Wednesday, July 6, 2011

What Do I Want to Do When I Grow Up?

Normally this wouldn't be a strange question until you take in the fact that I'm 34 years old, have a BS, and an MS. When I mention my situation most just look at me like I'm crazy. And to be honest, I'm use to people thinking this. Most common comments include "so what why all the schooling if you weren't sure", "don't worry you'll figure it out", and my favorite "does it matter". If I'm honest with myself there is truth to all of these statements. Why spend so many years in school to decide to try something else? The answer is very complicated. I luv me some Biotechnology, but I don't like working with carcinogens and getting paid really low wages. And for those who think I'm being a snob let me give you an example. I was looking at research jobs in San Antonio. The position I held 11 years ago has the exact same pay listed. Moreover, this pay ends up being around $23,000 per year. Mind you this is a position that requires a degree (preferably a master's degree) and many technical skills.

Right now the best option is to go back to school. Could I make a living as a career student? I have seriously been in school almost continuously my whole life. The longest sabbatical has been the last four years. And yet, here I am again. I'm thinking of going into applying for Nursing School or PA school. Originally I thought PT school. However, I'm currently shadowing PTs right now and I'm not 100% sure. At this stage in the game I think I need only proceed if I'm really sure about this. Unless I want to be a 38 year old who still doesn't know what she wants to do when she grows up.