Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Decisions, decisions

"As my life at university quickly comes to an end, I've become all too aware of the massive decisions that I'm going to have to make over the next year. To be honest, I have absolutely no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life! I sometimes feel like an old soul with my head tightly screwed on but when it comes to this I just want to shy away from growing up and carry on with my student life style."

Hmm...I found the above piece sitting here as a draft from July last year. I made the decision to carry on being a student but without the financial benefits, fabulous social life and easy going attitude which is so often attributed to the title! I am currently a third of the way through an MSc in Psychology & Mental Health at the same university I graduated from in the summer. I wish I could be proud of myself - geez an MSc! That can lead on to all types of things. Well, no. Unfortunately not. This decision has thrown me into the worst financial health I have ever been in. As a full time postgraduate student I am expected to live on fresh air - oh, except they are kind enough to excuse me from my council tax. The sad fact of the matter is that I would be better off financially, and probably mentally, being on 'the dole' - even with paying that dreaded council tax bill. Worse than that, the number of opportunities for young psychologists keen to make a difference in the field of mental health are few and far between and usually only go to those with mountains of experience. So now I'm also attempting to get some of that by volunteering with my local mental health foundation - easier said than done!

So the New Year reflection isn't throwing anything startlingly positive my way as it stands right now but I suppose it's helping me pinpoint the areas that I can buff up and make something more positive? Here's hoping!!