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Degree unknown
Hello,
I'm attempting college for the THIRD time. I'm 30, and I was in the service for 5 years as a Hosptial Corpsman (Navy). I have been out of the service for 5 years and have dropped out of college twice. I grew up desiring to be a nurse. I worked as a PCT and as an ER tech. In 2011, I got a diploma in medical assisting, EKG, and limited scope X-Ray. I was BORED. I do not like working in an outpatient setting at all.
My husband was active duty prior to being medically retired, so we moved around a but, that is why I didn't really have a job for more than one year. Now, we're settled and in college.
I orginially went pre-nursing and my selected major (nursing) is pending at this time. However, I'm just not moved by it. I just fell out of it. I do not know what to do. I am disappointed in myself because for whatever reason I thought I'd be squared away and living life @ 30. I'm married, no kids, and I'm in college at a really good university... I do not know what I want to do.
Has anyone encountered this? Advice appreciated :-)
Re: Degree unknown
I was also in the service, Marine Corps, for a number of years ("squared-away" made me smile). I too was unsure of my path when I left the service, and ended up getting a degree in Anthropology. The economy was better at the time, and job prospects much better, but that fell apart about the time I graduated.
I've spent my time since debating going back to school for a whole host of things - forensic anthropology, law school, sonography, even medical school...I'm sure you get the picture, lol. I've got a good job that pays well and I enjoy well enough, but I'm not fully satisfied with driving a desk.
I don't have any advice for you, except to say I sympathize. Not to be debbie-downer here, but I'm afraid reality might be such, especially in this economy, that many people will have to learn to be happy with jobs that are good enough.
BFP 11.8.12 * EDD 7.17.13 * MC 12.20.12
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over!
Maybe I was spoiled? I went into the Navy a few months post high school graduation. I regret not re-upping, but it was not in the cards. I thought about going officer since getting out, but I developed asthma and a spinal condition.
I just do not know what to do with myself. I have finally adjusted (nearly 1 year later) to our BIG move to my husband's home state of Georgia. He was medically retired from the Air Force, and I have been providing care for him due to his traumatic brain injury, and other health limitations.
If anything, I'll just keep racking up general ed courses and figure the rest out in a couple of years... Just keep going, right :-)
Were you satisfied with your field when you were in? I found that I very much missed the environment of the Corps when I left, and the same job felt different in the civilian world. I've often thought about re-enlisting because I really did love it, and I know that's been part of my struggle to find what I want to do otherwise. Maybe that's part of your becoming disenchanted with the field?
Sorry to hear about your husband. The stress of changing environments and having an injured spouse I'm sure doesn't help ease decisions like "what to do with my life". But your right, one foot in front of the other. Have faith that everything will fall into place.
On a side note, I'm also a Georgia girl. Hope you're enjoying it here
BFP 11.8.12 * EDD 7.17.13 * MC 12.20.12
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over!
Maybe nursing just isn't the field for you; it's a noble profession but it isn't for everyone. I recently changed my major as well. I was very good at psychology and I truly wanted to be a social worker later in my career. All I found was that the social sciences bored me beyond tears and I hated it!
I changed my major to Health Care Administration and I actually like school again! I hope you find a major that works for you.
I was greatly satisfied with the field while enlisted. I even went into "c" school for the corpsman specialty of Aerospace Medicine. I was a 8406 Corpsman. I ran sick call and provided care to the maintainers, and pilots, as well as the command admin. I also taught courses durring our safety stand downs. I loved being a Corpsman.
I miss the environment of the Navy, as you miss the Corps. I loved helping everyone and the experience. I loved the esprit de corps. There is nothing like it, anywhere.
My post enlistment experiences as an ER Tech, Critical Care PCT, and Registered Medical Assistant on the outside sector have ruined it for me. I saw so many horrible things. Things that would surely not fly in any service. There are great nurses and techs out there. Sadly, not enough. All that and the "glory" just does not match up to Corpsman Life. I am disappointed, but at least I had the best opportunities to fulfill my childhood dream. There isn't many people out there that got to experience what I had.
Thank you for the kind words :-) I appreciate it and all is working out. Luckily, my husband is very supportive.
I'm a born Florida girl :-) However, Georgia is lovely! I'm happy to call the Peach State home!!
You are right MelNTaitt! Nursing is not the field for me. I would enjoy being a medical educator, but for that to be, I must obtain a graduate degree in an appropriate field.
I am entertaining a major in buisness management at this time. Who knows what idea I may have next week. Either way, my goal is to have an undergraduate degree of some sort. I've also considered a major in Biology, Biochemistry, Secondary Education (Mathematics or Health), and Business Management.