Sometimes I feel like I need a life coach.

[lynners]

Or at least be able to speak to someone who is completely indifferent to my life and any situations I may be in.

I've just discovered that the University of Guelph (where I obtained my BSc. in Zoology) offers an MSc in Animal Welfare. I am unbelievably drawn to this program. I have signed up for their emailed newsletter, I've started reading published articles on animal welfare, and I'm enrolling in an online introductory animal welfare course in the winter, to see if I really do want to pursue studying in the field.

I'm wary though. As much as this field interests me, job availability after completion concerns me. Can I really afford to spend thousands of dollars and 2 years of my life on something that likely won't result in employment in the field (I have yet to look into that thoroughly, though).

My other concern, is that I've just moved to Barrie from Guelph 6 months ago (for a contract position and to be in the same town as my OH). I imagine my OH would be quite displeased to be in a long distance relationship again (although I've done much further long distance than 2 hours in the past).

I know no one can tell me what I should do, I just needed to think outloud. The regulars on DP are thoughtful, encouraging, educated, and down to earth....so what better place to seek advice?

Thanks for reading.

[Deerie me]

I know exactly what you're going through. I'm still trying to decide what I want to do when I grow up. Write a pros and cons list.

A slight concern also is that any animal welfare job you do get is likely to come with appalling pay. I know money isn't everything but it can be when you haven't got any and you may have a mortgage to pay at some point.

[kian]

You are wise to consider the job possibilities and the cost of the program. This might be more of educational program and education is good. Can this program compliment what you are already doing with Zoology degree? Perhaps talking to graduates might give you a good insight.

Most agencies that hire you could very well be a non-profit organization, terrible pay but rewarding.

I have to agree with Deerie Me, I know now what I what to be when I grow up and I'm too old. It is a hard choice when you are young and older!

[lynners]

Thank you Deerie me and Kian!

Well, the animal welfare program is actually very agricultural based, although there is opportunity to focus on companion animals as the Ontario Veterinary College is closedly partnered with the Center for Animal Welfare. The program actually falls under the Department of Animal and Poultry Science at the university.

Pay is definitely a concern. My OH, when he finishes school, will very likely make enough to account for the lack of pay I would receive...he's an electrical engineer. But, I'm not comfortable knowing that if we weren't to last I would barely be able to support myself and any children we may have.

I'm currently working at a college in Ontario, doing nothing to do with my BSc. I'm only on a one year contract though, which is up in July. My other thoughts have been to go towards an MA or MEd. But, whenever I look at the program outlines my eyes glaze over and I get a very "blah" feeling in my gut, if that makes any sense. I really like the idea of teaching sceince at a post-secondary level, but to spend two years of my life learning about curriculum and assessment? I don't think it's for me.

I think I mostly need to slow down. I'm only 22. I can wait to apply to the program for another couple of years...but I also don't want something to happen down the road which makes it difficult to study again.

[Teeny83]

I think we all feel that way some time.

altaylor If you are passionate about something like this, I think you should go for it!! Just think all of the wonderful things you could do for all the mistreated animals out there. You already have your BSC in Zoology; this could be a great opportunity for you!

There use to be a Show on TV here in the States Called The Starting Over House, it was a reality show for woman who are experiencing difficulty in their lives and want to make changes, and they had life coaches to help them. I actually looked this show up the other day. Because I feel so confused in my life at the moment. I am 26 years old and I have no idea what I want to do with my life.

I think a lot of people are feeling this way lately because of the economy, I know my OH feels like he hit his mid life crisis.

Good Luck with your decision

[Stewie'sSlave]

Do whatever you think is right. Don't rush. I'm 2 years younger than you, and I have some idea on what I want to do. But I'm not sure.

[4 the Dogs]

You have an idea of what you want to do...go for it!! That is such a gift, I believe. So many people, especially young, don't know and spend thier lives going through the motions, uninspired. Yes, cost of continuing eduction is a factor, but I don't think it should be your deciding factor now. You have your whole career ahead of you and knowledge is something no one can take from you. Becareful about getting wrapped up in the here and now. You never know what the future holds and where life will lead you. I say go for it!

[Phyrie]

Well, colour me impressed. Altaylor, I thought, with your well-considered and educated posts, you were much older. 22?! For you to be even considering the life challenges and decisions you are right now is almost a miracle! That said, this is what I think…

Now that I know how much time you really have, I would advise you to go for whatever education you can afford, time and money-wise. I WISH, WISH, WISH I had been able to finish school. Life continues, you can’t stop it. And to worry, now, about what may happen with non-existent children if you and your husband’s marriage fails at some non-existent time in the future will simply cripple you. If it helps, remember that YOU are not responsible for supporting your children, you AND your husband are, and since he will be quite capable of supporting you both (as you already stated) he will be capable of supporting his children in the future, whether you remain a couple, or not. But let’s not borrow trouble…

The more education you can acquire at this time in your life, the better. Sure, it adds to your resume, but it adds to your value as a CITIZEN more. The more you know, the better a human you become. Education gives us choices. It opens us up to new ideas, philosophies and experiences. It introduces us to people we may not have met any other way. Since you are so young (I still can’t believe it!) you have lots of time before you have to worry about children, homes and other things that tend to eat up years of time. Learn what you can, live on peanut butter and Kraft dinner, if you have to, and get an education while your brain is young, fresh and absorbent as a sponge.

I envy you the next ten years. I really do…

Phyrie

[lynners]

Thank you Phyrie.

I hear that quite often, "You're only 22?!!"

I guess using OH was misleading, he's in fact only my boyfriend of 2 years. I guess that is the immature part of me, thinking about marriage and houses and children when I'm so young and should be concerned about other things.

All of your responses have been very encouraging and useful. Thank you!

[Phyrie]

Thank you Phyrie.

I hear that quite often, "You're only 22?!!"

I guess using OH was misleading, he's in fact only my boyfriend of 2 years. I guess that is the immature part of me, thinking about marriage and houses and children when I'm so young and should be concerned about other things.

All of your responses have been very encouraging and useful. Thank you!

Well, I suppose you could say it was immature, if you were dreaming of those things, like a little girl does, but I don't think that's what you're doing. I think you're just trying to look ahead and make plans for your future, and that's MATURITY, not immaturity.

A boyfriend may BECOME a husband, but to change your lifeplans, or even MAKE lifeplans, because of things that MIGHT happen, at this early stage in your life, wouldn't be the best idea. Grab your education while you can, and worry about babies, and husbands, when the time comes.

Phyrie

[Nileska]

Altaylor my dear,life can be confuseing I know. Many of the ladies of DP have rallied to your aid with lots of good advice...Things dont allways go as you have planed,SOMETIMES THEY GO BETTER THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED,so be ready for any and all opportunitys.

My wife,of 26 years,sometimes asks me "what do you want to be when you grow up",--how do I know I'm only 79 ?

Seriously,find a profession that you enjoy and train for it,build on your current education in a direction which you want to go. Remember, any experience in the profession which interests you [ nomater how menial ] makes you more saleable.
....Once you are established and can support yourself you can make good decisions about the rest of your life.

As an example; I started out on the bottom rung of the ladder in the printing industry and slowly moved up. In ten years I was a registered Journeyman Pressman having finished 4 years of technical trade school and a 5 year apprenticeship all while working full time in the trade for union wages. I worked for that company for 47 years.In the early years I also worked in two other shops weekly. I had the option to travel anywhere in the US and Canada and work in any union shop.
....This allowed me to pursue other interests whch were fun but not very profitable. I retired in 96 but was called back to work part time for 3 more years,retired again in 99,missed the roar of the presses and joined another company in 02 for another 4 1/2 years, retired again, this time for good I think...... SO GO FOR IT!....Were with you!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Richard, I have had the pleasure of knowing a few other men that had the same ink in their blood as you have in yours. "The roar of the presses" brought back happy memories. I am enjoying learning more and more about you.

Your advice to Altaylor was excellent.

[lynners]

Thank you again, everyone.

[Nileska]

Thank you Deb,The ladies of DP have more insight into the concerns of one of their own than I might have.They. have offered their observations and good advice. I hope this all provides some guideance and encouragement for Altaylor and the rest of our young friends who are still finding their way....Many Woofs Y'all...Richard

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Richard, a broad view is always better than a narrow one, and your insight can not be provided by us Ladies of the DP so it is invaluable...to all of us