I may not get into program I want!

[IllinoisTVFan]

September 2016 I decided to go back to school for a second masters. My first is in Communications/Instructional Design (my undergrad is Communications and Marketing) but I have been struggling to find a decent paying job. I would get ridiculous offers like cleaning houses, caregiver etc that were not in my field and no interest in. Most of the time I would get rejected for jobs I was qualified for because of many reasons (like they wanted a recent college graduate). I felt my choices were either to take a job like this and be miserable, go on disability (I have arthritis) or go back to school so I did this. I received a scholarship and a part time job as a writing tutor.

Anyway, when I applied I was asked if I wanted the beginning level program for substance abuse counselor or the more advanced where I would be a licensed professional counselor (LPC). The more advanced would mean an additional year in school but more money once I finished. I decided that what was one more year in school if it means more money? I was told that if I maintained a 3.5 GPA and received at least a B in all my classes I would be admitted. I maintained a 4.0 GPA and now they are telling me I may not get in because I have no experience. Huh? I told them I had no experience and they said no biggie because I would get it when I did two internships.

I don't get it, I told them I would have NEVER gone back to only be a substance abuse counselor because around here they only make about $25,000-$30,000. Licensed professional counselors make around $35,000 and up. I can't live on $25,000! Not to mention the hospitals and the better paying places require the LPC. The places that accept the lower level certification are mostly places in the low income places with high crime rates. I'm wondering if the fact I told them I am not a SJW and want to make a decent wage in a decent area made a difference.

Just to clarify, before you get into the second stage you have to finish the first stage. I am currently at the end of the first stage and next semester I either do an internship or more classes depending on where I go.

[Babalu]

You have the choice of being a productive citizen or not. Do you want to spend the rest of your life on disability and whine that the government doesn't pay you enough? One of my friend's children majored in archaeology. A complete waste of time. When she graduated she had nothing to do. So she took a low level job working a department store and in less than 5 years she's managing the store. Look for a low level job that has the opportunity for advancement and earn it. There are plenty of careers where you learn as you go. And the more lazy people you have working with you the better your chance to outperform them.

[IllinoisTVFan]

Originally Posted by Babalu

You have the choice of being a productive citizen or not. Do you want to spend the rest of your life on disability and whine that the government doesn't pay you enough? One of my friend's children majored in archaeology. A complete waste of time. When she graduated she had nothing to do. So she took a low level job working a department store and in less than 5 years she's managing the store. Look for a low level job that has the opportunity for advancement and earn it. There are plenty of careers where you learn as you go. And the more lazy people you have working with you the better your chance to outperform them.

I don't want to use disability (I've never taken it btw but am eligible), which is why I went back to school. My point is I wanted to get into a particular program and now they are being weird about it. I am a productive citizen, I am not talking about that, I'm discussing that I went back to school for a specific program, one where I have the requirements. I think you missed the point of my post completely because you are talking low level jobs and disability. I'm in school, this is my second year.

[JSP]

Originally Posted by IllinoisTVFan

I'm wondering if the fact I told them I am not a SJW and want to make a decent wage in a decent area made a difference.

Just to clarify, before you get into the second stage you have to finish the first stage. I am currently at the end of the first stage and next semester I either do an internship or more classes depending on where I go.

First off, since colleges obviously are very liberal and full of SJWs, saying you aren't one probably ticked off somebody with power over you there.

Babalu's advice is good in that if you can't find a job with your degree you're going to have to start at the bottom somewhere and work your way up. I would suggest looking into insurance. Look for a job with an insurance broker as a certificate specialist. I got that job and they trained me. No, it's not in the field I graduated in, but at least it's a paycheck. America is full of people doing jobs that have nothing to do with their degree. There's no shame in it.

[IllinoisTVFan]

Originally Posted by JSP

First off, since colleges obviously are very liberal and full of SJWs, saying you aren't one probably ticked off somebody with power over you there.

Babalu's advice is good in that if you can't find a job with your degree you're going to have to start at the bottom somewhere and work your way up. I would suggest looking into insurance. Look for a job with an insurance broker as a certificate specialist. I got that job and they trained me. No, it's not in the field I graduated in, but at least it's a paycheck. America is full of people doing jobs that have nothing to do with their degree. There's no shame in it.

I have a job, I was referring to the fact that with this school I am wondering why they are giving me a hard time about the advanced program. Yeah when I said I didn't want to work in a bad area probably did annoy someone there.

[JSP]

Originally Posted by IllinoisTVFan

I have a job, I was referring to the fact that with this school I am wondering why they are giving me a hard time about the advanced program. Yeah when I said I didn't want to work in a bad area probably did annoy someone there.

Can you transfer your credits to another school? You might have to move. Leaving Chicago wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to do.

[IllinoisTVFan]

Originally Posted by JSP

Can you transfer your credits to another school? You might have to move. Leaving Chicago wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to do.

What I'm going to do is if I don't get into the one counseling program, I'm going to see if I can get into one of the others.

[1960'sTVfan]

Originally Posted by IllinoisTVFan

What I'm going to do is if I don't get into the one counseling program, I'm going to see if I can get into one of the others.

Well whatever you decide to do I hope it works out for you.

As for me, I'm glad I can afford to stay home and not have to work. I'm trying to keep it that way, I think I'll be OK but will see what happens. A few years from now I might have some decisions to make.

I worked as a banker for nearly 30 years, started on the entry level as a teller and gradually worked up the ranks to be a branch manager. Most of the time I liked the work but was often having to deal with BS from bosses, occasional BS from other employees, also BS from difficult customers. People are even worse today, so I'm perfectly content relaxing at home and not having work related stress due to other peoples garbage.

[IllinoisTVFan]

Originally Posted by retroTVfan4ever

Well whatever you decide to do I hope it works out for you.

As for me, I'm glad I can afford to stay home and not have to work. I'm trying to keep it that way, I think I'll be OK but will see what happens. A few years from now I might have some decisions to make.

I worked as a banker for nearly 30 years, started on the entry level as a teller and gradually worked up the ranks to be a branch manager. Most of the time I liked the work but was often having to deal with BS from bosses, occasional BS from other employees, also BS from difficult customers. People are even worse today, so I'm perfectly content relaxing at home and not having work related stress due to other peoples garbage.

Luckily I have a job but the field I am currently in is disappearing so I wanted something more stable. I had to make a change and think this is the right thing.