fredericks (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
fredericks) wrote2003-10-20 07:58 pm
fredericks) wrote2003-10-20 07:58 pm
Fuckin'...
After holding in my thoughts about nursing school and my future plans for the last two weeks from mom I decided to spill the beans (after posting the LJ entry - heh, guess it's therapeutic).
And, of course, was met with "You should have known what you wanted to do since before you enrolled in Brown/you just rushed into psychology without thinking about the job market/you're a short-seeing dolt/blah blah blah".
I was obligated to tell her of my plans, yes, since she has taken the financial brunt of my education, but STILL. Don't parents think? Hells, don't people think?? I've had those same thoughts running through my head since JUNIOR YEAR. I'm constantly berating myself. The last thing I need is for anyone to tell me these things again. To be honest, she did manage to rein in any overriding anger she may have had and listened to all of my plans (like pick-up sticks stacked precariously they are). But still *sigh*. I asked her to refrain from telling any of my relatives (except my dad, of course - he's easier to deal with) about my plans because I just know I'll hear her speech repeated to me over and over again in different tones. Fuckin' family. They're still pestering me about my lack of a job. Fuckin'. Damn. Fuckity fuck.
And, of course, was met with "You should have known what you wanted to do since before you enrolled in Brown/you just rushed into psychology without thinking about the job market/you're a short-seeing dolt/blah blah blah".
I was obligated to tell her of my plans, yes, since she has taken the financial brunt of my education, but STILL. Don't parents think? Hells, don't people think?? I've had those same thoughts running through my head since JUNIOR YEAR. I'm constantly berating myself. The last thing I need is for anyone to tell me these things again. To be honest, she did manage to rein in any overriding anger she may have had and listened to all of my plans (like pick-up sticks stacked precariously they are). But still *sigh*. I asked her to refrain from telling any of my relatives (except my dad, of course - he's easier to deal with) about my plans because I just know I'll hear her speech repeated to me over and over again in different tones. Fuckin' family. They're still pestering me about my lack of a job. Fuckin'. Damn. Fuckity fuck.
Interesting....
For that matter, didn't anyone warn your mother?
Your degree isn't wasted. Education is education. It certainly isn't job training.... I mean, unless you want to go the extra miles of poverty to get some sort of license or what.
I know of only a few people who are actually working in their area -- all of them scientists living off of grant cash. Outside of that, I have another mate who ended up in Chiropractor School and now has his own *successful* practice. But everyone else?? One of my best friends studied English and now works in the Computer Services department at my alma mater. And another finished his degree in Biochem only to end up working on Windows servers for a major Canadian company.
Don't fret it. And realize that your parents know nothing about being your age in this job market at this time in history. And go after anything that turns your crank and pays the bills.
Myself -- I started my career in Human Kinetics, transferred to English, then back to Biology, then into Canadian Studies (which ended up being a mix of all the Arts with the word Canada in front of it). What the hell have I done since I graduated? Lived on two continents, travelled on three, worked every nickel and dime job that payed rent and now, now, I teach English as a Foreign Language.
There's a job for you! I guarantee it. It may not be what you imagined, but it's there.
How did I get into teaching EFL? I graduated (after delaying a few semesters because I didn't want to look for work) and I was sitting in a Cafe in town with my girlfriend at that time when a friend I hadn't seen passed by. I asked him what he was up to now that he had graduated. He said, "I'm off to Korea to teach English."
Two months later, I was sans girlfriend on a plane heading out to Sachon City, South Korea. And it's been a love-hate relationship ever since. A day doesn't go by that I don't think: "Lord, I have to get a real job soon." Or "Really, this can be a lot of fun."
You have to remember that when our parents were young, you simply had to get a degree and, Bob was your uncle, you had a job. My dad didn't even have to go to teacher's college. He did a little summer course and voila he was qualified to teach high school science and math....
The point is, don't listen to the jazz.... Work is work, money is green (in the USA anyway) and you need as much as you can get your hands on. But you also have to find something you can do and stay relatively sane. That's the practical reality.
My friend who did biochem, graduated, looked about and realized he had a guaranteed job (at the time) if he took a one year MCSE training course. He did so and voila he's rolling in benefits today. Of course, that option is closed now. But there must be others. And for a woman of your talent and perserverence, you can do whatever you please.
So don't rush blindly into something you hate, but don't let the bastards get you down, either. Stick to your guns, find something that works and do it.
Me, I have to teach some high school students English in an hour and a half and I still haven't prepped the lesson -- who am I kidding? I haven't prepped many of my classes ever.... I'm still trying to figure out exactly why I do this?
Tell your family I told them to lay off!
Re: Interesting....
Not for much longer. In order to curb counterfeits, our wonderful Treasury is and will be, in the near future mass-producing bills of a...I guess the closest colors are salmon and teal/marina greenish (http://money.cnn.com/2003/05/13/news/economy/twenty/). It's really hilarious. There's this whole ad campaign to "educate the American public about the new bills" that speaks volumes about our government's thoughts on its citizen's intelligence.
Tell your family I told them to lay off!
*grin* A sample bit of dialogue -
Me: God, will you guys lay off of me! Stop asking me the same questions over and over again! Kommisar said to lay off!
Them:...You mean the guy from the Falco song?
Me: No! One "s". And, uhm, I mean Chris. He's Canadian. He's an ESL teacher in Japan. He's a totally gnarly guy with a wonderful family.
Them:...He's Canadian?
*grin* That just ran through my head when I finished your reply. As usual, your reply made me feel much better about things. I can't be terribly eloquent about it at the moment, but thank you. Very very much. Your concern, anecdotes, experiences, and insights really mean a lot to me.
no subject
Your family nags, of course, because they care, but since none of them are, to my knowledge, you (insert scene from "Psycho:" Fredericks puts on wig and nags herself), they can't really say anything about a life decision such as this. It's not self-destructive or wrong, it's just you figuring out what to do with your life. The pressure can do nothing but hurt.
Now, I'd not fret all too much over your degree. It's a degree from Brown- it could be in Art History or Spatula Appreciation or even Journalism for all many people will care. You'll never go hungry with a Brown degree.
This is a huge decision. It's only natural that it'll take some time. I'd advise letting your family see that you're doing something, and make sure that you're not getting bogged down and spinning your wheels. Also, try and buy a fuischa business suit if you can. That way, your family and potential employers will be too distracted by your attire to notice the details.