Career Changes Support Group

This community is dedicated to the difficult challenges of transitioning from one career or job to a new one. Especially as we grow older, it can be very difficult to acquire the skills and relationships and take the financial risk to make the switch.

968 Members
653 Posts
0 Online
Personal Challenges
/ Career Changes Support Group

Done hiding

KB28
KB28

I'm currently in the process of getting my Master's in School Counseling and have also been working full-time at a small clinic that is unrelated to my future profession. I am the receptionist at our clinic and work on homework when no patients are around. I have been doing this for the past year and have never been told not to. This week, the clinic director passively confronted me about doing homework. I love our clinic and fully believe in what we do, but I can't continue working there full-time if I can't do homework. I also have another part-time job on top of being almost a full time student. The next day I told him that I couldn't continue working at the clinic full-time if I can't do homework. After talking we came to an agreement we were both agreed to. I completely understand why he doesn't want me doing homework, since what I'm working on doesn't benefit the clinic in any way. I find myself so torn because I want to talk about school and all that I am learning but I feel like I can't. When I'm at work I try not to talk about school and I feel like I have to stifle my passion. I am ready to be done feeling like I have to hide half of who I am. 

standbyme
standbyme
I think this happens often to people who are naturally inquisitive and pursue their passions through continued learning and or entrepreneurship etc. Since we don't have the luxury of working on our goals full time and have to have a 9-5 (or whatever time) to support ourselves. It's essential to have people and places that support our creative endeavors and not work to hinder it. You're making good use of the down time at the clinic and should be allowed to. There are a lot of jobs, especially office work where there is plenty of down time for employees. The way my position is currently structured (I currently work as an office assistant) I have a large amount of down time, too much in most instances and I've recently spoken about this with management. I work on personal stuff like my writing, and surf the web a little when I'm not busy. No one has said anything as I'm careful not to get too engrossed in personal stuff to lose focus on being a present employee. My plan is to finish out the rest of the year before moving on to something else. Recent departmental shifts have left me and many of my co-workers concerned about their positions in the near future. So on the one hand I'm waiting it out, and feeling stuck momentarily for financial reasons. I'm sorry you're feeling suppressed in this job. When you can seek out other potential opportunities that align with your goals and will provide a supportive environment for the work that you truly want to do.
SurvivorDVEDCFSESW
SurvivorDVEDCFSESW
It seems like this situation is really draining you and hurting you emotionally and mentally. You are a very hard working person and I believe that you will overcome this challenge.