| Depression and career paths clashing. Would someone offer some kind words of advice?I have been battling depression for a long time. It has gotten to the point that I feel no desire whatsoever. I am simply not interested in anything any longer. To help with my depression and other health issues, my doctors have been recommending I take up some classes.
I took some classes online and I was not able to handle them. Though this was a huge blow, the team of doctors I have are not giving up on me (I am very appreciative of them). They are suggesting I take some at my community college.
I now have three options before me. Culinary Arts, Computer Information Technologies or Medical Billing. When I went to meet the advisors, my focus was to find a short course of study that would get me back into the working world again as soon as possible. (If you have suggestions, please post them, I even considered things such as HVAC and Cosmetology.)
My goal continues to be the same. To find something to help me get back into the working world as soon as possible regardless of it being my dream job or not. However, I am very concerned that I will be making the wrong decision. That if I don't like it, I will have wasted time and money on something I will not want to continue.
I chose the following for the following reasons:
Culinary Arts: I've always loved cooking and I never cook as much as I'd like to. I would love to get some schooling for it and learn to cook new things every week. I love sharing this with my family. Except, I have always loved it as a hoby and have never wanted it as a career. I know the stress involved in the food and beverage field and I do not care for it.
IT: I have always wanted to be able to build my own computer and be able to tell it what to do. (Computer repair, programmer and analyst have been at the top of my lists always). There are just no IT jobs available in my area and moving, for the moment, is not exactly a possibility, though it could be again in a few years.
Medical Billing: I have never wanted or like to be in anything medical. However, with this job I would not have to see blood, guts or any bodily fluids (or smell them for that matter) whatsoever. Also, I am not a fan of office work. I've done it, I can do it. I can be comfortable in it. These types of jobs are difficult to find in this small city I live in, however, anything in the medical field almost guarantees a job in this country. It is great starter pay and I have to possibility of someday working from home, which would make managing my health easier.
These are not the only careers I care to consider. By all means, if you know of any others, I'd love to learn about them (other than medical field, I can't handle it and that wouldn't be good for the poor patient). These careers just seem to be what is a logical choice from what few things I have available at my community college. (Don't detract from suggesting simply because you don't know what is offered here, any suggestions will help.)
My dilemma is, I don't care about any of it. I have always been analytical of things, so I continue to analyze the possibilities. I am hoping that if I just go through the motions, perhaps feeling will someday start coming back and I'll care about what I'm doing. I miss caring. I'm concerned, however, that if I don't care, I will never stick with anything. I am scared that if I do start to care, I might find myself not liking what I chose. Billing is an awesome choice, but, what if I hate it? Cooking would be exciting, but, what if I never feel excited again? What if I can't take the stress? IT would be a dream come true, but, I don't have much more time (I'm not dying, I just need to get working again and fast). Like I said, I considered cosmetology, but, billing is about the same length and there is a bit more security in the medical field. If I'm going to do something I'm not interested in for the money, might as well make less of a bet and more of an investment.
Does anyone understand what I am trying to explain? Does anyone understand my fears? I know it can get better, but, after almost a decade, reality teaches me it can be a LONG time before it does. What do I do in the mean time?
Asked By: DazedN'Confuzed - 6/28/2011 |