I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore (careerwise)

I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore (careerwise)

I had an awful committee meeting this morning. I'm even further from starting my thesis than I thought. I don't even want to go into academia anymore, but I've worked so hard that I at least want my phD. Who knows if I'll even get that?

Re: I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore (careerwise)

it'll be ok..i haven't even gotten my bachelor's yet..so you're waaaay ahead of me..don't doubt yourself...you've gotten so far..you can't let yourself stop now *shakes pom poms and cheers*

Re: I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore (careerwise)

I don't know...sometimes I doubt I went into the right field.

Re: I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore (careerwise)

Re: I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore (careerwise)

OMG! I hear ya! I'm desperately trying to figure out how and what I want to do with my life. Here I am 29, married, looking to start a family, but need to focus on finding a different career because this one is killing me...litterally making me sick.
If you need to rant...send me an FM. I know what you're feeling. Unfortunately I can't give you any advice...but it might help knowing you're not alone.

Re: I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore (careerwise)

What inspired you to pursue your PhD? Was there a particular person or event? Maybe you can try to capture that feeling again.
With the added stress of the holidays and wedding planning and just the everyday challenges that life brings, I am sure you are feeling burnt out.
Does your school have a confidential counseling service? Maybe you can chat with someone in your situation that can give you tips on how to cope with the pressure.
You have come this far, don't let people in your group stop you from your goal.
You can do it.

Re: I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore (careerwise)

I think you know what you really want and might be afraid of what people might sayIf you changed your career path. If that's the case I totally understand. I wasted alot of time and money at St Johns University. I wish I thought out my plans out better then. I learned that for me. Owning my own business is the key. Stressful at times. But it's mine. Remember your young and intelligent. Really take the time to think about things. What's really going to make u happy at the end of the day?

Re: I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore (careerwise)

Re: I have no idea what I'm doing with my life anymore (careerwise)

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Posted by LaurenluvsTJ

Beth, you are so miserable there. Is there anyway you could persue your PHd at another school? I know it might make the time a little more before you get the degree, but wouldn't it be worth it for your happiness?

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I actually think it would be worse to be away from my FH. I alway write you guys when I'm feeling my worst. I'm feeling a little better now. All I have left is my dissertation. All my classes and my exams are done. I think I'm just going to stick with things here and get out as fast as I can. It all stems from hating the lab I work in. so I'm trying to get a collaboration going to finish up my work. I guess it'll all work out somehow. Thanks for listening

I do know that I would rather endure some unhappiness now and get my PhD. I've worked too long and hard for this. I'll never forgive myself if I don't finish. The easiest thing for me to do now is modify my experiments to make my committee happy, and get my degree.