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Changing direction late in the game

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ExtraOrdinary

Bluelighter
Joined
Nov 10, 2009
Messages
60
Location
Canada
Hey all.

I'm 22 and in my 4th year (of 5) working toward a psychology degree. The closer I get to graduating, the more I realize that a bachelors degree really doesn't cut it in this field... But I am nowhere near ready for the commitment grad school requires, nor do I have the necessary grades or experience for that. I like to think someday I may be mature enough to take something like that on, but it definitely isn't now for me.

I've been seriously considering putting this on hold (yes, even after so much time, effort, and money) and instead completing a 2 year college program that is more focused on preparing me for a certain type of job. I would hope to get into a program that allows me to do lab work, and after some time and experience, possibly return to finish my degree. It's strange for me to think that in almost the same amount of time as I would be spending going in this direction, I could start AND finish another program entirely, that includes on the job training, etc...

It's really hard for me to accept changing my plan this late in the game, and it certainly makes me feel like a quitter.. But I still feel it's the more practical thing to do, particularly employment-wise. I'm wondering if anybody thinks this is a good idea? A bad idea? Anybody done anything similar, and how did it turn out? Cheers <3
 
In principle, changing direction is fine. But I think you should finish your degree first, then do the other program afterwards. Your problem isn't that you don't like psychology, but that you don't think you'll do the graduate study required to enter psychology as a field. I don't think that should stop you from finishing the degree for two related reasons:

The first is that if you have a degree as well as the 2 year program you are much, much more likely to be able to get a job afterwards than if you just have the other program.

The second is related to the first. A degree in and of itself is an enormously important and valuable thing to have in the contemporary labour market. Even if you don't want to become a psychologist, having a degree puts you a step above those who don't have a degree, because it shows that you are capable, can read and analyse information, and can put in the sustained hard work required to finish a degree level course.

So finish your degree, then go and do the course. You're more likely to get lab work with a degree as well as this other course anyway, and if you change your mind about what you want to do, a degree is going to be a more transferable qualification. Changing direction wouldn't make you a quitter (that's stupid, you do what you think is best) but I think that in the long term it would be a mistake. Also - keep in mind that going back to education is more difficult when you are older, since as you get older, you typically accumulate responsibilities (financial, social, etc). These can make it hard to study. As long as your problem is not with the degree per se, but with the chances the degree has of getting you a job, I think you should stick with it, finish the degree, then do any other things you want to do, safe in the knowledge that you have a degree under your belt.
 
Just having a bachelors will do well for you no matter what (it shows that you can learn and have dedication and determination), and you can use your favorite professors as references. Finish the degree, then look for a job and get the training during the same time.

Its much better to have a bachelors than to NOT have one in most job applications!
 
Hey, you've gotten good advice so far.

I did what you're thinking about doing, I dropped out my senior year of college and it took me nearly 8 years to finally get around to finishing my Bachelor's. If I had it to do over again I would have stuck it out the first time around. Those 8 years were spent working shitty, hourly jobs near minimum wage. If I had finished the first time I'd be much farther ahead in my career than I am now.

I say go ahead and finish up your Bachelor's, do the 2 year thing if you want, and go to grad school if/when you're ready. Don't forget to keep in contact with your professors cuz you'll need them for references later in the game.

Good luck %)
 
http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/showthread.php?t=486862


This thread has a lot of good advice on the subject. Just having a completed BA is a HUGE step up in the world and most employers in the vast majority of careers you'd be able to work in would be willing to hire somebody with a less than applicable BA if you have good experience, good letters of rec, and interview well. Going back to change or get another degree, with the current cost of college (but most importantly, time) shouldn't be something anybody does. Knock out the BA and keep on rollin!
 
I really can't emphasise enough how important a degree is. It is worth qualitatively more than any qualification below it in terms of the stability, pay, and quality of life it will give you. Get the degree. Time is also an important issue - the sooner you get the degree, the sooner you'll experience the benefits that it will bring. Not just financially, but in terms of stability. Stability is a major major issue for young people in the contemporary workforce and a degree is extremely important if you want to be able to plan other things in your life with the secure knowledge that you have a job.
 
late? you're still a kid.
i'm in my thirties and i've only just started uni. you've got nothing to worry about.

i know one psycho in his FIFTIES just starting a LAW DEGREE!
 
I may be reading between the lines too much here, but are you not doing well in your current program?

All the reasons given above for finishing your degree are correct IMHO, and that should be your goal. However, if you're stuck in a pattern of behavior that is resulting in sub-par performance, then it may be worthwhile to consider whether taking a break from your program would help.

It may also NOT be helpful. The only reason you should take a leave of absence from your current program is if doing so will enable a gain in performance. And it may be that whatever the problem is, it would be better handled while you're in the program.

If you do decide on a break, it should be done with full consultation with any counselors your program has. You should have a very clear plan for what you will do during this break, a clear idea as to how this plan will lead to the desired outcome, very clear and precise markers of progress during the break, and a very clear and set date for return. During the break you should keep constant contact with your school.

Otherwise, finish your degree and get the best grades you can. Your options following will be enhanced by harder and smarter work now.
 
Heuristic said:
I may be reading between the lines too much here, but are you not doing well in your current program?
Click to expand...

I'm doing alright, but I've always had the feeling I can be doing much, much better. I know it's common for grades to slide a bit compared to high school, but I've always done really well in school and now I'm finding it really difficult just to do 'okay'. I tend to get thrown off track when something big happens in my life not school related - Relationship issues, living arrangements, having to move, family stuff, etc. But more than that, I sort of feel like that sense of "This is pointless. I'm not going to get a job with this. I'm wasting time and money" is keeping me from having any motivation.

That's one of the biggest questions I've been thinking about lately.. Because I definitely do agree with the other replies here that a Bachelors degree is always good to have for any job, even an unrelated one. I absolutely want to finish my program, but I also don't want to graduate with entirely mediocre grades. Would it be better to finish because I've started, and just do my best (running the risk that my best right now isn't good enough)? Or take time off in hopes that after awhile, I can return and really succeed? ..I know you guys can't actually answer that question for me, heh. But all advice and insight is appreciated!

Thanks for all the replies!
 
ExtraOrdinary said:
I'm doing alright, but I've always had the feeling I can be doing much, much better. I know it's common for grades to slide a bit compared to high school, but I've always done really well in school and now I'm finding it really difficult just to do 'okay'. I tend to get thrown off track when something big happens in my life not school related - Relationship issues, living arrangements, having to move, family stuff, etc. But more than that, I sort of feel like that sense of "This is pointless. I'm not going to get a job with this. I'm wasting time and money" is keeping me from having any motivation.

That's one of the biggest questions I've been thinking about lately.. Because I definitely do agree with the other replies here that a Bachelors degree is always good to have for any job, even an unrelated one. I absolutely want to finish my program, but I also don't want to graduate with entirely mediocre grades. Would it be better to finish because I've started, and just do my best (running the risk that my best right now isn't good enough)? Or take time off in hopes that after awhile, I can return and really succeed? ..I know you guys can't actually answer that question for me, heh. But all advice and insight is appreciated!

Thanks for all the replies!
Click to expand...

Typically your GPA won't affect job prospects, hell even GW Bush had a "C" average and he was president. Your GPA does however affect your ability to get into grad school. I had a 3.29 for undergrad and just got accepted to grad school in my field. Of course GPA is only one piece of the puzzle. Possibly more important would be your recommendations. Most grad schools require 3 letters of recommendation from former professors. Believe me, it pays to brown-nose a little bit and get to know your prof's personally.

Do you feel comfortable telling us your current GPA?
 
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