Posted by JohnV on February 17, 2003, at 2:52:38
Howdy folks...haven't posted on here for a long time but am kindly asking for some oppinions. (kind of long) I really want to go back and finnish my university degree but this damn illness has kept me away for 7 or close to 8 years. I am a single male in my late twenties, and maybe many of you also feel this but it seems like all former friends, people you went to school with, are all married and/or have degrees and good work. I had to move back in with my folks because I couldn't handle a job with much stress. So I took a job a a night watchman, but quit while I am in an outpatient program, which both where at the suggestion of my family and doctor. My parents have been great and can financially support me and emotionally as well. But after 8 years, I got to put my life back on track because time is too precious and I have wasted so much. Yes I am a bit (well alot but) angry so much was robbed but am also thankful more than ever for what I got. On top of it the job situation is really bad here in Canada where I am from. I live in the big city of Toronto and it is all still just really bad. Most jobs seem to be service jobs that pay minimum wage (6.95 Hour Canadian, and the cost of living here is hell)
So I have a few choices. I could attend a local university and get my four year bachelor degree, which would likely be in sociology or psychology. I have part of that degree finished. But the catch is, I also am able to take a correspondence course through an excellent bachelor of social work program which will also give me a placement and more work experience, and a BSW degree when I am done. I could end up working in Child Protection for on average 50,000 a year. Ever since I had my first 'episode' 8 years ago, I lost my job of 6 years and can't use them as a reference because they fired me, and have badmouthed me also. So I need that job experience.
My worry with correspondence is that I will remain isolated, and with being physically in an actual classroom or lecture hall, I can learn to socialize again. I would be a fair bit older than most of the students, but that only bugs me a tiny bit. My parents have said I could stay at home until I finnish my degree, no matter which road I take. Money isn't a problem for school, because I luckily got a good size inheritance about a year ago to cover the complete cost of school. Plus, I need a few years to wait out financial problems from the past, as after 6 years any past debts are wiped from your credit rating. When I lost my last job, I couldn't afford the lifestyle I was accustomed to and had thousands of dollars in credit card bills. Not being able to find another good job, those debts went bad.
If anybody can offer me some enlightenment or is in a similar situation, I would love to hear from you. I am far from being "cured" but have regulated my symptoms fairly well with medication and now as I soon enter a few different types of therapy. Thank you for any responses kindly.
poster:JohnV
thread:201074
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030215/msgs/201074.html