on the verge...

[thedaveytrain]

I think I'm having a breakdown, not the cutesy, "oh I'm so stressed..." kind of breakdown, but I am nearing a very real physical and emotional crash. Today starts the first full week of classes of my last semester as an undergrad, and I have NO IDEA what I'm doing next. In hindsight, I really don't think that Teach for America was for me, but at

Comments

[thedaveytrain]

I'm not so much concerned that I'll not get a "job," I'm just worried that I won't get something worthy of the time and money that I've spent to get this damn degree. Part of me wants to just bite the bullet and push through grad school as a full-time student, but I really don't want to take out any more loans and there is no way I'd be able to make it on just my part-time job. It's all highly depressing.

My Future....er, your Future.

[anonymous]

Try to keep everything in perspective. Ask yourself:
"Am I doing the best that I can, with the hand I've drawn?"
"Is it worth it to me to finish this degree and feel that sense of accomplishment, knowing that I conquered one of the goals of my adult life?"
"Do I have family and friends who not only love me unconditionally, but support my decisions?"

If the answers are "Yes" (and you know they are!) Then you have to realize that all you can do is hold your head up and charge ahead! Yes, you'll have debt to pay off...but who doesn't? You just have to do what you can, and what makes you happy.

[anonymous]

Have you considered taking some time off? I've only been out for a month and several days, and I already have changed my long-term perspective significantly.

Daniel

[anonymous]

After you graduate, mind you. Though we all know you're not gonna skip out so close to the end!

Daniel

[hiker_tom]

"I'm just worried that I won't get something worthy of the time and money that I've spent to get this damn degree."

That's so cute. Really.

Isn't the fear of the outside world why most people go on to graduate school in the first place? Relax, you will be among your ilk.

My cut-rate CSULB MBA has saved my ass time and time again here in the cold cruel world. Go to grad school now while you still have the stamina and are OK with Ikea furniture. Ten years from now, you will be strapped to a 30 year mortgage, married (to a guy), have foreign vacations planned, and will have so many commitments that 2006-2008 will fall under the category of "the good old days".

Another way to look at: getting your advanced degree now will increase your revenue stream, and the sooner you do that the more benefits you will reap.

[hiker_tom]

I hope that didn't sound snarky. Here is some actual advice: do you really want to teach? My boyfriend has a Masters in Library Science and those guy librarians rock. The all seem to really enjoy their work, travel extensively and enjoy job security. They work in both academic and public settings and their are numerous specialties (maps, art, reference, the sciences, etc.). Depending upon the institution, schedule and benfits are pretty nice.

[thedaveytrain]

honestly, that was a little "snarky," especially since you don't know my whole situation...granted, my journal is public, but entries such as this are meant for my close friends who know me and can offer useful advice, or just a supportive nod.

that being said...thanks for the comment, and the suggestion of lib. sci., but I don't really think it's for me...

An MBA straight after your BA?

[hiker_tom]

Don't do it! It would be a waste of money if you don't get some full time meaningful work experience (of the type worthy of your time and money for your BA!) first. Otherwise the MBA will just be two more years of academic theory rather than a trade school which it should be!

good luck!