unsatisfied with my current career path. I used to do something I loved but admittedly had I not been laid off in that field I was burning out and would have looked for something else anyways.

I have been putting thought in to what I could do as a career change and am really thinking about something in the psychology field with a focus on eating disorders. I mean, it would be something I could have passion about and I really have an interest in the science of how addiction works and how people can be helped with the right kind of therapy. I've also been toying with being a nutritionist or a dietitian.

The tricky part is working out how to make such a monumental change. I have a BS in Computer Information Systems which is way different than the path I am hoping to get on so I'm guessing my work and degree there will not really be of much help.

Anyway, I wondered if any of you have had thoughts of doing something crazy like this. I told my wife last night that I refuse to tell myself that I can't do this. I know there will be sacrifices and I never thought about ever going back to school, but I have to work 20+ more years and the thought of not doing something that will make me happy makes me sick. Helping others with the same things I am facing really makes me happy and I've always been a good listener to others.

Maybe I'm crazy, but if I don't start down this (or some similar path) soon I'll look back 3-4 years from now and regret it.

kaihunter45

I don't think you're crazy. I think you should make a list of pros and cons. Include everything from every aspect of your life and prioritize each (a weighted system). That always helps me.

KnitOrMiss

I have actually considered this very same thing. As you've come to see about me in this very short time, I love helping people. I just can't wrap my head around the best way to do that well. But absolutely, I love this idea. Hell, maybe I can get my act together, and we can do it together! You're way ahead of me, schooling wise though. I'm a few credits shy of my Associates, much less anything else.

You go for your dreams, Ron! Map it out and make it happen!!!

mrron2u

kaihunter45 wrote: »

I don't think you're crazy. I think you should make a list of pros and cons. Include everything from every aspect of your life and prioritize each (a weighted system). That always helps me.

That is a great idea! I'll sit down and do that. Thanks!

mrron2u

KnitOrMiss wrote: »

I have actually considered this very same thing. As you've come to see about me in this very short time, I love helping people. I just can't wrap my head around the best way to do that well. But absolutely, I love this idea. Hell, maybe I can get my act together, and we can do it together! You're way ahead of me, schooling wise though. I'm a few credits shy of my Associates, much less anything else.

You go for your dreams, Ron! Map it out and make it happen!!!

I'd think you'd be great at this too Carly! You are very articulate and seem to really have a heart for others. It would be great to see you also chase this dream. I have to think those of us that have overcome health issues related to food and eating disorders would be the best kind of people to help others with the same issues.

KnitOrMiss

I just have some major hesitations. I went to school online (stated 9 years ago) and got majorly burned out due to some life stuff. I'm already not sleeping enough and everything. If I did this now, I think I'd burn the candles too much at both ends. But my life is unlikely to ease up any time soon... I've already got a crap ton of student debt. I don't even know if/where I could do this online, which I would pretty much have to do. I took a psychology course and got SO bogged down in the reading materials that I didn't enjoy the class much. I find that folks struggle to take me seriously as a life coach type thing since I haven't "arrived" myself yet, etc. However, the folks I have worked to help all love it, but yet, similarly to when I was waitressing, I can't seem to hit that point of "people willing to pay for the service" because most folks are broke as crap, just like me... I guess I need to find a point where I have time and do some research. I need to do it when I'm fired up, but not so fired up that I'm all ADDing, etc...

I'll definitely see about thinking some more on this. I hope you do, too, Ron. I love your writing/verbal style, and I think your passion about making incredible changes in your own life could lead to this monumental shift, too.

The things I worry about, though, are the BS insurance regulations, and those people who are just energy vampires, and those you can't help, and all that... I get myself exhausted by the work before I DO the work... Sigh.

maoribadger

I toyed with the idea of going into counselling but decided against it. I hate my job but i love my job and its probably my calling as it is. But if I were to ever leave it I think i'd want to be a PT. Good luck with the future

mrron2u

So I've been doing some research on this. I think the big hurdle will be paying for it. But I still won't let myself tell me no!

KnitOrMiss

mrron2u wrote: »

So I've been doing some research on this. I think the big hurdle will be paying for it. But I still won't let myself tell me no!

But, if you can qualify under Federal Guidelines, you can take a student loan, not that you need one, but it would beat paying for it upfront. I don't know what all schooling is required or whether it results in a verifiable degree, so I don't know if that would help. It would for me, because I have that student loan that I'm about out of deferment options, etc. Plus, some companies will reimburse for classes if you can prove they even tangentially related to your job. Some states have "adult education" statutes, too...