Ever since I moved back to Kansas, I have been in a state of limbo. I’ve got a job and it’s a job. I don’t hate it (usually) and the people are reasonably pleasant to work with (usually) but I have no passion for it. I do not want to spend any significant time here. The paycheck is minimal enough that I’ve been reluctant to leave my current living situation. This was supposed to be verytemporary and I’ve been living here for a year now.
When I headed back this way, I had it in my head that I was going back to school. The thing I am struggling with is why go back to school and what to study when I am there.
My communications degree and design background afford me the ability to do a variety of things, most of which I find myself not wanting to do anymore.
I’ve been contemplating, for years now, really, returning for a master’s in social work or counseling. I think I would be excellent in this arena. I am intuitive and a good listener and this might be a field that will fill my desire to explore human nature more deeply.
I am pondering specializing in counseling couples practicing non-traditional sort of lifestyles (i.e. BDSM, D/s, poly, etc.). Mostly this stems from wanting to really focus on what the healthy parameters of such relationships are, for my own curiosity.
I also want a bit more freedom. I hate punching a clock. I’ve not had to do it for years and I miss flexibility. I hate being tied to my desk, which is funny because normally I’m all about being tied down.
The only real downside to going back to school is how to pay for it. Loans are pretty much my only option here, for the immediate future. Once I get into my program, I can see working on getting some scholarships. But I am still paying off loans from school the first time around. I want to be absolutely sure about my course of action before I load up on thousands more in debt that does not necessarily guarantee me an income that will afford being able to pay them off.
Meh. So…someone tell me what to do. I loathe this particular decision and trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life. You decide.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
@Carrie Ann
@Rockin’ – thanks for the info, that’s actually very encouraging. Probably the biggest thing holding me back is the cost and if I can figure out how to do it without going further into debt, then I need to get off my ass and get on with the thing.
Thanks guys!
While I’m not the most enthusiastic proponent for graduate education, I think you might find yourself in a good situation with your current educational background. You might be able to secure a position as a teaching assistant that would give you a stipend and might also free you from paying tuition. Your teaching could be in an area that you have background in, such as communications/design, instead of in the social work that you wish to pursue. If you choose a larger school with more programs, that might open up your options for teaching. On the other hand, a smaller institution might not be so swamped with applications or people wanting teaching assistant positions. You might also be able to do some sort of part time research with a professor to help supplement your income. I think you have a lot of options, but I really can’t say what’s best for you. Good luck in your journey, I know it’s a difficult and confusing one. *hugs*
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Go back to school.
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