- Matt’s finished with another term of business school!
- Boyfriend home by 5 means I got to lay in bed while he cooked dinner: roasted brussels, basmati, and a ginger marinaded swordfish from WF. A nice treat!
- The weather was also a nice treat. I think the warmth affected my grocery trip because I found my cart full of summer-y fruits and vegetables!
- Why was I laying in bed at 5 o’clock? Long story short, a headache combined with a mini meltdown about my career path. I.am.beyond.lost.
- I just got back from seeing The Artist. So cute! The silence definitely required more concentration.
- So jealous of all the people heading on spring break trips tomorrow. When I was at TJ’s, I kept hearing girls say they were stocking up on goodies for their beach trips! How fun! Matt is actually participating in a special consulting practicum during his spring break, so he’ll be MIA while he works on the project.
- Relaxation is on my weekend agenda. What’s on yours?
Sarah Ann
March 1, 2012 at 10:23 pmI’m currently in school to be a School Psychologist, and I find myself not in agreement with assessments as well. I’m taking an Intellectual Assessment class right now. I sincerely hate to see that you are lost. I hope I don’t feel the same way once I start working. I just hope the job becomes more progressive. I’d love to hear more details about your experiences if possible!
Laura
March 1, 2012 at 10:26 pmI don’t mean to discourage you! All of my classmates love the field, so I think it’s more me:( Also, the role varies so much depending on the state in which you are employed. Email me if you have specific questions!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
March 1, 2012 at 10:40 pm“Why was I laying in bed at 5 o’clock? Long story short, a headache combined with a mini meltdown about my career path. I.am.beyond.lost.”
…so this was pretty much me yesterday too. And tonight. :-/
Laura
March 1, 2012 at 10:41 pmSorry to hear that:) I hope you’re feeling better soon!
Miranda
March 1, 2012 at 10:59 pmI’m so sorry to hear that your career is giving you so much worry 🙁 Isn’t it funny that when you’re happy with it, you don’t tend to give it a second thought but when you’re not satisfied, it’s all you can think about.
It seems like in a field like school psych you may be quite limited in what you can do because there are legislative requirement around school testing and things like that? Can you go into private practice? Or perhaps act as a consultant, rather than be employed by one school?
If it helps, at the end of the day remember that you’re doing a great thing for the kids you’re working with. You might not be in your perfect job, but at least you’re making a difference while you search for it 🙂 Even if you don’t think you are, I bet you are helping effect positive change in these kids’ lives. I have to deal with psychs quite a bit in my job, and there’s some f—ed up kids out there. The psychs are a godsend!!
Laura
March 1, 2012 at 11:08 pmThanks for the positive outlook – I need that:)
Stephanie C
March 2, 2012 at 2:04 amI totally agree! Just started my practicum training at a school this year and I love our School Psychologist. You guys do so much! Esp high school kids, man 😉
Sarah
March 2, 2012 at 7:00 amSorry that you are feeling so down! Have you thought about looking at independent schools? I teach at an independent school, and our school psychologists don’t seem to be bogged down in paperwork–they spend a lot of time with kids and teachers. Seems to be much less bureaucratic.
Laura
March 4, 2012 at 9:41 pmThat’s great to hear!! From what I’ve learned in NC, most independent schools don’t hire school psychologists, only counselors and college counselors. I did an informational interview with a headmaster and he basically told me I’d need 10 years of counseling experience (or a ‘real’ psychology degree) before a good private school would consider hiring me. The problem is I’m not even getting counseling experience because I’m spending my whole day testing:(
Emma
March 2, 2012 at 4:48 pmI totally understand feeling lost. I finished my MA (library science) about 1.5 years ago, and while some days are fine, most of the time I feel like I’m in my field by accident. I happened to start working in a library when I was 18 and I’ve been doing it ever since (now 27). After a long struggle both within my organization and outside of it, I have gained employment in a professional position. Sadly, I’m still conflicted. Is this what I really want? Am I doing the right thing accepting this position? I have spent many a night on my couch or in my bed, saddened by my circumstances. I’m still working every day on pulling myself out of this funk. I’m not so great at the whole “lifting my own spirits” thing, but we have to try right?
I like the idea of Taking Back My Twenties, but I’m almost resigned at this point to just Starting My Thirties With A Bang. God love a quarter life crisis!
I wish you all the best in your career, and I think you’ve chosen an honorable path. Don’t feel bad if you walk away from it. Previous commenters are right: no matter how much time you spend doing what you’re doing, you’ve helped at least one person and that’s worthwhile.
Laura
March 4, 2012 at 9:38 pmThanks! It’s totally not too late to take back your twenties, and it sounds like you’re working on it with your recent change in employment. I’m hoping we’ll both figure it out soon:) Good luck!
Meghan
March 2, 2012 at 6:34 pmHang in there! Career meltdowns happen to the best of us, and sometimes more than once in a lifetime (um or year. . . . You have to do what makes you happy. And sometimes you just have to step away and forget it all for a weekend. I hope you get a nice break this weekend.
Laura
March 4, 2012 at 9:35 pmThank you:)
Annalisa
March 4, 2012 at 9:51 amI think more women don’t talk about career issues and I wish there was a greater dialogue. I finished my MBA from an Ivy League school 5 years ago — right as the economy tanked. I did some freelance work and started a relaxed home-based business. I felt inadequate to my friends and family – I felt like people thought I should be doing more or I felt the need to be doing more like some folks from my cohort. Ugh, so stressful but I was happy with my day-to-day.
Then, I made the decision not to find a ‘real job’ about 2 years ago after deciding to start a family with my husband. I am great with my choices now but do feel odd that most of my days involve singing kids songs, cleaning up gross stuff, and ironing my husband’s work shirts. However, this is a choice I made and no one can take away my education. I’ll return to the workforce eventually but for now , I love my life. I’ve loved the roller coaster of the last few years and wouldn’t change a thing.
Laura
March 4, 2012 at 9:35 pmGood for you!!! I’ve always felt that my career calling is singing kids songs and going to the park, but I still feel pressured to have a ‘real’ career in the meantime. Thanks for the comment:)