I'm not crazy, my mother had me tested

logkyles

1742

After more than 15 years in a very demanding job, going through several burnouts, depression and more, I want to get out and start helping others. Therapy helped me a lot but it's difficult to explain what working up to 100 hours a week can feel like. I want to become the person I needed after my first burnout. Someone that won't downplay the constant pressure, competitiveness and exhaustion that everyone in my field goes through.

But at 37, having discovered recently that I'm autistic, and having barely graduated from high school, I feel like there's little to no chance I'll make it. I'd also be throwing away a high paying job for a 7 years long shot at a dream while putting my partner through the stress of supporting our family.

I'm looking at possible night class, assistance for autistic students, summer term and so on to try to keep working as long as possible while testing the water, but I think I'm just terrified of going all in and realize I don't have what it takes.

jeffoisdubois3000

Gotta start somewhere. The longer you delay it, you could have been that much further along in your course of study. Go for it.

2 years ago |

Felberin

If it's any consolation, my psych teacher (who was working for his doctoral at the time) said that he's convinced most psychology students get in the field for self diagnostic reasons. Sounds like you've gotten most of the diagnosing done, but maybe there's more to discover which may help the broader picture.

ilikeriker

Hey, you’ve got this! :)

BobTheWeak

My recommendation is to try something smaller first. Tell work "no". You've put in your time, and now the younger kids need to rotate in and work weekend shifts, or whatever it is. Ease up on the pedal. You will be in a better place to make big decisions with a bit less stress.

MightyUrto

two things: 1) if you don't do this how old will you be in 7 years? If you do this how old will you be in 7 years? 2) make sure your partner is 100% on board, it'll be hard.

ontarioOT

Do you have to be a psychologist?
There are shorter paths to being able to help and support people on their mental health journey, such as a psychotherapist or counselor, which would only take a couple of years to become certified in (depending on where you live).

DutchCraft2050

vanishinggirl

You can do it, just don’t push yourself too hard & pace yourself. Good luck friend!

PenguinNamedWobbles

Depends on the state you are in. In CA if you don't already have a degree then your 2 years are free and you can get a transfer degree. Then you can get a BA only having to pay for the last two. For psychology you might need a masters or PhD though unless you want to be a counselor.

BANANAFLAKE

Hear me out, it doesn’t matter your background. Some of the smartest people I know dropped out of college while the people who always talked about themselves as being average or below graduated. It has nothing to do with how much you know and everything to do with consistency and drive. You have to keep at it and not get complacent. Because the moment you start thinking things like “I don’t need to study, I’m smart, I’ll figure it out.” You are done for. Stick with it.

req4adream99

If you want to be a psychologist, then for sure go for that. But there are other paths to becoming someone who can help others - eg a clinical social worker. It may be worth looking at all the options before setting a specific path. That being said, there will be a lot of core classes that you’ll need to take - community college / night classes are a great option to get those out of the way.

I want to turn to psychologist over other options mostly because of the ability to choose my hours. I've reached the point where I'd like to control my schedule and not be at the mercy of an employer.

DJOldguy

Okay, as an adult student, trying to juggle life, study, while earning, was not easy, but we got there. Also, found the College work was not really that difficult if I kept up with the readings and regurgitated things lecturers said with a little bit of original work, easy with tech subjects, needed little or no thought, not so easy with humanities or social sciences. And the kids you be studying with are not budding Einsteins, just shit-for-brains, wet-behind-the-ears kids. Good luck!

Thanks! I do have a massive imposter syndrome doubled with 3 decades of masking my autism. Having reached the position I'm in today is already, now that I have gain awareness of my neurodivergent brain, a sign that I am not as stupid as I've always thought I was. I just didn't have support or tools to fit. I hope that I can have a very different experience regarding learning today compared to 20 years ago.

We are our own worse critics, realizing that was a huge help for me and helped me get around my alcoholism. That and the support I got from a loving wife got me to retirement when it could have turned out so badly for me. Good luck!!!

AtlantisTheLostEmpire

100 HOURS A WEEK!? HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE!?

At some point the line between work, personal life and sleep becomes a big blur and you just live off caffeine, junk food and short nights. I did a couple of 7 days a week, 18 hours a day and at this point you turn into a software. Everything is input and output until you idle at night.

letsgoriderkick

Presumably spite and/or stimulants, same as anyone

RobotDeathSquad24

I've been there and done that. I used to average 80-100 work weeks. The most I've ever worked is 105 hours. Lots of coffee, energy drinks, junk food, etc required.

Let me guess, you're both American?

I no longer have that demanding job, as I've left that industry and never intend to return to it.

I am unfortunately

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