[Abyssal]

Since years i have been searching for a meaning to my life .. then i got interest in psychology & now i am done with my bachelors in it last august.. I am very altruistic in nature & very much engaged in solving problems of my classmates colleagues .. People say i work selflessly for them .. & i find satisfaction nowhere other than putting my self on other's service .. there is nothing meaningful in life other than making a difference in someone's life.. Psychology became my passion .. I thought i can make a meaning if i pursue my career in it.. but now, no one in my family supports my career .. My mom is a bipolar patient .. She needs all the time anyone at home with her & she thinks it would be me .. so she doesn't want me to pursue my career .. My other siblings are busy in settling their lives .. And i m totally clueless here dont know what to do .. where to go ..

Its noteworthy that in our side of the world means asia, females career / education doesn't considered to be important .. they are just to give service to family & later husband & kids .. :S

I thought of earning Online Degree in Psychology but i am not surre about its worth .. Will i be able to give service to others through online study? I don't think so .. esp in case of Clinical Psychology which appeals me most .. Other than clinical, which field of psychology can be done online? & what's its worth? Also, i am 24 years old now .. Should i wait for sometime? or just go for online studies?

Any sugestions/ advices related to my career will be appreciated ..

[turquoisesea]

Well my thought is that your career is important. Most important is what you care about - and it sounds like your career is included in this.

I don't know your situation - do you have any money for further schooling? Do you have a job? My guess is that an online degree would not be so good, but I'm not sure. Since you have a bachelors, does your school have a career counseling center? These might have information about schools and programs in that field.

You could get a temporary job now to make money to go back to school, or get student loans, etc... don't let you family tie you down to something you don't feel right about

[SophiaG]

Why don't you ask your question here:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=57

I have a feeling they'd give you better answers.

[Abyssal]

Yes you are right .. my career is very important for me .. its a passion for me .. not just for earning money but it is a source of personal satisfaction that i am doing something for my people ..

The problem is i am in Qatar, Middle East.. and there is no university offering postgraduate in psychology .. they have other business & engineering studies even special education but not psychology .. I have to go abroad or either Pakistan to continue my studies & i can't as my parents aren't letting me .. due to illness of my mom ... No one is there to take care of her .. though, in oct my bro is getting married and my parents said that i can leave for my studies after that .. but i am not sure whether it will happen or not .. So i am totally confused .. I dont want to waste my time and at the same time i have no opportunities here ...

Job or money isn't an issue here .. i can work with my studies but non- availability of my field is an issue .. They dont offer any degree in psychology and i cant go to my country or abroad right now .. So i am left with two options, either i should wait for the best time or i should go for online university or for (special education) regular here!

What would be better? :S I know it should be my decision but i need suggestions as i am totally clueless

Originally Posted by turquoisesea

Well my thought is that your career is important. Most important is what you care about - and it sounds like your career is included in this.

I don't know your situation - do you have any money for further schooling? Do you have a job? My guess is that an online degree would not be so good, but I'm not sure. Since you have a bachelors, does your school have a career counseling center? These might have information about schools and programs in that field.

You could get a temporary job now to make money to go back to school, or get student loans, etc... don't let you family tie you down to something you don't feel right about

[annege42]

Originally Posted by Abyssal

Since years i have been searching for a meaning to my life .. then i got interest in psychology & now i am done with my bachelors in it last august.. I am very altruistic in nature & very much engaged in solving problems of my classmates colleagues .. People say i work selflessly for them .. & i find satisfaction nowhere other than putting my self on other's service .. there is nothing meaningful in life other than making a difference in someone's life.. Psychology became my passion .. I thought i can make a meaning if i pursue my career in it.. but now, no one in my family supports my career .. My mom is a bipolar patient .. She needs all the time anyone at home with her & she thinks it would be me .. so she doesn't want me to pursue my career .. My other siblings are busy in settling their lives .. And i m totally clueless here dont know what to do .. where to go ..

Its noteworthy that in our side of the world means asia, females career / education doesn't considered to be important .. they are just to give service to family & later husband & kids .. :S

I thought of earning Online Degree in Psychology but i am not surre about its worth .. Will i be able to give service to others through online study? I don't think so .. esp in case of Clinical Psychology which appeals me most .. Other than clinical, which field of psychology can be done online? & what's its worth? Also, i am 24 years old now .. Should i wait for sometime? or just go for online studies?

Any sugestions/ advices related to my career will be appreciated ..

It's great that you've found your passion in psychology. This should help you find meaning in your life. It's a great way to help people. You should pursue your education. Maybe it's better to do it online because of your situation. Maybe you can show your mother that you have the expertise to help her with her bipolar. I hope you find a way to fulfill you wishes and potential without alienating your family. I am impressed with your accomplishments so far, especially in your part of the world. You should be proud of yourself and I'm sure you will be an inspiration to other women too. Much success.

[Abyssal]

Originally Posted by annege42

It's great that you've found your passion in psychology. This should help you find meaning in your life. It's a great way to help people. You should pursue your education. Maybe it's better to do it online because of your situation. Maybe you can show your mother that you have the expertise to help her with her bipolar. I hope you find a way to fulfill you wishes and potential without alienating your family. I am impressed with your accomplishments so far, especially in your part of the world. You should be proud of yourself and I'm sure you will be an inspiration to other women too. Much success.

Thanks alot Annege for your wishes & appreciation .. I really felt good after reading your post ..

but, the fact is, day by day i am becoming more tensed thinking about my future and career .. i dont want to waste a single mint of my life but i am wasting years now becoz of the current situation .. When i see people of my profession in a successful position i become wary of my own future .. Maybe i am impatient and i need to wait for a right time with a right choice .. Still clueless

Thank you anyways for your valuable post .. it made a difference

[Patriciann]

Last August you completed your bachelor’s degree so what is the next step in your education/career? You are very talented and gifted and you have a passion for helping others.
Many universities and colleges have at least some of the classes on line now days. You would only need perhaps some labs where you had to do outside research/practice to complete. Have you talked to your college counselor about what is available and what your options are? There is usually a career center on most colleges to help with those decisions.
Do you live at home and attend school close to home? Can someone watch your mother when you are in training?
>>> My other siblings are busy in settling their lives ..<<<
>>> Its noteworthy that in our side of the world means asia, females career / education doesn't considered to be important .. they are just to give service to family & later husband & kids .. :S<<<
Out of all of your siblings, are you the only girl?
If there is a way to make sure you mother is well cared for and follow your chosen career path you should follow your goals. Who took care of your mother while you were in school earning your bachelor’s degree?
Sending you very gentle ((())) and I hope you soon have answers. - Patricia

[Abyssal]

//Last August you completed your bachelor’s degree so what is the next step in your education/career? You are very talented and gifted and you have a passion for helping others.//

Next step will be Masters. and then one year diploma in Clinical Psychology.

//Many universities and colleges have at least some of the classes on line now days. You would only need perhaps some labs where you had to do outside research/practice to complete. Have you talked to your college counselor about what is available and what your options are? There is usually a career center on most colleges to help with those decisions.//

Unfortunately we don't have one.
//Do you live at home and attend school close to home? Can someone watch your mother when you are in training? //
The problem is, i live in Qatar and here, the universities offer only bachelors in Psychology (which i have accomplished already) and there is no masters in my field here .. they have only Special Education, no other fields.. In Middle East higher education is scarcely available ..

//
Out of all of your siblings, are you the only girl?
If there is a way to make sure you mother is well cared for and follow your chosen career path you should follow your goals. Who took care of your mother while you were in school earning your bachelor’s degree?
Sending you very gentle ((())) and I hope you soon have answers. - Patricia//

I attended a college here in Qatar so i don't need to leave her alone .. But for my masters i have to leave her here and go to abroad .. that's a problem .. I am not the only girl but my sisters are married and my brother is going to get married soon .. She said i can pursue my education after his marriage .. but i am unsure when will happen and whether i could do or not..
Thank you for all your concerns