school - again - perhaps

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

I'm sorry I haven't been on this past week. Very busy times. And I wanted to

share with you why.

I love my career - but then there are things I don't love. I don't love

sitting at a desk so much. And I don't love clients looking down their noses

at my creative ideas. And most of all, I don't love being asked to use the

tools I've worked so hard to master to promote things that don't actually

help people - like telling them to buy this fast food burrito over that fast

food burrito. . . For those who don't know, I work at an ad agency

specializing in public service campaigns. But lately I've been getting

called on to do things that aren't of service to anyone and maybe

detrimental. Not a lot, but enough that I'm displeased.I'm in my mid

thirties and I'm 13 years into this career. And I feel like the rug has been

pulled out from under it.

So anyway, the other thing that is going on is that my part of the

advertising equation is slowly dying. I work with TV and newspapers. These

outlets are dying. I've spent the last 3 years feeling like I might be out

of a job at any moment.

On the plus side, I word for a small biz. I love my co-workers. I have fun

every day. I am very good at what I do (I don't meant to sound conceited. .

.. but there is something to be said about going with your strengths)

So after a lot of thought I am looking at applying to grad schools. I

already have an MS in public health (emphasis on using communications to

improve health). My interest --- well clinical psychology/couseling of

course.

I talked to my T about it on Thurs. She wanted to know my reason. I

explained that I love people, I want to talk to them know them, move them,

teach them and work with them - from kids to seniors that's why I get up in

the mornnig. And I love art, dance, fashion and animals. I can use all of

these things to reach and touch people and change their lives. Art and

animal therapy you see. She was sold. She was worried that i would say I

wanted to study it to change my relationship w my mother - and that wouldn't

be a good reason. But if its a passion and going with my strengths then YES.

So anyway, I'm working on it, looking into it etc. It's a life long dream to

earn my PhD. I don't know if that will be now or later. . . I'd love any

advice. I am hoping to stay in the town where I live. I love it here, I have

2 houses, my friends, and a great community. Plus, I don't know why but I

just love this freakin little city.And I can probably continue at my job

with many of the programs I've looked at that offer evening classes.

I met with an advisor at the University's psych program on Fri. It was

disappointing. SHe seemed extremly apathetic and just wanted me to leave as

soon as possible. I also felt like the meeting was more about making her

feel like she was one up on me, like in a position of authority and that I

was beneath her. . . Nice, miss MS in psychology. I hated my counselor at

the school I went to years ago too, and I always just ended up having my

professors help me.

Well, I'd love any thoughts.