WYFP is our community's Saturday evening gathering to talk about our problems, empathize with one another, and share advice, pootie pictures, favorite adult beverages, and anything else that we think might help. Everyone and all sorts of troubles are welcome. May we find peace and healing here. Won't you please share the joy of WYFP by recommending?
This might not seem like an obvious problem -- actually getting accepted into graduate school is on the few bright spots in my life at the moment. But as I get closer to the start date, I thought I would share some of my concerns.
As is probably familiar to WYFP regulars, the past year has not been the best for me in terms of my career. Even before I lost my job (when the Barnes & Noble where I was Asst. Manager shut down), I was feeling frustrated in being stuck in a retail career. After some thought and research, I concluded that my skills (particularly in math) would be better suited to the finance field. I took my GMAT early 2008 and, though I didn't get accepted to B.U.'s program that year, applied and got accepted to Suffolk University's Masters of Science in Finance program.
As one of my friends said, even with the jobless situation at least I have this to look forward to. And it's true that this will (hopefully) give me the tools I need to get the kind of jobs I'm looking for, not to mention the networking possibilities. And yet...
1) Can I hack it? This is the one that has been really gnawing at me. The reason I chose this program rather than a general MBA is all the classes interest me and play to my math skills. Every time I look at the descriptions for the classes I still become excited. But it has been years since I finished my Bachelors and that was online -- done from home and on my own time. That's a long way from actually going to lectures and sitting for final exams. Not to mention that there are so many aspects of the financial field that keeping up with it all feels like tyring to sweep the tide.
2) Will this interfere with me getting a job in the meantime? The program is part time and designed for working people. Classes usually begin in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate regular work schedules. One of my classes, however, starts at 4:30 in the afternoon and I know that puts a bit of a crimp in my availability to potential employers. I guess I may have to settle for a retail gig, but I don't know if it will pay enough. This is why I wish this program had come to my attention last year -- it would have been easier to work in with the job I already had and by this point I would have been almost finished with it.
3) Is it too late? I know, 40 is supposed to be the new 30. I still cannot escape the feeling that I've passed my expiration date, especially when I'm in the downtown area and I see these kids walking around. How can I compete with that? I like to think that all the work experience I do have shows maturity and will couple well with the knowledge I gain from my program. There is still that little voice that says this is too little, too late.
I know doing this program will be a positive experience. I am not stagnating, at least, but am moving forward even if I'm not sure where that will bring me. Doing so is what life is all about. I guess it's just a case of instant buyer's remorse -- I often have a bit of a fear that I may have gotten myself in too deep once I have committed myself to an enormous course of action. I'm sure it will all work out and you all will get to hear about my adventures for the next year and a half!