Quit Graduate School or Risk Homelessness?
Hi. I am a military veteran who works for an almost all male maintenance department at the VA. I have been attending graduate school for my MSW/MBA, as I am
receiving a scholarship from my state for books and tuition. I am holding a 3 9 GPA. I am supposed to be working on my practicum (four unpaid semesters of 20 hours a week work, during daytime hours). I have been putting it off because my supervisor will not allow me to take any time off to work it, not even the 'use or lose' leave that I always have. I had one incident in thirteen years that put a reprimand on my record and they will hold it against me forever (before that incident, and after, I still had, and have, good performance evaluations - but they are angry I hired a lawyer and dared to fight back). I will have 20 federal years at the end of February. I am single, no family or spouse so I am my sole support.
The federal government no longer has part time jobs, and I have not kept up with the technology and other changes in the civilian world (the VA is years behind the civilian sector). At age 55, with physical limitations, and living in the poorest state in the union (New Mexico), I don't see myself getting hired for part time work for two years while I work on completing my degree. I don't qualify for graduate financial aid at this point due to my salary and years of work. I don't have two years of salary saved though I have savings. I am not a homeowner, and have an 11 year old car. I get about $600 in VA disability a month. I am not sure what to do; quit work and take my chances that I won't end up homeless to earn the degree, give up on the degree, or hope to change majors. I really feel stumped.
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Sunday Scaries "wine session" - After being in the the same career for over 18 years, including one position for 8 years with 2 promotions, in 2017 I left that field and have been trying to figure out what I have wanted ever since.
I have tried a career coach, volunteering, upskilling, networking . . . and am currently in therapy . . . nothing is sticking. I have switched roles 6 times in 6 years. I have also done freelancing and tried starting my own business. And the job I have now is sucking the life out of me. I have only been there for 9 months.
Not one to whine . . . and yet here I am.
I can see the appeal of a mindless job that just pays the bills and I never have to think about a "career" again . . . am I giving up??
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I live in rural West Virginia, master's level counselor/therapist with lots of experience and great references, but no license.
I'm 76 years old: too old to go back to school for 2 years and then do the 3000 hours of supervision. I work remotely for a toxic company; along with others haven't been paid in over 2 months. I love helping my clients but the $$$ issue is eating away at my peace of mind. I've interviewed several places, but lack of licensure is a hurdle. Ideas on how to get out of this trap really appreciated.
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For those who identify as female, what “traditions” exist today within the world of work that need to be removed or updated?
For background, I'm a cisgender white male looking to find ways to become a stronger ally through action and priviledge.
1 Like • 2 Comments
Any advice on how to generate writing samples for a content writer position if you are transitioning from another career path?
(I am a transitioning English teacher, so I have plenty of writing experience, but nothing that would be suitable for a writing sample.)
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Why is that we are not allowed to bring up salary until after offer acceptance, but yet companies can ask what the range is that we are looking for right in the application?
How is that legal? If it's not a numerically required field, what is the best verbiage for how to get around it?
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I have a bossy coworker (male) who has usurped by (female) boss's authority previously, and attempted to do it again today.
He has derailed work meetings by questioning me, and my boss doesn't interfere or interrupt at all. She didn't question his previous action, which basically took a job duty away from me and appropriated it for himself. I asked her about it, and whether it was permanent. She indicated (vaguely) that it wasn't, but she didn't seem too worried about it. It was his area of expertise, so I let it go. If he wants to reduce my workload, I'll just spend that time posting to FGB!
He sent an email today, cc'ing her, and gave me some orders outside of his wheelhouse. I spent at least an hour writing a draft that detailed my level of knowledge and how I didn't need to do what he insisted on, then decided to simply say I'll do whatever our boss says in a reply-all response.
The other email would have been sent to my boss's boss and someone else in the organization who supervises my stakeholders, and the supervisor of my stakeholders.... and I wanted to cc' others as well.
But I felt that would have been a jerk move response to a jerk move.
I'm proud of myself for standing up for myself and keeping it brief, but now I know I really need to discuss it with my boss, and she doesn't have time for this nonsense.
What would your next step be, hive mind?
2 Likes • 7 Comments
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