Posted by Penny on December 8, 2003, at 13:50:51
In reply to Re: Career counseling? (long) » Penny, posted by Susan J on December 8, 2003, at 13:26:42
> Hi, Penny.
>
> > Have any of you been to a career counselor, taken tests to see what kind of career would best fit your interests and skills? I'm interested in hearing about experiences...is this something you found helpful?
> <<I haven't, but it sounds like a great idea!
> Most colleges have a program. Maybe your alma mater?I actually work at my alma mater, but I never found their career services folks to be very helpful, and I wasn't a student that long ago. I'll check, though, and see what services they offer alums.
> >but the reality is that it is going to be difficult (though I don't think impossible) to make it through two years of school. I have to have insurance, I'm not married, I have to keep a roof over my head, giving up therapy is not an option, I need to keep my car, etc.
> <<I don't know where you live (U.S.?). I went to law school at night because I had to work, and I certainly couldn't afford to pay for school. I got loans (which is why I asked if you were in the U.S.). By keeping my job, I kept a decent income and health insurance, but also went to school.Yeah - I'm in N.C. The problem with loans is that I am so maxed out credit-wise, I don't know that I would qualify for loans anymore. I was taking classes last semester and working full-time, but that, too, was too much for me. And the program I'm looking at is full-time.
> I think just *going* to school would do wonders for you, if you are anything like me. When I was in law school, I weighed too much and didn't have a boyfriend and all that sucked. But it was BY FAR the HAPPIEST period of my life! I was working toward something I enjoyed. I was being productive. I was doing something *good.* And that really made a difference in my attitude. Also, when there's something you are focusing on as much as school, work doesn't seem to matter so much because it's *not* your life.> I know you hate your job now. Is there a way to take another type of job that still provides insurance and allows you to go to school? Do you have access to loans?
I don't know...
> >>But I have yet to find anyone who can do that. I have spoken with a credit counselor (at a reputable place), and was told that I should seriously consider bankruptcy. I have spoken with a bankruptcy attorney, and she has been most helpful...but the reality of it is, I don't have the cash right now to even FILE for bankruptcy!!! How crazy is that???
> <<That *is* rough. I was going to recommend a credit counseling service, but since you've already gone....but perhaps you could talk to someone at another one?
>
> > Any thoughts? Have any of you been at the bottom of the financial ladder and found a way up that didn't require selling your soul?
> <<I racked up $12,000 in credit card debt in one year alone while depressed -- med bills and shopping cuz shopping made me *happy,* or at least not suicidal. :-) I went to a credit counseling service and they worked out a plan for me. It hurts my credit but it was a huge mental relief that I was paying my bills again.
>
> If bankruptcy is your only option, then I think it might be worthwhile to do it. I know it sounds desperate, but it would get rid of the collections calls/mail, help you pay off debt and forgive other debts. Your peace of mind is worth it. And there *is* life after bankruptcy. My dad works for a mortgage processing company and they give mortgages to people who've filed for bankruptcy within the year and who've had their homes forclosed upon.....It *can* be done.
>
> I don't know your living situation. Do you live with family? Alone? Roomates? If you live alone, could you get a roommate?I live alone, thank goodness. I was living with a roommate until October, when we moved into separate abodes. I've done the roommate thing, I've been a nanny in exchange for my rent, and I've lived alone (family is out of the question), and living alone is definitely the only choice for me. I have to have somewhere *safe* and *peaceful* to go home. Plus, living with someone really wasn't any less expensive than living alone, b/c then I had to have little extras I didn't want - cable, high-speed internet, call waiting, etc. I don't have those things now, so my living expenses really haven't increased at all since moving out on my own. But they haven't decreased either.
> Can you get a job at a school you want to attend (i.e. free tuition/probably health insurance?). May not be in your field, but it could be a good choice while in school.I'm already working where I want to attend. We get one free class a semester (for 2 semesters a year), but it only covers undergrad classes, not graduate classes. At my old job, there was an evening MBA program that I could have done for free, which is what my predecesor did, but I have no desire to have an MBA or to continue sitting behind a desk. Then I was looking at an accelerated BSN (2nd degree) program, but I don't really want to be a nurse either, and it would have been full-time anyway.
> Hang in there. You've got the strength to get through this, I know you do. :-)
>
> SusanI'm not so sure, but thanks...
P
poster:Penny
thread:287721
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031207/msgs/287749.html