I’m going to school for the next two years, and I’m so scared that I’ll have wracked up loan debt and wasted years all for nothing if I can’t actually work. Mentally, I feel like I’m in a better place. Physically, I need at least those two years to get better. I have plans in place, but we all know life doesn’t go like we intend it to. I’m trying, really trying, but I’m terrified.
4 Likes
Don’t think about failing, think about succeeding, and take it all in stride. I had schooling to be a registered dietitian and a nurse and haven’t been able to work in either one of those fields for very long, but the education was the BEST time I’ve ever had. I LOVED learning new things and all the wonderful people i met. I also had student loans but those were forgiven when they determined my disability was total and permanent. I think you’ll find that the experience of learning new stuff and meeting new folks will be very rewarding. Good luck!
2 Likes
Like above, don’t think about the failing. You can do it, you have to believe that you can and it materialises.
2 Likes
Worst case scenario: You end up like me. I have my Associates degree but will never use it to get a job. I was taking classes when I was in my 50’s and 60’s and knew I wasn’t going to start a new career, I just finished up getting my degree for my personal satisfaction. But hell, just getting a degree is a nice accomplishment, it looks good on my wall and makes me feel good when I look at it.
Even if you don’t get a job in your field hopefully you will get some kind of other job and a degree will look good on most resume’s` or job applications.
5 Likes
Oh man, you got this. You’re all kinds of awesome. It’s okay to be scared, but use that nervous energy and hit the books like a mutha.
2 Likes
Thank you so much, @WhiteRaven @MisterApple @shutterbug @77nick77 . Y’all are right, I LOVE learning, so that’ll always be a positive. And even if I fail, I can use my new skills at something. I picked a career that I might be able to do at home and be a little more lenient in my schedule. But it depends which path I take.
I’m tired of feeling like a burden to my hubby (he doesn’t make me feel that way- it’s all me). I want to be his partner in all things. A savings account would be nice, too.
7 Likes
I can really only echo what others have said. Just do your best in school and get that degree. You have a plan in place so that’s good. Sometimes a degree is a springboard onto better jobs and careers. You got this H!
2 Likes
It’s better to try, then fail than it is to not try at all.
4 Likes
You’ll definitely learn things and that’s valuable on its own.
I’m also going to start a Masters in September, but I’m aiming to only work part-time afterwards. I think that is realistic.
3 Likes
Good luck
I have had success and failures multiple times
Just part of the course with this illness
Studying I found was good
But the third year landed me in a swamp of psychosis
Be kind to yourself
2 Likes
How is work going @Joker ?
At what time does your work day start?
2 Likes
Hey man! It’s good thanks. The adjustments and accommodations they make for me help massively
Never have I used my diagnosis in the workplace to get help. No regrets at all. We all know where we stand and I no longer pretend I can keep up with other people.
So happy after being off for most of 2022 that I was able to go back
In work 8 till 4
Prefer starting a bit earlier to finish earlier
Means I can chill.
Are you looking forward to your course?
3 Likes
Yes I am.
I think it could be life changing.
I do worry sometimes but I remain an optimist.
2 Likes
Its always hard with studying. I struggled with my degree, and that was before the schiz came along.
But one thing I always recall, is that failing is the default we can all do. Every single student can fail. So I always considered that I didn’t want the generic option, and really wanted to win at something. Education of all kinds is one of those things that everyone approaches, most fail, yet some succeed.
You can win too! If you have a love for learning and a passion for if, you can do it. I believe in you mate 
2 Likes
I think there is a lot more support than there used to be
Make sure you tap into it
When I studied 2010 to 2013 there was not as good help
2 Likes
I’ve already had a Zoom call with the student support manager. There are some accommodations possible if needed.
It’s part of the reason for me to choose a UK school. They are far more advanced and accommodating for people with mental health issues than on the continent.
3 Likes
I second this, I think one of the reasons I wasn’t successful at school was I didn’t look for help. Schools have a lot of services I think. Probably tutoring too.
2 Likes
@TheFountainPen Do you know what you’ll be studying? I’m so glad that you will have resources available.
The last time I was working on my doctorate, I got really stressed out while trying to work and did something awful to myself… then shared pictures of the injuries with my professors thinking it would help them understand why I was struggling. Long story short, I left the school and am ashamed of everything that happened to this day.
Having support could have made a big difference. I’m doing really well mentally atm, and I’ve gotten over a 100 in three classes so far. These classes are a different topic (psych vs finance), though, and I’m worried. I think I’ll seek out help, too. Thanks for all of you who put that idea out there. I know it was meant for @TheFountainPen, but it sounds good to me, too!
1 Like
Maybe it was meant for you and I misinterpreted!
I’m going to study Chiropractic in Madrid.
I got 2 exemptions and will have courses in chiropractic technique, clinical skills, chiropractic philosophy and anatomy in the first year @Happy_H
1 Like
This is awesome, just remember, failing is often how we learn and get better. But like many others have said, think about success, and then it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.