Going back to University

[gilad]

I just finished a degree in inustrial psychology while working full time in a crap job. I chose quite badly. Never really considered the career aspect of my degree!!!
Now Im 25 and going back to Uni full time next year to study law.

Anyone here have a similar story and howd it go for you?

[pianistimo]

my daughter, who is making fairly good grades, says she wants nothing to do with an arts degree (even though she is very good at drawing and art).  seems to me, there are some smart people in the world.  the only thing is - how happy will they be?  i guess, for her, she wants to be able to make some decisions about her financial future.  saving is difficult if you are just making ends meet.  but, the thing is - you also have to have talent in the other area to make it successful.  i don't think you can just decide on another career and make it work if you don't love it.  and, i think there are a few people (artists, pianists, etc) that DO make it.  it just seems more and more difficult.  perhaps not as much in urban areas? 

btw, what is 'inutrial psych?'  you mean industrial?

[gilad]

Yeah Industrial Psyche. Sorry my eyes arent what they used to be.

Pretty much woke up very late about the importance of finding a stable career with a higher earning potential. MY current degree is very general not really apt for any particular field. I could do recruitement or Human resources, but i dont see myself enjoying either. So im switching.
Im making a mature decision now that i had not really thought about at all before.

[pianistimo]

i didn't mean to imply anything about your decision.  in fact, knowing psych will probably put you in a more competitive salary base as a lawyer.  don't they typically have to learn a lot of stuff that you already know from taking psych.  you'll probably be very good.  hope that all goes well and that you make lots of money to retire early or come home early and practice piano, too. 

[pies]

Law is for smart people.

[pianistimo]

gilad is smart - it's just that many artists do not choose another career early.  rather, they come in late.  therefore - it is highly competitive in the fields they choose and they must play a sort of catch-up game.  perhaps gilad already having psych will have an 'in.'

[gilad]

Thanks Pianistimo( : I spoke to a guy the other day who came from a long familty line of judges and lawyers. He said " My father always said that you have to be a psycholgist" hehe. I get to complete the degree in 3 instead of 4 years because of the degree i hold as well.

Why do you say Law is for smart people Pies? In my opinion anyone that can be disciplined and work hard can succeed at most things in life. Smart people work hard!

[pianistimo]

the way i wrote the above message implied that i thought only my daughter was smart.  i didn't mean it like that.  in fact, even what i wrote about 'coming in late' to a career isn't really anything to be concerned about.  one of my mom's friends has changed careers three times and been successful at each - making a higher salary.  maybe it has to do with drive.

[gilad]

Not to worry Pianistimo.I never saw anything negative or discouraging in your above posts!
Yes in life you need to be determined and driven. With those two characteristics behind you, great things can be accomplished.

As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said:
The heights by great men reached and kept / Were not attained by sudden flight, / But they, while their companions slept, / Were toiling upward in the night.

If you work hard and purposefully things happen.

If you have direction and know where you are going. You once again advance quickly towards your goal.

I'm  rambling. ( :

[pianistimo]

i like that quote!  have to post it around here somewhere's to keep myself motivated.  am sure you'll be successful!  having an interest in people and what they are wanting to achieve (being heard) seems like what i would want from a lawyer.  someone who listens and remembers details.  also, as with consumer credit counseling, doesn't make you feel like squat when things are bad but does this other psychological job of boosting your self-worth so you can make more money and pay them.  i remember being so pleasantly surprised about how consumer credit counseling worked and appreciated the kindness of the person that handled our case many years back.  and, we easily paid up within 4-5 years.  also, people who are divorcing/filing bankruptcy/dealing with funeral estates - yes!  that's all deep psychological stuff there! 

[gilad]

You make an excellent point there Pianistimo.