The cost of a
post secondary education held me back. I had always planned on going back to
school; However, I never anticipated the emotional struggle.
I
started out with fresh eyes after graduating high school, took a 9 month long
certificate program which lead me to a clerical job in the hospital that paid
quite well. Many people certainly have a
fulfilling career out of this position, but I always knew there was something
more for me in this life. Unit clerking is purely an “I do not know what I want
to do with my life but I need to do something in the meantime” career. When I
told my mom of my plans she threw her thumbs up and said that it was a
brilliant plan so I worked my butt off going from an on call entry position, to a permanent part time until
I finally landed my full time permanent position 5 years later. The toughest part about this
job is the seniority basis of getting a job.
You could be the most competent unit clerk, or the worst one ever and
you would still get paid the same.
This
frustrating pattern of unfair competition in the workplace led me into a toxic relationship and constant self doubt. The unhappiness I had for my career choices influenced a pattern of bad life choices.
Shortly after feeling completely lost, I gathered my strength to turn my life around. Going
back to school was an easy decision for me; I just had no idea what I was going
to do. I started taking 1 class, then 2
classes and felt lost once again. I felt judged going back to school with no direction.
The
moment I figured it out, something inside me sparked. At this point, I had
been so deep in English, health and wellness, communication and anthropology
classes that I took quite a sharp turn. My new found joy was Dietitian and I
was going to do whatever it took to get there. Little did I know, sciences are
quite different than writing papers and the struggle worsened. I was working
full time and going to school 3 very busy days a
week. My breaking point didn’t come as quick as one might
imagine. I pushed through deadlines like a champ and I really thought it was going well.
What changed first was my skin. My breakouts were horrendous when I was stressed. Juggling my new relationship and living on my own. It was a very full plate.
What
keeps me going is looking at how far I have come and not what I have left to
do. The journey has had its ups and
downs and it was a tough adjustment but I have a tonne of support. I pay my own
way which helps me appreciate my education that much more.
If
you are thinking of going back to school, I
highly recommend it. The challenges you will face will ignite a flame for
passion. Follow your heart and the fight will be well worth it.
Love, Trish
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