Hi, I’m Jamar.
I’ve recently started my trek to medical school this fall 2017. I’m taking gen bio 1 at the community college in Pittsburgh. I’m only taking one class now so that I can get re-acclimated to the life of a student. And I’ve been doing really well in this class. I’ve changed many bad habits from my past with school that have made me feel better prepared for exams and following the lecture.
I do have a master’s degree in computer information systems (2013) and I’ve been working for a large corporation as a systems administrator. I’ve been with this company for 4.5 years and it has been good for me. However, since I’ve started class, I’ve been so into studying and focused on my next steps, my performance at work has suffered. I just feel like I am out of energy for this desk job. I really want to be a full-time student and work part-time, but the full-time paycheck supports my current lifestyle and covers my bills. There a few things I could do away with, but I just feel like I need to ramp it up for the spring semester and with a full-time job, I may not be able to do much more than adding another class. Previously, in my college time, I played football and music as well as school full-time and working 3 part-time jobs. I graduated both undergrad and grad with a 3.3 GPA. However, I do not have any sciences beside Calc 1 and 2 (B+) and Chem 1 ©. But I was so focused on playing football that I mostly crammed for my exams and didn’t put much effort in learning. Now that I’m older, I feel I am better equipped and aware of what I need to do to optimize my learning capacity and really master my time management.
Music is a big thing for me. It has always been my passion. I went to performing arts middle schools and high schools and played music in college as well. I currently have home studio where I do some music production. However, I am ready to sell everything I have for music to pursue my new passion in medicine. Am I ready to give up my job that pays for rent, car, student loan, utilities, food, etc.?
What do you think?
What have you given up that really meant a lot to you to allow you pursue this new passion?
I can empathize! Mulling similar questions.
I say go for it. We learn through adversity, and the way I look at it: this is our best shot — haven’t been convinced redos are guaranteed
@hartpa wrote:
I can empathize! Mulling similar questions.
I say go for it. We learn through adversity, and the way I look at it: this is our best shot — haven’t been convinced redos are guaranteed
I’m seriously considering it. I’m at the point where I’m studying at work and getting upset when I’m interrupted with legitimate work tasks :lol: Not the way to be, but I’m considering 3 or 4 more months.
thank you!
@jcromwel89 wrote:
@hartpa wrote:I can empathize! Mulling similar questions.
I say go for it. We learn through adversity, and the way I look at it: this is our best shot — haven’t been convinced redos are guaranteed
I’m seriously considering it. I’m at the point where I’m studying at work and getting upset when I’m interrupted with legitimate work tasks :lol: Not the way to be, but I’m considering 3 or 4 more months.
thank you!
I am edging toward a similar situation. I want to really commit to pursuing this dream. I’m struggling with developing the next steps to deepen my commitment and working up the courage to go for it. Your pursuit is helping me assess my own!
I was faced with a similar situation when I decided to start completing my prereqs. I was initially hoping it would be possible to do so at night and on the weekends, but options for that were very limited in my location. Plus, I was getting fed up with my job as well. It was tough to leave a job that allowed for me to provide a secure income for my growing family, but I also didn’t want to drag this process out any longer than I had to.
I ultimately ended up quitting my full-time job and going back to university for 3 semesters in order to complete all of the prereqs. I was fortunate to find good part-time work that helped me support my family while I was going to school. I then went back to full-time work while I waited to hear back on my applications.
It’s a tough decision to make. You need to be sure that can continue to support yourself and your family through it. If you can make that work, and you’re committed to going down this path, then jump in with both feet!