Step One Done.

[per_solo]

Not having heard from much, job wise recently, I've just now completed step one of the BIG LIFE ALTERING DECISION.

Now, to allocate funds, and complete step two..then steps three, four and five...

Of course, Step one isn't a biggie...it's the other steps that start the blood to elevate. :-)

Comments

[echoweaver.livejournal.com]

Big decision like going back to school?

[per_solo]

Going back? You forget, I never went in the first place. All mad skills have been self taught, OJT, or quickie seminars.

But yes, a decision very much like that. :-)

[echoweaver.livejournal.com]

Well, yeah, but you went to high school. So this is still going back to school. Sort of, anyway :).

Do you know what you want to study? Stay in the same field or something else?

[per_solo]

Well, too true at that. :-)

God, no, I don't want to study in the same field...there are too many of us as is, and with so many techies I know who are out of work, that's not exactly a dream...especially considering, as I've noted and has been pointed out to me, no matter where I go, I'll always be looked at as a junior tech...without getting something like the MCSE, my ideas will never be seriously considered, as there'll always be someone who has more experience or education in that respect.

I'm looking at Psychology, at the moment...am trying to narrow that down a bit.

[echoweaver.livejournal.com]

OK, I have to say that I think the junior tech thing is silly. You will be junior in ANY field you choose when you start, and many of them will require additional education or certification to move up the ladder. Your last job gave you no advancement route, but that was the fault of the job. And there will always, always be someone with more experience or education, no matter how much experience and education you get.

Bottom line: Do what you like. And if you don't know what you like, do something you think you're likely to like and see how it goes.

If I might offer a suggestion, look into counseling. I think your innate empathy would be invaluable there. However, you'd need to focus on protecting yourself -- you can't sacrifice your soul to the problems of a client the way you've sometimes done for your friends. Social work is another option along those lines.

[(Anonymous)]

what are these steps?

[confusedjew.livejournal.com]

ok first off, is lj logging you off randomly too? cuz that's what happend with the first comment.

second, going back to school is a big decision but can be well worth it. if you want college advice let me know k? not the same experience but maybe i'll have some tips.

[per_solo]

Will do...first step would be to fill the initial application..second is to actually pay the fee and apply...cannot remember what the third and fourth are...:-)

Thanks...will likely be gathering advice from many.

[confusedjew.livejournal.com]

free for lunch tomorrow. if you're up for it. i close so...let me know. be glad to advise or just chat.

[the-pixie.livejournal.com]

This is fantastic news, Per! Just look at Bear who went back in his late 30's. He's absolutely loving it and he's gotten more financial support than we could have asked for because he applied (that's the first step, reseach what is out there and apply...and if you don't get accepted, apply again. It's one of the reasons he got the $ for the laptop this year was persistence and a good essay this final time)... Also, my father went back later on in life. He says it was the best thing he could have ever done.

Having a Psychology degree, I do agree with Echo. One of the reasons I'm not in counsoling or a psychologist is because I know for a fact I would not be able to protect myself. I get way too caught up in people's problems and wanting to help them. If you do go this direction, you need to learn to distance yourself from people and not take *anything* they do personally (including suicide).

Let us know if you want to go out to lunch/dinner sometime to talk. Bear could probably loan you some books on getting $ that you might be interested in.

[per_solo]

Not free for lunch, as I'll be on my way to helping Mr. Sa put up a fence...and yeah, we NEED to get together and hook you on UV soon...preferably before I find a job or get accepted..whichever happens first.

I will try to get the first season of VM soon...and, can't record it...as I'm recording Lost...waiting to do a whole run of episodes (so no, I haven't seen the first two of this season yet)...ahhh...too much tv. :-P

[per_solo]

Thanks. :-)

Yeah..the BIG fear is how do I live on my own, in an Apt., with going to school and the cost that School will be...

I think I COULD protect myself..just need to learn to be better at it.

Would love to do dinner/lunch with you guys sometime, and borrow said books..have been purposefully close mouthed on this thought process, as the fear of it turning into a "well there's no easy way to do this and live alone" situation was high....now to just see how it goes.

Guess the temp work gave me yet another glimpse into things. :-)

[confusedjew.livejournal.com]

we'll find time i'm sure. maybe sa is taping vm...just know you'll love it.

[per_solo]

Sa's not taping that one...will see what happens. As is, I'mr ecording way too much.