Need schooling but don't know what courses to take

[morbiddoctor]

Alright so I'm 24, resume is pretty weak, not much work experience and very few skills. By the way things are looking at my current job of over a year, I'll be fired soon. There isn't really a good reason they would but in Washington state they kind of can if they want and it's looking like that. It is my longest held position but it's in retail and I can't have a termination on this one. I really need a hand here as I don't have many options. I am heavily modified (12 visable piercings 5 of which cannot be hidden) and a very large neck tattoo as well. On top of that, I am not very social even though I'm well spoken, respectful, polite, positive warmhearted and trustworthy. Most people don't see past my exterior.

I am not into working a job that will remain a dead end as I have already to much in the past and am at the point where I need to pursue a career. I would like a position that is rewarding even if it isn't compensated with a very good pay. I'd rather be happy and broke than paid and unhappy. This is where the problem is though. There arent many things I'm interested in that mee those requirements and offer the possibility of hiring me. Maybe explaining what I'm into will help...

-I am primarily 'right brained'
-drugs. Psyhedelics and the potential for furthering oneself and the general area of study. Not sure what I can do there.
-body modification. Where it came from and why and what it means. Body modification practicioner was a good bet but I'm not sure.
-helping people. But not a hospital setting.
-what and why the brain does and what it means. ^Psychology and psychotherapy maybe but know nothing about the field.
-spirituality. Shamanism and cultural anthropology are at the top of that list but there isn't really a school for spirit as far as I know. Maybe something like it?
-I like to read into peoples actions, am good at writing (song and poetry and clever comedy) though I haven't in a while, I have a knack for mimicing voices or making them up as well. There are more I'm sure but I'm getting tired.

I'm just hoping someone here will have some insight into this as I'm tired of wasting time. Please give any input that you can. It is much appreciated.

 

[Jerry Atrick]

I hate to be the party pooper but with all those visible piercings and such, you have greatly limited your long-term career prospects.

During my undergrad days I changed majors several times because I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I met with a professor and told him my dilemma and he said the problem for me was that I was choosing majors based on the type of career I could get. He told me to, instead, choose a major doing something I enjoy and am good at and the job will come to me.

I chose Cultural Anthropology, which I noticed you are considering. A Bachelor's degree in Cultural Anthro is hardly worth the paper it's printed on. I mean if you're working retail and have a BA in Anthro you may be eligible for management because they usually don't care what kind of degree you have, just that you have a degree. Other than that, most Anthro majors go on to get their Master's and PhD in order to teach in academia which is what I'm doing. A Master's will allow you to teach at the community college level and a PhD will get you teaching at the university level.

Be forewarned, if/when you apply for grad school they are looking at your application, GRE test scores, statement of purpose, and recommendations from former professors. IOW, if you qualify they will most likely accept you into their program, but there is no guarantee that you'll be able to get a job in academia with all the visible piercings and tattoos.

 

[morbiddoctor]

Ya, I realize I've limited myself by modifying my body and I plan to take it much further. I knew that when I started and don't regret being me for a second , it's what I have to do.

Cultural anthropology seems fun, the knowledge anyways. But my fear that there really isn't much that can be financially achieved with it is valid I guess. I'd still like to learn! My main problem lies in the ability to sustain myself with a given career as well as be happy, as i already mentioned.

I noticed someone on here mentioned psychopharmacolgy. If I weren't for the pill pushing and creating drugs that harm more than they hurt I would do that. I would love to use psychedelics as medicine for the good. Maybe in combination with a spiritual practice and therepuetic tone. Can anyone expand on this?

 

[hobhead]

stick with slacker ethos and get serious about slangin .

 

[morbiddoctor]

^ I'd rather not... I wouldn't make enough money as I actually give a fuck when I sell to people. So much so that I don't sell at all! I trade, hardly ever.

 

[Jerry Atrick]

Ya, I realize I've limited myself by modifying my body and I plan to take it much further. I knew that when I started and don't regret being me for a second , it's what I have to do.

Cultural anthropology seems fun, the knowledge anyways. But my fear that there really isn't much that can be financially achieved with it is valid I guess. I'd still like to learn! My main problem lies in the ability to sustain myself with a given career as well as be happy, as i already mentioned.

Glad you aren't discouraged. After I posted that I wondered if it wasn't too harsh. Anyways, Cultural Anthro is fun as hell otherwise I wouldn't be spending all my money on grad school.

With an interest in psychedelics, you should read, "The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge." It was written by Carlos Castaneda, a cultural anthropologist, in the late 60's. It's a fucking awesome book where he trains to become a Shaman - if you haven't read it, it's right up your alley %)

 

[mdmantpa]

ITs good that you have a good outlook even when things are looking bleak. You sound like me a little bit as far as you interests go, and seem like a decent person. Maybe go back to school and study Chemistry and Psychology and find a career in either drug research or counseling of some sort. Or get licensed as a body modifier/tattoo artist or what not since you seem to have a passion in that area as well

 

[morbiddoctor]

@Jerry- I try not to get discouraged because I know I'd be pretty unhappy if I couldn't do things like that to myself. And I've read the first don Juan, good stuff. I know I definatly am supposed to be a shaman but I'm seeking a day job u know? I'm still on the fence about doing that sort of work. What can ou do once you have the degree besides teach?

@mdmantpa-isn't chemistry kind of hard for a right brained person? I am terrible at mah but was actually considering chemistry for a little bit. I would like to be able to make new compunds, primarily psychedelics. Psychology is definatly something I want to take regardless. I jink it would really help to be able to see myself when I'm doing my visionary journeys. And I want to pass that on to others too. The only thing that bothers me about therapists and (psycho)pharmacology is where the ethics are at. I don't really agree with what those people are doing when it comes to persfriptions and what it nowadays accepted as general practice, not being able to enter the taboo of what I really want to do. But that path seems to coincide with my shamanic destiny.

Is there a field that covers all of that? Anyone from those backgrounds reading this post?

 

[Jerry Atrick]

@Jerry- I try not to get discouraged because I know I'd be pretty unhappy if I couldn't do things like that to myself. And I've read the first don Juan, good stuff. I know I definatly am supposed to be a shaman but I'm seeking a day job u know? I'm still on the fence about doing that sort of work. What can ou do once you have the degree besides teach?

Part of teaching at the university level also includes extensive research, writing to get published including journals and books, etc. So aside from being just a teacher you would also be able to follow your research passions. But yeah, aside from teaching, I doubt you want to join the FBI or work as a marketing researcher for a major corporation

@mdmantpa-isn't chemistry kind of hard for a right brained person? I am terrible at mah but was actually considering chemistry for a little bit. I would like to be able to make new compunds, primarily psychedelics. Psychology is definatly something I want to take regardless. I jink it would really help to be able to see myself when I'm doing my visionary journeys. And I want to pass that on to others too. The only thing that bothers me about therapists and (psycho)pharmacology is where the ethics are at. I don't really agree with what those people are doing when it comes to persfriptions and what it nowadays accepted as general practice, not being able to enter the taboo of what I really want to do. But that path seems to coincide with my shamanic destiny.

Is there a field that covers all of that? Anyone from those backgrounds reading this post?

Chemistry is one of those things that you either get it or you don't. All colleges require at least one or two hard science courses to graduate, I took Biology. But maybe you could take a Chemistry class and see if you "get" it or like it. If you don't like it the credits will still count towards your degree.

As far as the psych aspect of it, I took a course called Psychological Anthropology and it was pretty cool. We learned about indigenous religions and psychedelic drug use in that class. Maybe you could get a degree in Psychology with a minor in Anthro. Psychology and Cultural Anthro are both social sciences which makes them cousins. If you want a career in either of those fields, though, I see grad school in your future.

 

[morbiddoctor]

Ok cool. I'll look into some of those courses and see if the community college around here offers them I'm especially interested in psychological anthropology. I have a voice mimicry skill as well. I've never done anything with it except for fun though. In pretty good at it.

 

[yucatanboy2]

One of the coolest chemists i know just got her PhD, and has tatoos all over her body (covering both arms including hands and wrists, and going up to her neck), and she just got a job teaching as a professor at a 4-year college.

If you are intrerested in chem or bio, i can talk to you about the strategies to try to get into a community college/college and beyond

 

[satricion]

Have you thought about becoming a piercer?

 

[morbiddoctor]

I have thought about becoming a piercer and I'm not sure I want to. While I can do what I want to my body, I'm not entirely sure that will
make me happy in the long run. That doubt alone is enough to suggest I shouldn't make a career out of it.

@yucatanboy2- I'm down to learn the way into school if you have time. Pm me.

 

[morbiddoctor]

Update: the community college I was looking at has some courses I'm looking into. I have to take a placer exam as I haven't been to school in five years (time flies!) and I need it. I am bad at math and it's a prerequisite for some of the courses, especially chemistry.

I plan on taking: some math (after completion, chemistry), psychology, cultural antropolgy and botony. I figure if I play my cards right and this is the stuff I want to learn, I can get into the psychological anthropology, psychotherapy, some advanced botony (for psychedelics and maybe alkaloidal study if I do botanical chemistry later on). I figure if I study with some tribal leaders/shamans via some lucky move, I can apply all of what I've learned in those courses and do what I want to satisfy my hunger for the spirit practices of helping people through what I've learned. It all seems like it would flow together in the end. I suspect the next ten years or so are going to be lots of knowledge cramming but it'll all fly by .

What do u guys think? Sound plausable? Tips?

 

[rant*N*rave]

It sounds perfectly plausible. Just take it a step at a time and see what works best for you.

 

[HippieChick]

Thought: Post Office. They start rural carriers out at 18.50 an hour ... gotta be able to pass a drug test. I can't really see you delivering the mail (bet those kids would run the other way) ... they can be really pesky and in the way. But there are jobs where you would work at night and handle the packages and really work behind the scenes. They have great benefits? USPS.COM

 

[OutOnTheVeranda]

Update: the community college I was looking at has some courses I'm looking into. I have to take a placer exam as I haven't been to school in five years (time flies!) and I need it. I am bad at math and it's a prerequisite for some of the courses, especially chemistry.

I plan on taking: some math (after completion, chemistry), psychology, cultural antropolgy and botony. I figure if I play my cards right and this is the stuff I want to learn, I can get into the psychological anthropology, psychotherapy, some advanced botony (for psychedelics and maybe alkaloidal study if I do botanical chemistry later on). I figure if I study with some tribal leaders/shamans via some lucky move, I can apply all of what I've learned in those courses and do what I want to satisfy my hunger for the spirit practices of helping people through what I've learned. It all seems like it would flow together in the end. I suspect the next ten years or so are going to be lots of knowledge cramming but it'll all fly by .

What do u guys think? Sound plausable? Tips?

Your taking some classes sounds completely plausible. Your getting a bachelor's In anthro or bio I'd give about 1:1 odds. Your getting a graduate degree or a job using your undergrad degree I would rate as unlikely. My advice would be to find a job you enjoy on some level and which pays decently (bartender? tree trimmer? postman?) and to just read about shamanism and alkaloids in your free time.

 

[morbiddoctor]

@hippiechick-I might try the usps thing again. Sounds good for pay but from what I understand the package handlers must fit dress requiremtents of delivery guys. Not sure on that but I read it somewhere.

@outontheveranda-I'm not entirely sure I would follow the anthropology or biology courses to the end anyway. But to learn is all I want. Just enough to apply myself how I want to. Chemistry and botony seem like a better bet anyway. But I do see the psychologic anthropology and therapy thing as something I would really enjoy. Whether or not they have room for someone that disagrees with the majority of the current practices and my plans to further modify myself, I don't know. The thing is, there really isn't much else I'm interested in. Unfortunatly I find little joy in the majority of popular interests and activites. Which is why I feel I am in such a bind with my future. I really feel like I need to run into the wild and live a tribal lifestyle and of course apply my shamanic and spiritual endeavors to that setting. But again, that requires the money to do so.

Also, I just got fired. Hated the job anyway, but now the job search starts over and man it's a bitch. I think school really is the best bet but I need a job in the meantime.