How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

A little background: I have been working at the same company for almost 5 years now. I've moved up very quickly in that time and at this point am making a decent salary, esp when combined with DH. I don't like it though. I don't hate it by any means, I'm just BORED. I do consistently surpass the expectations put on me but I do it with little effort and really find the job too easy for me.

Last September, I started a masters program in counseling with the intention of going into mental health conseling. It's a 3-year, part time program so I still work full-time and go to school at night. I should be beginning my practicum in counseling this September but for a multitude of reasons, there does not seem to be any sort of placement out there for me. The counseling licensure is brand new (passed Jan 05) and NO ONE has caught on to this. If I cannot find someone to take me for free now, the likelihood of me finding a paying job after graduation is next to nothing. So, I am now considering dropping this altogether. I have been sooooooooooooo upset the past week because I really believe this is what I would love to do but it just does not seem to be working out.

My lone other option is to leave my current program (MSEd.) and apply to Hunter for Fall 06 for their social work program, which would, I believe, get me to the point I want to be in to be able to do counseling. However, it's next to impossible to get into Hunter from what I've heard and it's a 3-year program, which means I wouldn't even graduate until I am 30, still having exams and working hours until I get my license, which is another 3 years. That means I'd be 33 (and married 7 years) before I'd begin to think about kids and I cannot do that to DH - he's already patient enough with me about how much the idea freaks me out. But it's either that or basically stay put where I am and just deal with the boredom.

So... really, I just need advice or help or, at this point, a hug.

Sorry it's so long

Message edited 8/2/2005 8:07:48 PM.

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

I dont know what to tell you - I think the important thing is for you to be happy.....but if that is at the cost of your husband's happiness, then I don't see how that can really be an option.
But I would hate to be bored at work and feel underutilized.

pretty much - I don't know what to tell you

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

Sometimes i wish i didn't get into the psych field....It really doens't pay at all unless you go all the way to PH.D. and i knew i wasn't going to do that. Where i work now is the most people will pay for me to be a psychologist at a masters level. Can i move up here...sure. But it does make you feel VERY TRAPPED.

If i could go back i would have stayed away from the field entirely because of its lack of money and jobs...

And if this is your situation...then yea i would jump tracks!

Message edited 8/2/2005 8:15:39 PM.

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

Posted by Palebride
pretty much - I don't know what to tell you

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

Here are hugs for you

All I can tell you from experience is that I followed my heart when it came to my career. I was majoring in Marketing and Communications and I liked it but didnt LOVE it. I also worked in an office during my college days and hated the thought of spending a 9-5 day in the business world. So I dropped my major, with my parents support and applied for a spot in the teaching field at Hofstra. It took me an extra 2 years to complete my degree and I have over $35,000 in college loans but to me it is worth every penny. I truly enjoy what I do and never regretted any decisons I made. I may not get perks like many business people do, nor do I have the "BIG" salary but i am rewarded in so many other ways.


My friend I teach with spent 20 years in the airlines and only recently left there, pursued teaching and finally became a teacher, in her 40's!!!!! No regrets from her either.

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

I think that if you discussed this with your husband and he agrees, you need to go for it and do what makes you happy as long as it's something you both agree on. good luck.

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

I'm giving you some hugs E!

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

where are you living? I worked as an office asst at a small office where they might take you!

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

Posted by Leeners


My lone other option is to leave my current program (MSEd.) and apply to Hunter for Fall 06 for their social work program, which would, I believe, get me to the point I want to be in to be able to do counseling. However, it's next to impossible to get into Hunter from what I've heard and it's a 3-year program, which means I wouldn't even graduate until I am 30, still having exams and working hours until I get my license, which is another 3 years. That means I'd be 33 (and married 7 years) before I'd begin to think about kids and I cannot do that to DH - he's already patient enough with me about how much the idea freaks me out.

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

Is there any way you can switch into a school counseling program? I don't know if you had interest in working with children, and jobs in school systems are tough to get, but it may be an option. Good luck.

Re: How important is it to you that you like your job? (really, just a long vent)

Just wanted to add I have my masters in social work, feel free to fm me with any specific questions.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Also- I work in a psych hospital that may have counseling internship opportunity for you.