Stuck and depressed - don't know what to do. Advice?

SisypheanTask
Sat, 06 Oct 2012 22:47:19 +0000

Thanks to everyone who’s taken the time out to give advice…



blossom:

OP- you do realize there are millions of grownups who earn a living doing something other than accounting, teaching or law, right?

Don’t spend money on grad school applications- let alone grad school- with a vague sense of what you don’t want to do. Spend the money when you find something you are passionate about.

Agree that reaching out to alums to start informational interviews is a good way to start. And there are probably hundreds of jobs you’d be good at where they won’t care about your transcript. Event planning/hospitality/sales/PR…

Don’t compound your first mistake with a second degree in something you don’t want to do.



Oh I agree with you, and the consensus here, that I am absolutely not ready for graduate school - financially or emotionally. What little work in accounting/finance I’ve done (mostly in accounts payable) does very much interest me but law, human resources and planning have all turned my head at various points in just the last year.

As far as obtaining a second degree, it was just something I looked into because I’m extremely worried about all the Ws on my transcript and if I’ll even have a shot at graduate school down the line because of the mistakes I made in the past.

Thank you and M’s Mom both in regards to the informational interviews. Sounds exactly like what I need right now and I’ll be looking to set-up a session right away.



APOL:

Given your description as to your education/work experience up to this point in time…my two cents:
1/Look for ways to exceed the expectations of your current employer. This should help if you need a referral in the future.
2/Create a resume that highlights your background in A/P
3/Look for a position in an accounting firm that would give you an opportunity to work in that field
4/After securing a position with an accounting firm, give notice to your current employer
5/Work in the accounting firm for a minimum of 1.5 years, then begin to consider going graduate school in business.
I hope this timeline proves helpful.



Thank you much, I’ll certainly try to stick to this track if I continue with accounting. Though these ‘steps’ would be useful for many careers!



M's Mom:

I would probably simply explain, if you needed to, that the Ws were due to a medical issue and that you’ve since recovered fully. You don’t have to say more. But that assumes you are applying to something, which I think is premature in your case. You don’t sound like you really know what you want to do.

With reference to next steps forward, take a look at What Color is My Parachute as a starting point, if you haven’t already. I’d also suggest you start doing informational interviews of alums from your college who are in fields that look potentially interesting, employees at your current and former organizations doing jobs that you like, and family friends and neighbors who also have jobs you think could be of interest.



Thanks M’s Mom, your reply was extremely insightful! The Ws are of huge concern for me since I feel like that could prevent me from even being accepted to graduate school. Or, well, at least being accepted to even a decent program. In the meantime, however, I won’t be applying to any programs. Not until I’m firm in my decision.

I’ve talked to some family friends in informal settings about employment but I’ll take the time to set-up a formal meet with those willing. In addition, I’ll certainly start look into informational interviews with alum.



momofthreeboys:



I agree, I think you need to figure out what industry you want to be in and what type of position appeals to you, then look at heading back to school for any more degree related work. I’m not convinced that 2 BA/BS degrees are of much value. If you want to stay in business look for an MBA program with a concentration that interests you. You aren’t “stuck” you are employed full time you are in your first “real” job.



I know two bachelor degrees doesn’t have much value either. I thought of it more as a lateral move to help me break into higher positions in accounting. So I’d only be using the BAcc to help change gears…

I think entering an MBA program is a better idea though. However I’m curious how to go about getting the standard 3 years of relevant work experience admissions looks for when, right now, I’m only stringing various temp jobs together that are only loosely related.

To clarify the “stuck” comment btw: I meant that I primarily feel ‘stuck’ emotionally. I believe it’s a “quarter life crisis’” heh. I’d like to have a career eventually and yet I have little to no idea what to do next so I can eventually attain my goals (whatever they may be - lol!). At the same time, I’m very, very grateful to have steady work when many people can’t find anything, anywhere.

Though I won’t be applying to any grad programs this next cycle (that goes without saying!), further education is a goal I do have in sight. I have some concerns with the full semester withdrawals on my transcripts. ** M’s mom ** made an excellent point to simply explain that the Ws were due to my medical issues.

Does anyone else have advice with this matter even though applying may be years off? I feel as though I’m screwed even when I do figure out for sure what area I’d like to study further. Could 3 full semester withdrawals (ouch! hurts to even type that…) kill me in the app. process - even if the rest of my undergraduate career, and hopefully test scores, is solid?

Again, thanks to all who responded and who might respond. I do apologize for my penchant to ramble btw!