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NWR- Grad school

AugustBride09 Posted:

NWR- Grad school

So I need to vent. I am really excited because I got into grad school for social work which is what I wanted. I am starting in the fall right after our honeymoon. I am currently working as an admin asst which is completely not what I want to do, dont make great money, etc. It's just a job for now. I have another masters in school counseling that unfortunately I could not find a job in. The market was just flooded with applicants. I have been doing admin work for quite a while and I just cant do it anymore hence going back to school. It is a full time program for 2 years so I wont really be able to work during it. I can do it in 4 years but frankly really want to get it done and I still wouldnt be able to work a full time job even if I did that. I am also a little older (31) so I would like to have kids after I finish school. Anyway- I havent told my parents yet about school. I am very close with them but I wanted to make sure I got in before I started telling people. Well now that I got in I'm scared to tell them. I know I sound like a 5 year old but I just know they are going to react in a negative way and tell me it's so stupid to quit my job right now with the economy and to do school with no job. I understand where they are coming from but I cant put my life on hold because of the economy. It's what I want and I am planning on taking out loans for what we cant afford and pay the rest on our own. I dont have any loans for school so I feel like it's my time to finally do what I want. Anyway- sorry it's so long ...I just really needed to vent...I know I should be happy which I am but I just feel stressed about telling my parents and want them to be supportive but know in the back of my head they will think my idea is stupid. Any insight? Thanks for listening!
regy_k Posted:

Re: NWR- Grad school

as someone who always cares what my parents gonna say, I can suggest to u just telling them and whatever happens happens. u can't live ur life according to what will make ur parents happy. do what makes u happy. u gonna be a married woman, in early 30's - tell them its ur choice, and thats that. that they should trust ur judgment, and if they cant support u in this so its tough for them, cause this has been decided already and ur doing that.
put it to them in these terms: u can choose a life partner and have children, but school and ur professional life is not something ur 'old' enough to decide upon???

HTH
Iluvpoodles Posted:

Re: NWR- Grad school

I am in the exact same situaution as you. Sometimes with some programs you're going to have to quit in order to finish your degree full time. How does FH feel about this? Is he able to support the 2 of you? If you have money saved or if FH is able to help you out I say go for it. I would just make sure this is really what you want to do. Since you already have another master's, have you thought about just trying to look to find a job that you could use that degree in.

latinaj Posted:

Re: NWR- Grad school

i can relate to how you are feeling...
i think you should totally go for it!!! I know many people are terrified of school loans, but you are ahead of many bc you dont have any school loan debt!!! If you and your FH feel that you will be financially stable during those 2 years than go for it!!!!
Your parents may have an opinion....but this is for your own benefit... you can do it!
AugustBride09 Posted:

Re: NWR- Grad school


Posted by Iluvpoodles

I am in the exact same situaution as you. Sometimes with some programs you're going to have to quit in order to finish your degree full time. How does FH feel about this? Is he able to support the 2 of you? If you have money saved or if FH is able to help you out I say go for it. I would just make sure this is really what you want to do. Since you already have another master's, have you thought about just trying to look to find a job that you could use that degree in.



Unfortunately I tried for quite a while to get a job with my counseling masters. There is just nothing out there(tried for a few years) and you really need an MSW for everything social work related. My FH fully supports me and just wants me to be happy. I havent been happy with a job at all since I graduated so I think he is sick of me complaining haha. He will be working full time and will be able to support us. It's definitely what I want to do...I have been thinking about it for a while...I just know what kind of answer I will get from my parents and I know it sounds silly but I like when I have their support. I think I just need to accept the fact that they might not and move on.
JillandJoe Posted:

Re: NWR- Grad school

its so worth it to go back for your MSW. I am finishing mine in three weeks... did it part-time and the market *****, but there will always be social work jobs, especially when times are crappy and people need more help....i say do it, and ignore people's drama.

FM me if I can help at all!! goodluck!!

What school of social work are you going to? Im at adelphi
Iluvpoodles Posted:

Re: NWR- Grad school


Posted by AugustBride09


Posted by Iluvpoodles

I am in the exact same situaution as you. Sometimes with some programs you're going to have to quit in order to finish your degree full time. How does FH feel about this? Is he able to support the 2 of you? If you have money saved or if FH is able to help you out I say go for it. I would just make sure this is really what you want to do. Since you already have another master's, have you thought about just trying to look to find a job that you could use that degree in.



Unfortunately I tried for quite a while to get a job with my counseling masters. There is just nothing out there(tried for a few years) and you really need an MSW for everything social work related. My FH fully supports me and just wants me to be happy. I havent been happy with a job at all since I graduated so I think he is sick of me complaining haha. He will be working full time and will be able to support us. It's definitely what I want to do...I have been thinking about it for a while...I just know what kind of answer I will get from my parents and I know it sounds silly but I like when I have their support. I think I just need to accept the fact that they might not and move on.


Well then go for it. There's nothing holding you back. As far as your parents, you are an adult and need to live your own life. Obviously tell them, but if they don't agree don't let it upset you. You and FH need to make your own decisions.
cavvento Posted:

Re: NWR- Grad school

Congratulations on your decision. I'm in a similar field (school psychology) so I know the weight of your decision. I think that when you talk to your parents, you really need to highlight to them what a big decision it was and that you and FH really weighed it out. I think parents just want to make sure we're not making rash decisions and if you, on your own, present to them the answers that will address their fears, that will be the best way to go. I would start off by saying that you and FH researched this, discussed it at length, discussed the finances at length, as well as what it will mean during the next two years, and that this is something that can be done. Good luck with school - you're headed to a very rewarding career.

elenitsa Posted:

Re: NWR- Grad school

I was in your exact situation 2 years ago. I went to grad school full time for school pschology and worked a silly part time job just for the basic bills. I make a quarter of what I used to make, but in the end it will all be worth it, because I will be doing what I love. Is the MSW something you will love doing? If so, I think it is completely worth it! And if FH is okay with suporting the 2 of you temporarily, then by all means go back and get that degree!!!!!!!!
saribou13 Posted:

Re: NWR- Grad school

I'm in the same situation too!!!! I have been working as an admin asst for like 3 years now and about a year and a half ago I decided I hated my field and wanted to get my doctorate in psychology! but then i didn't get into any doctoral programs this year, so i decided to do a masters first and then go on to phd school afterwards. it makes it a bit longer, but what can you do. since i want to do so much schooling, i really felt like i could not afford to waste an extra year by working full time and taking classes part time. it would just be too much, so now this fall i am going to be enrolling full time in a masters program. that means that i have to leave my full time job and get a part time one instead. everyone's telling me that i'm insane to leave my (stable) job when the economy is like this, but i decided that i would rather be poor (which, lets face it, we are anyway cuz neither FH or i make much as it is!!) than miserable all the time. FH is a bit scared, but he supports my decision. also my mom is going to be helping out with living expenses.. cuz she's awesome!! so i say, GO FOR IT!!
MrsCM Posted:

Re: NWR- Grad school

Do it.

I've been planning on applying to law school for the past year and was taking the LSATS this fall and finally I said 'what the hell am I doing and who am I doing this for?' Yes, I wanted to be an adoption attorney but I could get my MSW and work directly with the children. Eff that I'm going for my MSW! My mom had a cow about how I won't make money as a social worker but I don't care. I have a business, FH has a business and works full time and private teaches. My grandfather told her she'd never make any money as a nurse and now she runs a subacute rehab facility.

Good luck!

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