NWR: don't know what to do about school!!!!

so, b/c my MA in psych means NOTHING, i applied and got accepted into a mental health counseling program at the same grad school i attended. Luckily, instead of taking 21 classes i only need 7 to get the degree since i already have my MA.

Here is my problem. I'll be working full time, taking 3 classes each semester for a year and 1 in the summer, and i gotta complete a 600 externship. Which basically means working for free for 4-5 months starting the month after i get married. I'll still be working on the weekends but still.

I dunno what to do and if i go i gotta pay tomorrow.

i think in the end it will all be worth it; so, id go for it now.

you wont regret it.

and the longer you wait the harder it will be to go back.

Good LUck!

If it will really help you out long term then I say go for it.
There is no better time then now when the economy su cks to invest in your future and get all your things settled.
Maybe you can live off your wedding gifts for the 4-5 months after the wedding where you are working for free?

i think in the end you will be so happy you did it. furthering your education is the best thing you can do for your career.....trust me i know how you feel, i lived CT and traveled down to stony brook every week for a year to finish my MBA and it was so worth the struggle.

what does your FH say? i'm sure he is supportive.

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Posted by stinenandy2010

i think in the end you will be so happy you did it. furthering your education is the best thing you can do for your career.....trust me i know how you feel, i lived CT and traveled down to stony brook every week for a year to finish my MBA and it was so worth the struggle.

what does your FH say? i'm sure he is supportive.

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He said it's up to me. I have the $ in savings to pay for school but it'll be about 1/2 of my savings (separate from wedding) gone. A friend suggested taking out a loan instead of using my $ but Fh is totally against that.

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Posted by MrsC2010

i think if its something you really wanna do and it will help your career in the long run than you should do it! You might have to be broke for a little and work really hard but it will be worth it in the end!

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ITA! Congrats on getting in and having them work it out where you only need 7 more classes, good luck with the decision!!

I think you should do it. it it sounds like a great opportunity and will really further your career.

My only question, Do you have to take 3 classes each semester or can you space it out longer so maybe you can work a part time job also?

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Posted by soontobecruz

I think you should do it. it it sounds like a great opportunity and will really further your career.

My only question, Do you have to take 3 classes each semester or can you space it out longer so maybe you can work a part time job also?

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While i take the actual classes i'll still be working full time here in the city. Luckily i'm about a 15 min bus ride from school. Also, i'll be really lucky cuz on the day in need to leave early i can use vacation hours w/no problems, and i know i can totally get away with doing school work at work.

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Posted by AdriandSteve

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Posted by soontobecruz

I think you should do it. it it sounds like a great opportunity and will really further your career.

My only question, Do you have to take 3 classes each semester or can you space it out longer so maybe you can work a part time job also?

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While i take the actual classes i'll still be working full time here in the city. Luckily i'm about a 15 min bus ride from school. Also, i'll be really lucky cuz on the day in need to leave early i can use vacation hours w/no problems, and i know i can totally get away with doing school work at work.

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Gotcha sorry I missed that part. I think you should defintely do it. It really sounds like a great opportunity. You'll hate it while your 'in' it but I am sure it will all be worth it in the end

You know my feelings on this......and you know I also know that the MA in psych means squat. I say if it's only 7 credits, go for it. It'll get you a lot further than this waste of a degree we both have

Definitely definitely do it...otherwise you really won't be able to accomplish much even though you have an M.A.

I was in somewhat of the same position...I could have gone for a M.S. program that was about 8-12 less credits or I could have gotten one that certified me to take the state mental health counseling exam...I went for the second coz I knew that there was no way I'd get a job otherwise.

Its more money but in the end its worth it.

I just contacted the program director and i might be able to supplement the 300 hours i already completed towards the 600! Which means only 2 months of free work or even 4 months but i can work somewhere else part time!!!!!!!!!!

Fingers crossed!!!

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Posted by TheFutureMrsPM

I feel you pain. I am a guidance counselor right now and am 6 credits (jnternships) away from finishing the LMHC. I stoped bc I am very happy doing what I do. If you are not happy doing what you do or you want to be able to open your own practise, take insurance, etc. then go for it!

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If i was happy with what i'm dong now i wouldn't think about going back.

But i HATE HATE HATE IT!!! lol.

my program director said yes. So i only need 300 hours, not 600!!!!!!!!
I think that just made my decision.

Now, the question is. Do i take out a loan for school or just pay it since i have the $ but it'll take 1/2 of my savings?

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Posted by AdriandSteve

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Posted by TheFutureMrsPM

I feel you pain. I am a guidance counselor right now and am 6 credits (jnternships) away from finishing the LMHC. I stoped bc I am very happy doing what I do. If you are not happy doing what you do or you want to be able to open your own practise, take insurance, etc. then go for it!

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If i was happy with what i'm dong now i wouldn't think about going back.

But i HATE HATE HATE IT!!! lol.

my program director said yes. So i only need 300 hours, not 600!!!!!!!!
I think that just made my decision.

Now, the question is. Do i take out a loan for school or just pay it since i have the $ but it'll take 1/2 of my savings?

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I think you should definitely do it since you're unhappy currently, and it will help you go further in your career.

I like to pay things upfront and not have loans (that is just me personally). Since you have the money, I would use it; I just don't like adding debt, and if I could pay it myself, I would.

I know it sux taking money from your savings, but you still have a nice cushion in there, and you'll have wedding money coming in soon. Good luck!!!!

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Posted by AdriandSteve

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Posted by TheFutureMrsPM

I feel you pain. I am a guidance counselor right now and am 6 credits (jnternships) away from finishing the LMHC. I stoped bc I am very happy doing what I do. If you are not happy doing what you do or you want to be able to open your own practise, take insurance, etc. then go for it!

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If i was happy with what i'm dong now i wouldn't think about going back.

But i HATE HATE HATE IT!!! lol.

my program director said yes. So i only need 300 hours, not 600!!!!!!!!
I think that just made my decision.

Now, the question is. Do i take out a loan for school or just pay it since i have the $ but it'll take 1/2 of my savings?

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use your cash!!!!!!!!! do they have a payment plan? your loan will be at a higher interest than what you will be making in the bank, so its not worth it to take one out.