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Ever feel like you missed your calling?

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nefertiti

Memeber
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Warning, long post alert. I'm also going to be opening up about some private stuff, so be gentle. I don't care if you all know how effed up I am lol, but please don't make a joke about it, ok?

When I was younger for a long time I wanted to be a psychologist. I've always been a helper and a giver, and I've always been "that person" that people come to for advice, or just an ear. I think the talent or whatever of mine that I am most proud of is my ability to empathize and understand exactly what a person needs in the moments they are hurting. Various things I've been through have only deepened that awareness. The problem is, when I'm empathizing, I'm genuinely hurting with that person. It makes me suffer to see people suffer. So I stepped away from that game plan because I felt like all I would be miserable all the time, taking every patients problems home with me. I also questioned my ability to be objective, which I think is really important in those situations. If you get emotional, I don't know how much you're going to be able to provide clarity and guidance.

Sooooo I went to a soulless profession instead, something I was damn good at, but got nothing out of....and wouldn't you know it, I was miserable all the time anyway lol. Doing something that had no real value to the world but made me a whole lot of money left me feeling empty. I tried to fill that space with people, with an eating disorder, with staying as busy as possible, with scuba diving...and the end result was burn out at 28. Quit my job, bought a house I could rent out, moved to the beach, did nothing but dive, go to church, socialize. All well and good when things are peachy...

Then I hit a wall last winter. Not going to go into it, but something happened and I just....crashed. Hard. I fully relapsed with my eating disorder, among other things, and shut down on everyone. The last month or so I finally started crawling out of that hole....I'm in an outpatient treatment program, I'm reconnecting with friends and family, I'm starting to put one foot in front of the other, and in the process I'm starting to question the direction of my life again (or rather, I'm recognizing that the whole dive bum thing was really just an intermission).

This past weekend I had a couple of things bring me back to the therapy thing. The first was in my friday group for outpatient, one of the group leaders was an intern who was leaving, so I went up to thank her for the brief time she was there. She said something to me that made me break down in tears...she told me that in the one week I've been there, I've already made a huge positive impact on everyone else there. That she had never seen people react to someone and connect with someone so instantly as when I was sharing my story that first day, and that she was almost in tears when she left that day.

Then there was this little facebook interaction that almost made me lose my shit:

http://i54.tinypic.com/f36fit.jpg

(a friend of mine from hs who attempted suicide)

So I start thinking...about how as much as I hurt with someone who is hurting, nothing has ever been as fulfilling for me as being able to reach out and make that connection - and I've really actually been able to help a LOT of people (I also used to volunteer at a crisis center). I'm not sure if it's because of how alone I've felt at times with my own demons, I don't know if it's because it allows me to take some pretty next level shit that's gone down in my life and make it a positive (therefore taking some of the randomness out of life), I don't know if it's reconnecting with my faith and the general ideals of receiving a gift and then spreading it out to others in need (no religious debate in the thread pleaaaase). I can point to two or three very specific people at every moment in my life who has gotten me through, and it's always been someone who has been there who was able to reach through that wall like it was made of air and pull me out.

So basically I'm thinking once I get my shit straight (which might take some time, got derailed pretty badly), I'm gonna see what it will take to get into a masters program for something in that field. Something that would get me working with kids, teenagers maybe. Wouldn't have to be eating disorder specific, but I could probably be most useful there, especially given how resistant most young girls are to accepting and facing those issues. (not to mention how many people are in that field who have never had an eating disorder....I got some of the worst guidance with that from those types. Not saying you HAVE to have been there to reach people, but the only people who have ever really helped me have been people who were there at one point and got past it)

Rant over. Not sure where to take this thread....I just needed to vent really. You can either respond to my post or offer your own story of your life shifting focus and finding fulfillment in that new focus.
 
Since someone's gonna ask...

Cliffnotes:

I used to want to be in some sort of psychology/social work field, changed my mind, and now I'm heavily considering returning to that and I think it's probably where I should have been all along.
 
tl;dr

LOL JK, I read it all. I think whenever you find that combination of doing something you're very good at, AND you enjoy it, you'll pretty much excel at whatever that is, and excel far above and beyond everybody else. Look at Tiger Woods. He started playing golf at age 2-3. By the time he was 6-7, he was playing 5 hours a day, every day, relentlessly, for two reasons. One, he was very good at it at an early age, and two, because he genuinely enjoyed doing it. Now I'm sure there's days, weeks, or even months where he doesn't like it that much, but he still enjoys it overall. It's why he's now worth close to a billion dollars.

My dad is ridiculously good at poker. He typically wins $500-700 a night playing poker. He enjoys doing it and he's really good at it. He has to go out and play after he gets off work. His typical day is work from 9-5, then play from 7-2 or 3 am sometimes, and do it all over again. He doesn't like it as much now, obviously, but he still likes it enough to keep doing that kind of schedule.

I don't know what my calling is. I enjoy my new job a lot, and I think I'm pretty good at it already, but I don't think it's what I'll achieve Godlike status in. I've relentlessly been reading and studying the stock market and investing for the last 6 or 7 years. I spent the first two years just reading books and doing practice mutual fund accounts. In 2006 I bought my first mutual fund. The minimum amount was $2500, and I had to save up to get that much money, but it was worth it. I loved every second of researching and analyzing my best moves. I'm not exaggerating when I say I probably spent up to 7 hours a day just reading and studying for those first two years. Before I bought in on my mutual fund, I spent 40 hours researching each company in that fund, which is the recommended amount. I could tell you what each person on the board of directors for each company had done in their professional careers over the last ten years by the time I was done. I reaped the benefits of my work, I get great returns every year.

I've been running a practice forex account for about a year solid, and I do fairly well in it. Nothing big, because I'm extremely conservative in forex, and it's just Monopoly money! Still, I think it's fun and it's helped educate me in certain aspects of the market. Not sure if I'll ever put real money into forex down the road, but if I never do, it's at least been an educational experience.

Very few people even know I even invest. My own mom had no clue until this past week, where I sat down and discussed re-balancing her 401k, and I did it for her. One of my best friends had no idea until he told me he had $10,000 from his overseas military tour sitting in a savings account waiting to be invested in something. I talked to him for about an hour, and he just looked at me and said, "Jesus Christ, you should have been a brokerage agent."

So I don't know if that's my calling, but I enjoy doing it and (so far) I feel like I'm at least above average in my ability to invest intelligently. They say you have to spend 10,000 hours on something to become an expert at it, so I guess I still have a lot of work to go. I wanted to do the 10,000 hours in guitar, but I just didn't love it enough. I liked it, but I didn't love it. You have to find something you love enough to put 10,000 hours of practice into, and then you'll know that's what you were born to do.
 
I dont think everyone has a calling. Some people wake up, punch a clock, get a six pack, watch TV, go to bed and thats as good as its going to get, or ever was going to get.
 
I think you should go for it. I always feel like I've missed my calling and have contemplated going back to school... again.
 
I figured the beach location/dive job was a pit stop. You always seemed so excited about being there that I never mentioned it. I don't mean this in a pejorative way at all, but you struck me as much more capable than the career you'd chosen.

You definitely seem empathetic and I'd bet you will make a great shrink/social worker (or whatever similar career you choose).

It's good to hear that you are getting back on track. Good luck!
 
Rachel...lol said:
I think you should go for it. I always feel like I've missed my calling and have contemplated going back to school... again.
Click to expand...

Good lord woman youre going to be the most overeducated person under 30 ever. Find something and dont look back
 
We all make choices the alter our life and wonder if what if?
Well what if can be chosen even if time has passed. I went back to school at 36 to change careers. I made the career change and found out it wasn't for me, but was it worth it. Absolutely.
Go for it.
 
nefertiti said:
Warning, long post alert. I'm also going to be opening up about some private stuff, so be gentle. I don't care if you all know how effed up I am lol, but please don't make a joke about it, ok?

When I was younger for a long time I wanted to be a psychologist. I've always been a helper and a giver, and I've always been "that person" that people come to for advice, or just an ear. I think the talent or whatever of mine that I am most proud of is my ability to empathize and understand exactly what a person needs in the moments they are hurting. Various things I've been through have only deepened that awareness. The problem is, when I'm empathizing, I'm genuinely hurting with that person. It makes me suffer to see people suffer. So I stepped away from that game plan because I felt like all I would be miserable all the time, taking every patients problems home with me. I also questioned my ability to be objective, which I think is really important in those situations. If you get emotional, I don't know how much you're going to be able to provide clarity and guidance.

Sooooo I went to a soulless profession instead, something I was damn good at, but got nothing out of....and wouldn't you know it, I was miserable all the time anyway lol. Doing something that had no real value to the world but made me a whole lot of money left me feeling empty. I tried to fill that space with people, with an eating disorder, with staying as busy as possible, with scuba diving...and the end result was burn out at 28. Quit my job, bought a house I could rent out, moved to the beach, did nothing but dive, go to church, socialize. All well and good when things are peachy...

Then I hit a wall last winter. Not going to go into it, but something happened and I just....crashed. Hard. I fully relapsed with my eating disorder, among other things, and shut down on everyone. The last month or so I finally started crawling out of that hole....I'm in an outpatient treatment program, I'm reconnecting with friends and family, I'm starting to put one foot in front of the other, and in the process I'm starting to question the direction of my life again (or rather, I'm recognizing that the whole dive bum thing was really just an intermission).

This past weekend I had a couple of things bring me back to the therapy thing. The first was in my friday group for outpatient, one of the group leaders was an intern who was leaving, so I went up to thank her for the brief time she was there. She said something to me that made me break down in tears...she told me that in the one week I've been there, I've already made a huge positive impact on everyone else there. That she had never seen people react to someone and connect with someone so instantly as when I was sharing my story that first day, and that she was almost in tears when she left that day.

Then there was this little facebook interaction that almost made me lose my shit:

http://i54.tinypic.com/f36fit.jpg

(a friend of mine from hs who attempted suicide)

So I start thinking...about how as much as I hurt with someone who is hurting, nothing has ever been as fulfilling for me as being able to reach out and make that connection - and I've really actually been able to help a LOT of people (I also used to volunteer at a crisis center). I'm not sure if it's because of how alone I've felt at times with my own demons, I don't know if it's because it allows me to take some pretty next level shit that's gone down in my life and make it a positive (therefore taking some of the randomness out of life), I don't know if it's reconnecting with my faith and the general ideals of receiving a gift and then spreading it out to others in need (no religious debate in the thread pleaaaase). I can point to two or three very specific people at every moment in my life who has gotten me through, and it's always been someone who has been there who was able to reach through that wall like it was made of air and pull me out.

So basically I'm thinking once I get my shit straight (which might take some time, got derailed pretty badly), I'm gonna see what it will take to get into a masters program for something in that field. Something that would get me working with kids, teenagers maybe. Wouldn't have to be eating disorder specific, but I could probably be most useful there, especially given how resistant most young girls are to accepting and facing those issues. (not to mention how many people are in that field who have never had an eating disorder....I got some of the worst guidance with that from those types. Not saying you HAVE to have been there to reach people, but the only people who have ever really helped me have been people who were there at one point and got past it)

Rant over. Not sure where to take this thread....I just needed to vent really. You can either respond to my post or offer your own story of your life shifting focus and finding fulfillment in that new focus.
Click to expand...

I am a psychologist....
 
Awww, Nef. I definitely sympathize with you. You've always seemed like "a helper" to me. You were listening to my (now stupid) problems my first week around here and I think some type of social work would be an awesome job for you and one you'd be good at.

That being said, last year I started a non profit that helps girls under 18 (purposely vague description). If you're interested, shoot me a PM and I'll give you some details and maybe we can try to work something out if you want a trial run on how you'd enjoy/be fulfilled by that type of thing. :-)

P.S. Not that this ever helps, but you're beautiful, girl.
 
dam i always wanted to be a psychologist that's what i always said i wanted to do then i fukn sold out and got a fukn finance degree thinkin that was my best chance at ballin and now i have no interest in joining corporate america... pwnt myself real good

UAMAV nigga u might be kinda smart for a racist u should look into options and futures trading its way more fun than investin in stock and u get a lot more leverage, u can get a practice account too at thinkorswim, i doubled my practice account three times and then tried investin 5k and lost it in like 8 months LOL
 
Yeah. Sometimes I wish I had gone into finance, where's there stress, pressure, long hours, and people in your face yelling at you. (For those of us that like that kind of environment.)

And if I was in finance, I'd wish I had gone into science, where I'd be doing something objectively meaningful, working for a lifestyle company that actually allows you to have a life outside of work, hobbies, friends and family.



It's, like, things reflect different wavelengths of light when viewed from different angles of incidence or something, man.



:cow:
 
bigpokey said:
dam i always wanted to be a psychologist that's what i always said i wanted to do then i fukn sold out and got a fukn finance degree thinkin that was my best chance at ballin and now i have no interest in joining corporate america... pwnt myself real good

UAMAV nigga u might be kinda smart for a racist u should look into options and futures trading its way more fun than investin in stock and u get a lot more leverage, u can get a practice account too at thinkorswim, i doubled my practice account three times and then tried investin 5k and lost it in like 8 months LOL
Click to expand...

I never trade with blacks, that's the first rule of investing.
 
I don't tbink you can ever miss your calling nef, not at our age-ish.

Most people go through life not having their calling.

To be honest, I have had the same thoughts about being psychologist he last few years for the same reasons you stated. But what I came to as a middle ground was being a life coach, like a Tony Robbins type dude but specifically for men and the stuff they deal with with women, in business and fitness etc. That is my ultimate dream, but I will engage in that when I have the credentials. I need to have a wildly successful business, some more years of growth, and a large enough reserve to be able to launch a venture like that. I look at it as a chapter in my life in the future.

That's the thing, life moves in chapters and all that experience makes a difference.
Let me warn you though about psychology because after speaking to psychiatrists and psychologists in private practice I can tell you one thing. When you first start out especially with only a master's as opposed to a PHD, you're gonna most likely have to work with people with serious mental issues. The people in the field I've talked to says that is the worst part because these people are so far gone, and some can even be violent. A lot of them went to private practice because of that so that their patients were generally good, successful people just with certain problems. Just realize also that sometimes what you ideally imagine a job to be does not manage the reality of it. My realization in that aspect was when I was a personal trainer. Good in theory, not so much in practice and any job can be that way.

So it's never too late. The experiences you had led you to this point and making a career change now is not a bad thing in the slightest. You should embrace change because that is just the essence of life. It is constantly evolving, and you need to look at it as an exciting opportunity. Most people are not lucky enough to even be in a position to do what they love or are made for because they're too worry about feedin themselves or their kids.
 
it seems to me that you are still in a fairly emotional state...not a good time to make life changes (imho)...give yourself a bit more time to find your level, then make the decision with your head AND your heart :)
 
Job outlook may differ from various specialty areas within psychology. The U.S. Department of Labor suggests that job opportunities will be the most plentiful for those with doctoral degrees in applied specialty areas such as counseling or health psychology.

School psychology is also cited as an area that will experience strong growth in the coming years, as awareness of the mental health needs of children increases. As issues such as behavior problems, bullying and learning disorders become more prominent, the demand for qualified school psychologists will go up.

Job Outlook for Psychologists
 
PICK3 said:
Job outlook may differ from various specialty areas within psychology. The U.S. Department of Labor suggests that job opportunities will be the most plentiful for those with doctoral degrees in applied specialty areas such as counseling or health psychology.

School psychology is also cited as an area that will experience strong growth in the coming years, as awareness of the mental health needs of children increases. As issues such as behavior problems, bullying and learning disorders become more prominent, the demand for qualified school psychologists will go up.

Job Outlook for Psychologists
Click to expand...


I assumed it was a given for the OP that going into psych would involve 8-10 more years of school plus psych residency or whatever they call it, and that she wouldn't be practicing until she was over 40 (never mind children or any semblance of normal family life).

Everyone always says to follow your dreams. That's nice and all, but not always bounded in reality. Sometimes you need to make choices in life; choices that will determine what you are able to realistically do within a fininte lifespan.

Live by your priorities, but realize that long-term sacrifices will be necessary when your priorities change -- are you ready to commit, or is there a chance that this might be a kind of period-of-life crisis stemming from temporary emotional or psychological turbulence?



:cow:
 
Let me put my two cents in....

I can tell you it's very draining and sometimes very disappointing to be a psychologist, and yet sometimes it's the most rewarding thing you can do, HOWEVER, I do want you to know that if you take things personally and like to help people to the extent that you mentioned it is very easy to lose perspective, as therapists we are there to assist them, build plans, support systems and strategies for them to deal with their issues,if you take things to personally that you start helping them instead of helping them help their selves, sometimes empathy can be blinding and sometimes patients can be deceiving,I really dont know how to explain it but it's hard but crucial to stay objective and if your heart melts you get subjective, you also deal with multiple patients so you cant "sulk" after one, you have to somehow reset your cassette and start fresh with the next one.

I saw many classmates crash and burn in college because they were studying psychology for the wrong reasons (to make money but they had no empathy or social skills, because they had their own unresolved issues, etc) so think long and hard about this decision since I personally feel it is a career/field in which you can have a very high impact in people and their lives

PICK3 said:
Job outlook may differ from various specialty areas within psychology. The U.S. Department of Labor suggests that job opportunities will be the most plentiful for those with doctoral degrees in applied specialty areas such as counseling or health psychology.

School psychology is also cited as an area that will experience strong growth in the coming years, as awareness of the mental health needs of children increases. As issues such as behavior problems, bullying and learning disorders become more prominent, the demand for qualified school psychologists will go up.

Job Outlook for Psychologists
Click to expand...

This is another very important thing, check out your state requirements, most states require you to have a PhD, take board exams and have 2000 supervised hours before you can get licensed, I am currently fucked and cant practice in the State of FL yet because of this..... a bachelor or master only allow you to be a mental health tech or social worker...

That being said it's not all bad, it is very life changing to study human behavior and it is many times rewarding to be in this line of work,my favorite area is senior citizens but it's also very difficult because they "go" :(
 
samoth said:
Everyone always says to follow your dreams. That's nice and all, but not always bounded in reality.
Click to expand...

agreed

in this economy I'm grateful to have a job with benefits

searching for "fulfillment" and "personal enrichment" will have to happen outside the 9 to 5
 
nangiggles said:
This is another very important thing, check out your state requirements, most states require you to have a PhD, take board exams and have 2000 supervised hours before you can get licensed, I am currently fucked and cant practice in the State of FL yet because of this..... a bachelor or master only allow you to be a mental health tech or social worker...

That being said it's not all bad, it is very life changing to study human behavior and it is many times rewarding to be in this line of work,my favorite area is senior citizens but it's also very difficult because they "go" :(
Click to expand...

We have an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). One of the lady counselors transitioned from journalism to Psych counseling in her mid 50's after getting a M.A. She has some kind of professional designation, LP :confused:

Licensed Professional Counselor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Seems like a decent gig.
 
samoth said:
I assumed it was a given for the OP that going into psych would involve 8-10 more years of school plus psych residency or whatever they call it, and that she wouldn't be practicing until she was over 40 (never mind children or any semblance of normal family life).

Everyone always says to follow your dreams. That's nice and all, but not always bounded in reality. Sometimes you need to make choices in life; choices that will determine what you are able to realistically do within a fininte lifespan.

Live by your priorities, but realize that long-term sacrifices will be necessary when your priorities change -- are you ready to commit, or is there a chance that this might be a kind of period-of-life crisis stemming from temporary emotional or psychological turbulence?



:cow:
Click to expand...

It wouldn't be that bad. I'm sure she has some of the core courses and would have to do mostly major stuff for undergrad. So maybe another 5-6 years total. If she was a psychiatrist, then yes.

You can work in certain psych fields with only a masters. They don't pay very well and you're restricted in what you can do but in her specialization it might be feasible.

90% of psych related jobs though, do require a PHD or psych. d
 
After being in intensive school for the past 2 weeks I wish I would have just went to college right out of high school. But I was afraid and heavily partying at the time doing a lot of drinking, extacy, and cocaine and I landed a good paying job that further enabled my behavior along with selling the drugs as well. For some odd reason I always wanted to be a dentist. Now with a wife and family I have to take a career that will keep the boat afloat, provide insurance, and allow comfortable living. But this new job will not be nearly as physically straining but I may be away from home a bit more.
 
I'm glad that you can find something that your passionate about. I know a few people like you who are moving towards that direction (ie passionate careers) and am quite jealous.

I like games. To me the whole "corporate life" just seems to be a game of some sorts that I realize doesn't amount to munch in the larger scheme of things; but I don't have any area to divert my passion into.

Instead, I provide guidance to my kids and little brother (don't be me!) to help them move along.

Good luck on your journey. I hope to hear of your future trials and tribulations.


<Whoa, that sounded a little to serious, I should throw in a "motherfucker" in there or something to lighten the mood..>
 
The major difference between what a PhD can do and what a Masters Level Clinician can do is basically psych testing. That's it. She can certainly be a mental health provider in an eating disorder program with a masters degree. Thing is, in order to make decent money, you would need a PhD, but you can attain that while working with your masters.

And it's simply not true that 90% of the "jobs" require a PhD. That's ludicrous.
 
I totally missed out on my "calling" and the money wouldnt have been bad in the field either

but I cocked it up myself...utterly and it was totally preventable..its something I will always be angry at myself about
someone mentioned a different career path in a similar field, but now Im stuck wondering if I can do it


I think Im just going to replace my welder and buy a plasma cutter and sculpt...fuck it




be careful you're not looking TOO far ahead right now nef...concentrate on babysteps ..by all means look towards the future for hope but get well first then re-evaluate
 
Smurfy said:
The major difference between what a PhD can do and what a Masters Level Clinician can do is basically psych testing. That's it. She can certainly be a mental health provider in an eating disorder program with a masters degree. Thing is, in order to make decent money, you would need a PhD, but you can attain that while working with your masters.

And it's simply not true that 90% of the "jobs" require a PhD. That's ludicrous.
Click to expand...

Oh, so the occupational handbook and other job reports from the department of labor are inaccurate? This was also literature I gathered from the American psychological association. I did like a 12 page research paper and did occupational interviews with people in the field.


So smurf > APA and DoL?
 
fair chance if you get a Master's in Pscyh you'll be saying "wood you like fries with that?" a lot
 
nefertiti said:
Warning, long post alert. I'm also going to be opening up about some private stuff, so be gentle. I don't care if you all know how effed up I am lol, but please don't make a joke about it, ok?

When I was younger for a long time I wanted to be a psychologist. I've always been a helper and a giver, and I've always been "that person" that people come to for advice, or just an ear. I think the talent or whatever of mine that I am most proud of is my ability to empathize and understand exactly what a person needs in the moments they are hurting. Various things I've been through have only deepened that awareness. The problem is, when I'm empathizing, I'm genuinely hurting with that person. It makes me suffer to see people suffer. So I stepped away from that game plan because I felt like all I would be miserable all the time, taking every patients problems home with me. I also questioned my ability to be objective, which I think is really important in those situations. If you get emotional, I don't know how much you're going to be able to provide clarity and guidance.

Sooooo I went to a soulless profession instead, something I was damn good at, but got nothing out of....and wouldn't you know it, I was miserable all the time anyway lol. Doing something that had no real value to the world but made me a whole lot of money left me feeling empty. I tried to fill that space with people, with an eating disorder, with staying as busy as possible, with scuba diving...and the end result was burn out at 28. Quit my job, bought a house I could rent out, moved to the beach, did nothing but dive, go to church, socialize. All well and good when things are peachy...

Then I hit a wall last winter. Not going to go into it, but something happened and I just....crashed. Hard. I fully relapsed with my eating disorder, among other things, and shut down on everyone. The last month or so I finally started crawling out of that hole....I'm in an outpatient treatment program, I'm reconnecting with friends and family, I'm starting to put one foot in front of the other, and in the process I'm starting to question the direction of my life again (or rather, I'm recognizing that the whole dive bum thing was really just an intermission).

This past weekend I had a couple of things bring me back to the therapy thing. The first was in my friday group for outpatient, one of the group leaders was an intern who was leaving, so I went up to thank her for the brief time she was there. She said something to me that made me break down in tears...she told me that in the one week I've been there, I've already made a huge positive impact on everyone else there. That she had never seen people react to someone and connect with someone so instantly as when I was sharing my story that first day, and that she was almost in tears when she left that day.

Then there was this little facebook interaction that almost made me lose my shit:

http://i54.tinypic.com/f36fit.jpg

(a friend of mine from hs who attempted suicide)

So I start thinking...about how as much as I hurt with someone who is hurting, nothing has ever been as fulfilling for me as being able to reach out and make that connection - and I've really actually been able to help a LOT of people (I also used to volunteer at a crisis center). I'm not sure if it's because of how alone I've felt at times with my own demons, I don't know if it's because it allows me to take some pretty next level shit that's gone down in my life and make it a positive (therefore taking some of the randomness out of life), I don't know if it's reconnecting with my faith and the general ideals of receiving a gift and then spreading it out to others in need (no religious debate in the thread pleaaaase). I can point to two or three very specific people at every moment in my life who has gotten me through, and it's always been someone who has been there who was able to reach through that wall like it was made of air and pull me out.

So basically I'm thinking once I get my shit straight (which might take some time, got derailed pretty badly), I'm gonna see what it will take to get into a masters program for something in that field. Something that would get me working with kids, teenagers maybe. Wouldn't have to be eating disorder specific, but I could probably be most useful there, especially given how resistant most young girls are to accepting and facing those issues. (not to mention how many people are in that field who have never had an eating disorder....I got some of the worst guidance with that from those types. Not saying you HAVE to have been there to reach people, but the only people who have ever really helped me have been people who were there at one point and got past it)

Rant over. Not sure where to take this thread....I just needed to vent really. You can either respond to my post or offer your own story of your life shifting focus and finding fulfillment in that new focus.
Click to expand...

Who better to help than somebody who has "been there"?
I say go for it, you have nothing to lose by following your dreams.
Also, once you have your master's, or whatever you need to get into the field, and once you have some recovery time under your belt you can be of great help to young girls, or whomever you wish to help the most.
Nothing stopping you from putting out some feelers now, maybe getting a mentor who already is in the field.
If you are worried about bringing home people's problems, I am sure there are some techniques you may be able to use to stop doing that- leaving work at work so to speak. I wouldn't let the fear of that stop you though. Don't ever let anything stop you from doing what you feel you must.
 
I am gonna come abck to this thread lol....I wrote that post out right before zipping out the door for a big family dinner. By the time I got home I had like 20 people I wanted to respond to.
 
nangiggles said:
WTF does that work.... here in FL you cant be licensed to practice if you dont have a PhD... :confused: same for AZ as well...
Click to expand...

licensed to practice what?

There are masters level clinicians all over the country (including AZ and FL) providing mental health therapy. SUch as:
LCSW
MSW
LMFT
LPC
LCPC
MA
MEd
to name a few.
 
calveless wonder said:
Oh, so the occupational handbook and other job reports from the department of labor are inaccurate? This was also literature I gathered from the American psychological association. I did like a 12 page research paper and did occupational interviews with people in the field.


So smurf > APA and DoL?
Click to expand...

ah no. But I manage the entire behavioral health provider network for United Behavioral Health in the state of WI. We have thousands of providers, most of which are masters level clinicians.

So I ask, what "jobs" are you referring to?
 
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Smurfy said:
ah no. But I manage the entire behavioral health provider network for United Behavioral Health in the state of WI. We have thousands of providers, most of which are masters level clinicians.

So I ask, what "jobs" are you referring to?
Click to expand...

Babe, cw has been a member of elitefitness.com since 2003, AND he's wrote a paper on something related to psychology in undergrad. I think it's clear that he qualifies as expert opinion. The guy knows what he's talking about.
 
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nangiggles said:
WTF does that work.... here in FL you cant be licensed to practice if you dont have a PhD... :confused: same for AZ as well...
Click to expand...

I probably won't ever go the private practice route, fwiw....and most people i've encountered there have phds. But most of the people I've worked with as a patient or volunteer in various mental health centers or crisis centers have had masters level education, and that's the area I'm most drawn to. I'm not interested in psychiatry, or being someone's weekly head shrink haha, just getting my hands dirty and working with the people who are hitting rock bottom, who are in such crisis that they need that person who can break through.
 
my brother in law went with a sociology undergrad and a psych minor.....he has not gone for his masters yet (this fall I think?) butfor what you're describing clinical therapy work...yes a masters was what was required.

It was NOT stellar money, but if this isn't a concern, then why not?? go for it.
 
nefertiti said:
I probably won't ever go the private practice route, fwiw....and most people i've encountered there have phds. But most of the people I've worked with as a patient or volunteer in various mental health centers or crisis centers have had masters level education, and that's the area I'm most drawn to. I'm not interested in psychiatry, or being someone's weekly head shrink haha, just getting my hands dirty and working with the people who are hitting rock bottom, who are in such crisis that they need that person who can break through.
Click to expand...

People like you are really needed too. I have known a few people who just couldn't stomach that kind of work.
 
mrplunkey said:
I figured the beach location/dive job was a pit stop. You always seemed so excited about being there that I never mentioned it. I don't mean this in a pejorative way at all, but you struck me as much more capable than the career you'd chosen.

You definitely seem empathetic and I'd bet you will make a great shrink/social worker (or whatever similar career you choose).

It's good to hear that you are getting back on track. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Oh I always knew it was temporary on some level. I fantasized about being a beach bum for a long time, but the truth is I cannot do something that vapid for very long. I love it and I enjoy the teaching aspect more than almost anything. But I still need to be doing something that matters in some way. I've toyed around the last year with a lot of ideas....mostly marine biology and this. Either one involves going back to school, but as much as I love the ocean I can be involved in conservation efforts without doing it as a job. I can't really get my hands dirty with people in need without the degree backing me up.
 
AFeedz said:
Awww, Nef. I definitely sympathize with you. You've always seemed like "a helper" to me. You were listening to my (now stupid) problems my first week around here and I think some type of social work would be an awesome job for you and one you'd be good at.

That being said, last year I started a non profit that helps girls under 18 (purposely vague description). If you're interested, shoot me a PM and I'll give you some details and maybe we can try to work something out if you want a trial run on how you'd enjoy/be fulfilled by that type of thing. :-)

P.S. Not that this ever helps, but you're beautiful, girl.
Click to expand...

I'm interested!! I was very involved with the non profit world when I lived in DC, would love to get involved in that kind of thing again in whatever way I can.
 
AFeedz said:
Awww, Nef. I definitely sympathize with you. You've always seemed like "a helper" to me. You were listening to my (now stupid) problems my first week around here and I think some type of social work would be an awesome job for you and one you'd be good at.

P.S. Not that this ever helps, but you're beautiful, girl.
Click to expand...

I agree..how many hours did you spend on teh phone w/ me Nef? You've always made me laugh/smile. :)
 
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chris302001 said:
Babe, cw has been a member of elitefitness.com since 2003, AND he's wrote a paper on something related to psychology in undergrad. I think it's clear that he qualifies as expert opinion. The guy knows what he's talking about.
Click to expand...

That information didn't come from me dipshit. I told you my sources.

And what applies in Wisconsin might not apply on the national level.
 
calveless wonder said:
I don't tbink you can ever miss your calling nef, not at our age-ish.

Most people go through life not having their calling.

To be honest, I have had the same thoughts about being psychologist he last few years for the same reasons you stated. But what I came to as a middle ground was being a life coach, like a Tony Robbins type dude but specifically for men and the stuff they deal with with women, in business and fitness etc. That is my ultimate dream, but I will engage in that when I have the credentials. I need to have a wildly successful business, some more years of growth, and a large enough reserve to be able to launch a venture like that. I look at it as a chapter in my life in the future.

That's the thing, life moves in chapters and all that experience makes a difference.
Let me warn you though about psychology because after speaking to psychiatrists and psychologists in private practice I can tell you one thing. When you first start out especially with only a master's as opposed to a PHD, you're gonna most likely have to work with people with serious mental issues. The people in the field I've talked to says that is the worst part because these people are so far gone, and some can even be violent. A lot of them went to private practice because of that so that their patients were generally good, successful people just with certain problems. Just realize also that sometimes what you ideally imagine a job to be does not manage the reality of it. My realization in that aspect was when I was a personal trainer. Good in theory, not so much in practice and any job can be that way.

So it's never too late. The experiences you had led you to this point and making a career change now is not a bad thing in the slightest. You should embrace change because that is just the essence of life. It is constantly evolving, and you need to look at it as an exciting opportunity. Most people are not lucky enough to even be in a position to do what they love or are made for because they're too worry about feedin themselves or their kids.
Click to expand...


That's where I want to be, actually. There are a lot of people who can deal with normal people with a few problems....very few people with the temperment, patience or desire to work with people in a critical state. I've done it....as a volunteer mostly, but in my real life too. I can't say for sure what ten years of that kind of work would do to me, but as I said in an earlier post, I'm definitely looking to get my hands dirty.

Nan - very good post. Not sure if I said this in my original, but that's why I stepped away from that path the first time. I was really worried that a) it would drain the life out of me and b) that I'd be no good to them because of lack of objectivity. it's something I still have to be careful about and consider once I'm in a more objective place in my own life. As digi said, I'm coming from an emotional place right now, but I keep coming back to this and feeling like this is what I should be doing. I think once I really put all my shit to rest and find peace in my own life, I'll have that seperation, but I've got to get there first, and I plan on getting there before I make any moves on this.

Pick, I have a fairly stable source of income from an investment and a good sized nest egg....I busted my ass and did extremely well for myself in my time in banking. Not enough to live off comfortably forever, but definitely enough to give me a lot of breathing room to go back to school, or do a passion job that doesn't pay well (like i've been doing lol...diving does NOT pay at all). I'm not one who has ever needed a whole lot of money to be happy, it's one reason I was able to save the way I did. I lived like a person making maybe a fifth of what I actually made, and I did mostly smart things with what was left over. Practicality is a player in the game, but a very small one.
 
BTW, big thanks to everyone for the input so far. Really good stuff, from the practical advice, to the encouragement, and even the people advising caution. I wasn't sure what to expect when I laid it all out on the table like that, but this has been enormously helpful.
 
calveless wonder said:
That information didn't come from me dipshit. I told you my sources.

And what applies in Wisconsin might not apply on the national level.
Click to expand...

lol dickpants

Look, its simply a fact that there are many more masters level clinicians doing therapy than clinicians with a PhD. My first five yrs in this business I worked on a national level and it doesn't matter what state you're in. That's why I asked you what "jobs" you were referring to when you said 90% require a PhD. But, you never answered.
 
Smurfy said:
lol dickpants

Look, its simply a fact that there are many more masters level clinicians doing therapy than clinicians with a PhD. My first five yrs in this business I worked on a national level and it doesn't matter what state you're in. That's why I asked you what "jobs" you were referring to when you said 90% require a PhD. But, you never answered.
Click to expand...

Does most insurance cover "talk therapy" at the same % they cover Psychiatry services (M.D.'s)?
 
PICK3 said:
Does most insurance cover "talk therapy" at the same % they cover Psychiatry services (M.D.'s)?
Click to expand...

what do you mean covered at the same %age? like Nef said, the co-pay or co-insurace may be the same, sometimes it's not, it depends on what is being billed as well as how your benefit plan is structured. But obviously the reimbursement for a psychiatrist is higher than a therapist.
 
Smurfy said:
what do you mean covered at the same %age? like Nef said, the co-pay or co-insurace may be the same, sometimes it's not, it depends on what is being billed actually. But obviously the reimbursement for a psychiatrist is higher than a therapist.
Click to expand...

I think my ins requires pre-approval (prob from you :) ) for any mental health coverage.

I also believe my insurance covers Chiropractic and some "holistic" services, but not the same coverage/co-pay as traditional medicine.
 
PICK3 said:
I think my ins requires pre-approval (prob from you :) ) for any mental health coverage.

I also believe my insurance covers Chiropractic and some "holistic" services, but not the same coverage/co-pay as traditional medicine.
Click to expand...

That varies carrier to carrier too...my copay for a chiropractor is the same as a reg doctor.
 
nefertiti said:
I'm interested!! I was very involved with the non profit world when I lived in DC, would love to get involved in that kind of thing again in whatever way I can.
Click to expand...

Awesome :-) I'll PM you with some info about it mañana. Whether we can find somethig to do with mine or not though, that's a great way to be able to do what you want while you're working on your degree: volunteering at children's homes, big brothers/big sisters, child community outreach programs.

Hanging out with the boys and girls at children's homes can be so heartbreaking, but if you go enough that you form relationships with them it's so rewarding. Because they're without parents either permanently or temporarily, they're so grateful and happy when someone comes around they can depend on and who shows them a little extra attention.
 
AFeedz said:
Awesome :-) I'll PM you with some info about it mañana. Whether we can find somethig to do with mine or not though, that's a great way to be able to do what you want while you're working on your degree: volunteering at children's homes, big brothers/big sisters, child community outreach programs.

Hanging out with the boys and girls at children's homes can be so heartbreaking, but if you go enough that you form relationships with them it's so rewarding. Because they're without parents either permanently or temporarily, they're so grateful and happy when someone comes around they can depend on and who shows them a little extra attention.
Click to expand...

I did an event here last fall that was a big sister/little sister (or brother) fishing tournament - which was basically really just a fun day at the beach while some kids played organized games and some kids learned how to fish. The kids there were all in homes that sheltered children coming from abusive situations where there were no suitable guardians available, or their situation was so dangerous that they basically had to be hidden.

One little girl latched onto me and she was my buddy for all the races - three legged race, leap frog, etc. Then she collected shells to give me. At the end of the day she hugged me and said, "you're my friend..." I died a little bit. Lord only knows what her situation was, but she still had so much spirit and sweetness, along with an obviously desperate need to connect and be loved. I wanted to pick her up in my arms and tell her everything would be ok.
 
btw, not having a "calling" may be the biggest, and only regret I have.

Like everyone, I do some things better than others, but I've never excelled in any one area to the extent of being driven to pursue anything specifically. My occupation has always been a "means to an end". Never could identify a passion that I could realistically make into my vocation.

I truly envy people who identify their dream early and pursue it whole heartedly. The person who says, "I've always wanted to be a teacher, or engineer, or policeman" and contently goes about their life growing in their chosen profession.

If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I still wouldn't know what direction to go in.
 
I personally think it would be extremely exhausting emotionally to be a drug/addict counselor of some type. Being that 10% of actual addicts ever recover, I don't think personally I could give my heart day in and out to see 90% of the people continue with the same behavior. However my worst asset is my lack of patience anyways
 
Lambruh said:
I personally think it would be extremely exhausting emotionally to be a drug/addict counselor of some type. Being that 10% of actual addicts ever recover, I don't think personally I could give my heart day in and out to see 90% of the people continue with the same behavior. However my worst asset is my lack of patience anyways
Click to expand...

yeah, that was my thinking as well, but if nef feels she can do that...then by all means she should
 
calveless wonder said:
yeah, that was my thinking as well, but if nef feels she can do that...then by all means she should
Click to expand...

My patience level is one of my greatest attributes...that combined with the fact that I'm stubborn as hell. I'm a freaking mule when I decide to do something. Those two along with other things I've already mentioned are reasons I feel like that field needs people like me. People who both want to be there and have the tools to withstand it, to be willing to lose six people to reach two.

The recovery rates for EDs are a bit better, too. Not great, but not quite as bleak as that ten percent.
 
nefertiti said:
I did an event here last fall that was a big sister/little sister (or brother) fishing tournament - which was basically really just a fun day at the beach while some kids played organized games and some kids learned how to fish. The kids there were all in homes that sheltered children coming from abusive situations where there were no suitable guardians available, or their situation was so dangerous that they basically had to be hidden.

One little girl latched onto me and she was my buddy for all the races - three legged race, leap frog, etc. Then she collected shells to give me. At the end of the day she hugged me and said, "you're my friend..." I died a little bit. Lord only knows what her situation was, but she still had so much spirit and sweetness, along with an obviously desperate need to connect and be loved. I wanted to pick her up in my arms and tell her everything would be ok.
Click to expand...

Crap man, you're gonna make me cry with this ish.

As far as my calling, no I don't feel like I missed my calling, I feel like I'm still discovering new things that I'm good at and where I can make a productive contribution to society and be compensated fairly for it.

I don't think repairing cell phones or doing regulatory impact analysis are my calling per se, but I can do a heck of a lot worse.
 
I cherish those shells, lumberg...I have a bunch of little keepsakes like that, that to another person would mean nothing...but I've got memories and people I'll never see again attached to those items. From an NYPD tie clip, to a plastic bracelet, to a mini golf ball, to those shells (and more) - they are on display in my room looking like the most random collection of junk ever lol, but I have more reverence for those items than anything else in my possession.

I guess it's true that not everyone has a "calling"...that one thing that is going to fill them like nothing else does. But I do know I keep coming back to this. It's a good motivational tool to keep me focused on finding real peace instead of the daily struggle it's been even when I've gone months and months without acting out, even if I come out of it and change my mind again lol.

A memory, re: callings

I remember when i was a teenager my dad and I were sitting in a talent agent's office, and my dad had a "real talk" moment with me. He told me that the entertainment industry, theater in particular, was a hard hard life. That the people who made it, the people who lived that life successfully were the people who could do NOTHING else and be happy. That being up on that stage was their life breath, and that's how they got through the times without money, the waiting tables, the rejection at auditions etc....because they had that NEED for what they were doing (he would know, he was an opera singer before he was a pastor). He said, "If you can do nothing else and be happy, let's do this, I will support you and push you in any way I can. But if there is ANYTHING else you can do and be happy, you need to do that. Because otherwise this industry will eat you alive." Obviously I said there were other things, and we walked out that day and I left my broadway star fantasies (lol) in that office. I still miss performing, I miss the thrill of being on stage, but I don't long for it. Christ, I've been all over the place haha. I've wanted to be a lawyer, I've interned with a T1 college sports program, wanted to be on broadway, a ballet dancer; I did banking, I've been teaching scuba diving...The only thing that hasn't changed in all these pursuits is that I've left them behind because they had no real meaning in my life.
 
nefertiti said:
I cherish those shells, lumberg...I have a bunch of little keepsakes like that, that to another person would mean nothing...but I've got memories and people I'll never see again attached to those items. From an NYPD tie clip, to a plastic bracelet, to a mini golf ball, to those shells (and more) - they are on display in my room looking like the most random collection of junk ever lol, but I have more reverence for those items than anything else in my possession.

I guess it's true that not everyone has a "calling"...that one thing that is going to fill them like nothing else does. But I do know I keep coming back to this. It's a good motivational tool to keep me focused on finding real peace instead of the daily struggle it's been even when I've gone months and months without acting out, even if I come out of it and change my mind again lol.

A memory, re: callings

I remember when i was a teenager my dad and I were sitting in a talent agent's office, and my dad had a "real talk" moment with me. He told me that the entertainment industry, theater in particular, was a hard hard life. That the people who made it, the people who lived that life successfully were the people who could do NOTHING else and be happy. That being up on that stage was their life breath, and that's how they got through the times without money, the waiting tables, the rejection at auditions etc....because they had that NEED for what they were doing (he would know, he was an opera singer before he was a pastor). He said, "If you can do nothing else and be happy, let's do this, I will support you and push you in any way I can. But if there is ANYTHING else you can do and be happy, you need to do that. Because otherwise this industry will eat you alive." Obviously I said there were other things, and we walked out that day and I left my broadway star fantasies (lol) in that office. I still miss performing, I miss the thrill of being on stage, but I don't long for it. Christ, I've been all over the place haha. I've wanted to be a lawyer, I've interned with a T1 college sports program, wanted to be on broadway, a ballet dancer; I did banking, I've been teaching scuba diving...The only thing that hasn't changed in all these pursuits is that I've left them behind because they had no real meaning in my life.
Click to expand...


its really funny how these sorts of odd little trinkets mean so much to a person....some of the most important things to me that were lost in the fire held almost absolutely no real monetary value but crushed me to lose.
from shells found on the beach in hawaii to an ambulance matchbox I kept on my dresser..a rooster mug a friend gave to me (endless ongoing cock jokes, hah) and a plaque I got from a town years ago for bravery.....a marble someone gave me...finger paints and christmas ornaments my kids made

just a few things off the top of my head

no value...but devastating to lose


weirdly the insurance company recognized this for some of our stuff and placed absurdly high values to it...but it really doesnt help when its gone
 
Shirl...I thought of you when I was typing that out...There was a point over the summer that there was severe flooding in my area and all of these things were still in a box in the garage...I wasn't worried about the house I own, but i was in TEARS at the idea of losing these items and the stuff my dad has painted for me (which are similar in their value to me...each thing he's painted has been a painting of a picture I took that represented a peaceful happy moment in my life). I can only imagine what that felt like for you.
 
Haaaa.....people have been behaving on this thread, which I appreciate given the sensitive nature of my post, but I left the door wiiiiiide open for that one lolol
 
nefertiti said:
Shirl...I thought of you when I was typing that out...There was a point over the summer that there was severe flooding in my area and all of these things were still in a box in the garage...I wasn't worried about the house I own, but i was in TEARS at the idea of losing these items and the stuff my dad has painted for me (which are similar in their value to me...each thing he's painted has been a painting of a picture I took that represented a peaceful happy moment in my life). I can only imagine what that felt like for you.
Click to expand...


we were really fortunate that most if not all of our family photographs (some way pre digital camera) survived the fire in some pretty unusual places throughout the house and most of what didn't survive was saved in external places (tinypic, myspace, fb, hotmail...etc etc)

first thing I went looking for was my wedding rings, and found them immediately...next up was some photo albums that were largely unscathed...some restoration work needed but not severe

its funny you mention paintings because I had an oil painting my mother had done in a very ...unique...point in her life well before I was born and it was utterly destroyed..I found a piece of its frame
I was profoundly sad it didnt make it because I feel like I
lost an important part of her history


ok...enuff about me :)...resume your regularly scheduled program
 
calveless wonder said:
She's bi polar 2 which is a helluva different than bi polar 1. Bi polar 2 is very similar to depression , because the bouts of hypomania are usually just highly productive states.
Click to expand...

don't know the DSM classification of her illness, but she was suffering enough to check herself into a Psych facility as an "inpatient" during pre-production of 2 films.

It's been a rough year for her.
 
Silver Hill is the same place Michael Jackson had been inpatient at (as well as many other stars and famous rich folk). Its in the town where I lived when I was in HS. I wonder what it's like inside. Probably a lot like a resort/spa. Probably a nice place to de-stress.
 
Yeah, I wish sometimes I had stayed in school longer. I like helping people but no way would I want to be a Psych or therapist knowing I have deep rooted problems of my own that would only get pushed down or away, creating a multitude of unresolved issues in the future.
I look at you as someone with unlimited potential, I also see someone who was just on the other side of the fence(the patient) and right now you are more vulnerable and not thinking as clearly as you may think. It may seem like you are, cause it's making you happy, everything is temporary.
I thought of alot of positive things when being treated because I embraced the help and wanted to change. I know you feel the same way. I also do not feel 1/10th of the feelings or thoughts when going through my ordeal 3 or so years ago. You try and focus on positive things, think you are ok, feel great, but it's really just a short ride on cloud nine. Once the daily grind of anything starts up again, issues with SO, family,etc..you can land right back at square one because you focused too much on something that occupied your mind at the time that made you happy than actually taking a long time to work out the real issues.

I hope you find what your looking for, don't let anyone get in your way. Focus on healing, because without a healthy nef you'll have a hard time helping others.
 
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PICK3 said:
btw, not having a "calling" may be the biggest, and only regret I have.

Like everyone, I do some things better than others, but I've never excelled in any one area to the extent of being driven to pursue anything specifically. My occupation has always been a "means to an end". Never could identify a passion that I could realistically make into my vocation.

I truly envy people who identify their dream early and pursue it whole heartedly. The person who says, "I've always wanted to be a teacher, or engineer, or policeman" and contently goes about their life growing in their chosen profession.

If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I still wouldn't know what direction to go in.
Click to expand...

ditto pick, basically the same as myself. Plenty of education, but not a massive amount of passion and desire for the subject-matter. Envious of those who always knew what they wanted to do and went ahead and did it. Only pro sport would've fulfilled me I think, and that was a time-limited career anyway.

nef, they say if you love your job you never have to work a day in your life. I've always wondered if that's true or whether the thing you love doing would eventually feel like 'work'. I suspect it would be hard mentally not to take your work home in a job like that. There may also be a risk of it triggering things in your own mindstate, sometimes even reading about conditions can trigger it in themselves. At the end of the day tho, there's nothing worse than living with regrets and you can always quit if it gets too much or isn't what you thought it would be. G'luck with whatever you decide.
 
PICK3 said:
btw, not having a "calling" may be the biggest, and only regret I have.

Like everyone, I do some things better than others, but I've never excelled in any one area to the extent of being driven to pursue anything specifically. My occupation has always been a "means to an end". Never could identify a passion that I could realistically make into my vocation.

I truly envy people who identify their dream early and pursue it whole heartedly. The person who says, "I've always wanted to be a teacher, or engineer, or policeman" and contently goes about their life growing in their chosen profession.

If I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I still wouldn't know what direction to go in.
Click to expand...

I'd say your life calling is pursuit of teh sawsage.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I am sorry to hear you don't feel like you have a vocational passion. What field do you work in currently? For some reason, I thought you worked in government or at least a government-related job. Is that correct?
 
Oceano said:
ditto pick, basically the same as myself. Plenty of education, but not a massive amount of passion and desire for the subject-matter. Envious of those who always knew what they wanted to do and went ahead and did it. Only pro sport would've fulfilled me I think, and that was a time-limited career anyway.

nef, they say if you love your job you never have to work a day in your life. I've always wondered if that's true or whether the thing you love doing would eventually feel like 'work'. I suspect it would be hard mentally not to take your work home in a job like that. There may also be a risk of it triggering things in your own mindstate, sometimes even reading about conditions can trigger it in themselves. At the end of the day tho, there's nothing worse than living with regrets and you can always quit if it gets too much or isn't what you thought it would be. G'luck with whatever you decide.
Click to expand...


it is true that when you love your job you never have to "work"
it is also true that you eat, sleep and breathe it and let it permeate your every existence.
my identity was utterly wrapped up in my "job" and when things fell apart, I did too.
I've never really gotten that missing piece of myself back.
 
mrplunkey said:
I am sorry to hear you don't feel like you have a vocational passion.
Click to expand...

don't feel sorry ... MM assured me that in my next incarnate I'll find my life's passion



mrplunkey said:
What field do you work in currently? For some reason, I thought you worked in government or at least a government-related job. Is that correct?
Click to expand...

^^^
weak attempt at "e-stalking" :rolleyes:

I've already given you cawk pics and piano serenades ... you need my employer info too?
 
PICK3 said:
don't feel sorry ... MM assured me that in my next incarnate I'll find my life's passion





^^^
weak attempt at "e-stalking" :rolleyes:

I've already given you cawk pics and piano serenades ... you need my employer info too?
Click to expand...
:rainbow:
 
PICK3 said:
don't feel sorry ... MM assured me that in my next incarnate I'll find my life's passion





^^^
weak attempt at "e-stalking" :rolleyes:

I've already given you cawk pics and piano serenades ... you need my employer info too?
Click to expand...

Naw... Name, DoB, current address and social will do!
 
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