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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PhoenixGirl on October 10, 2004, at 21:41:40
I am so depressed, because after much thought, I still cannot think of a job that I would really like to do. My current job sucks beyond description, but it pays well. I'm leaving it in January, though, to go back to university for journalism. That's the only career I've thought I *might* like. I'm bummed out by it's low pay, deadline pressure, difficulty to enter, and lack of total control over what you can write. I just have to make a leap in *some* direction, because I'm rotting away at my current job.
Background: I'm 26, graduated with a BA in sociology, then got a job wading through government bureaucracy. Dull, dull, dull. I'm going back to school and can get a BA in journalism in one year. (I decided against the journalism master's degree program because it's very theoretical rather than practical). Maybe I'll get a Master's degree after taking the journalism courses. Who knows. I like learning new things, though.
Very long-term depression has probably distorted my thinking and robbed me of interest in things generally. So no wonder it's hard for me to decide what career to pursue.
I just hate all of this. I'm about to go into more student loan debt, but this job is killing me. It's making my depression much worse, and my problem with depression has been so severe for so long that I don't think I can "afford" circumstances that make it worse.
God, I need help.
Posted by saw on October 11, 2004, at 5:27:55
In reply to I don't know what career to choose...:(, posted by PhoenixGirl on October 10, 2004, at 21:41:40
Dear PhoenixGirl
I cannot constructively help you or offer you advice as my life situation is quite different to yours. But I do just want to let you know that I can well understand how difficult this all is. I have been in the same job for 7 years, and although it is not hugely stimulating, I was content. To be more accurate, I think I had just popped myself into a comfort zone. I burnt out this year and for the first time in 7 years seriously considered changing jobs because I was so unhappy. I'm still here though, whatever that might mean.
I did not get the opportunity to study after leaving school and have no inclination to do so now. So I think it is really great that you would like to further your education and in such a challenging field.
I hear your reservations though and wish for you to reach a speedy decision on what you would like to study. I also wish you much strengh and peace with the depression, futile words as they are.
Let us know how it goes.
Sabrina
Posted by Ilene on October 11, 2004, at 16:49:34
In reply to I don't know what career to choose...:(, posted by PhoenixGirl on October 10, 2004, at 21:41:40
I went to career counseling several years ago and it was excellent. It cost money--I don't remember how much, but I think it was around $300. I took several tests, and they pointed me to a career change that would have worked out if I hadn't become chronically ill with depression and other things.
Posted by TexasChic on October 14, 2004, at 21:15:08
In reply to I don't know what career to choose...:(, posted by PhoenixGirl on October 10, 2004, at 21:41:40
Instead of trying to decide on a career, how about just deciding what you want to do next? Nobody knows if the career they choose will turn out how they planned. Its just too much pressure to feel like you have to make the decision of what to do for the rest of your life 'right now'. If journalism interests you, go for it. You just may happen onto a job that doesn't have the drawbacks you mentioned. A journalism degree could take you in many different directions. Have you thought of writing a book? Is there something in particular you want to write about? Do what makes you happy. I'm sure you'll do well in whatever you decide. Just don't feel like you have to decide everything right now. You have the right to change your mind down the road.
This is the end of the thread.
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