Good Idea or Crazy Idea

This is a question I find myself asking more often than I care to for sure. I get exhausted by the self doubt I have about so many things since I've been diagnosed and on medication. It's the knowledge of the diagnosis and the stabilizing effect of the meds that have me often asking "is this a good idea or is this a crazy idea." Prior to these two things all ideas were great and some were the best ideas ever. I find myself second guessing a lot.

Right now I'm in the midst of analyzing something to death and wondering is it good or is it bipolar. I'm thinking, at 43 years old, about going back to college. I have a Bachelor's degree and it's not a masters I'm thinking of getting. I have a Psychology degree ironically enough and haven't worked in the field for years and don't want to return to it. I'm thinking about getting and associates degree in Architectural and Engineering Design. It's learning how to do design in auto cad and other computer software for the most part.

I'm not strong in math and I have some significant debt, but no kids, no pets, no wife, no girlfriend, and I was a great student when I went to college the first time when I was 30 years old. I don't know, I didn't mean to go into the specifics, but I wondered how people handle the second guessing and the figuring out what is being driven by the bipolar disorder and what's not.

That's hard to say. I second guess myself a lot. It's what I've always done, so I don't know if it has anything to do with my being bipolar or just being insecure.

It does sound like it might be good for you to give it a try. Especially, if it will open up some job opportunities.

I feel like I just read something I had written. I am 43, I have 4 degrees...an associates in Computer Science and an associates in Architectural design, then I have 2 Masters (one in Apologetics and one in Leadership). The last two are costing me over $50k. I keep trying to justify the 2 Masters, but I'm afraid they were just a byproduct of a huge manic swing.

I've also been mulling over the idea of going for my MBA lately...and buying a motorcycle. Are those hypomanic ideas? I've always wanted a motorcycle. I wish I had never been diagnosed because now I can't make a decision without wondering if I'm hypo-freaking-manic.

I think it sounds like a good sound idea. I'm 41 been thinking about going back too. But for me when I think around the corner it would probably be too overwhelming at this time. That's for me tho. You sound ready to do it & you've been a good student before. Go for it

Yes, exactly!

I have the same issue of not being able to know how good an idea.

Education is never bad - but debt is. Taking on student loans when you're not really sure you want to go into the field might not be a wise choice. Take your time thinking it over, and figure out the finances.

I have a B.S. and M.S. and I haven't been able to get a job. It's a growing field, but the economy isn't so great here. I have a great job, not in my field. This job only requires a highschool diploma. Now I don't even feel I could handle the stress of getting a job in my field, I can barely handle the stress now. I'm on intermittent FMLA and go on med leave at least once a year. The uncertainty of stability is what scares me. While getting my degrees I had to take semesters off because of my BP. So now I'm paying student loans and not using my degrees. I'm not trying to deter you from school, but my advice is to take some time and think about this, it's a major decision to make. Best of luck to you no matter what you decide.

I am 56 and thinking of going back to college. But finances are a problem. I am looking into grants that may be availible to me.

Do you have a T ? If so this would be a great thing to examine with he/she. Personally anything that is going to cost a good bit of money on should be considered for a decent amount of time. Good thing is college isnt gonna go away.

Good luck