Confused on my current path

Question

I've always had a hard time deciding on a career.

I'm 21 years old now, I work in a medical supply store, its a good job. Its laid back, fun, pays decently well. Someimes I think I'd like to stay here and be a manager. But, I'm going to school to become a physical therapist assistant. At first, I really liked it. Now, I"m starting to doubt if its right for me.

Now, I've found this love for talking to people with problems.and I've always been fascinated with mental disorders. I want to look into the field of psychology.

I'm very confused and afraid to mention it to my girlfriend or mom because I've been confused before and they have this...oh, just pick something kind of attitude.

I don't want to be rich or anything, I want to find a field where I'm happy.

I just feel like I'm not on the right path.

Should I look into psychology? Or just think that I'm being my old change too much self again.

Thanks for any advice. If this question is as confusing as I am...tell me, I'll try and fix it haha,

Answer 1

1) working in physical therapy will allow you to talk to people -- or not -- if you choose.  I've been in physical therapy, and there was lots of conversation!  A lot of it was the therapist talking to me about the exercise she needed me to do, but the rest was just conversation.  

2) to work in psychology, you must have a minimum of a master's degree, or if you want to work with your own patients, you must have a Ph.D.  That is not a field to "look into" unless you're ready for 6 or 8 years of university studies.

3) Even though you're legally an adult, your mind is still changing -- that's why people who get married at your age have a higher divorce rate than people a few years older -- so it's okay to question yourself.

4) See if you can find a way through your program to see what a workday for people who have finished the program is really like.  Physical therapists and their assistants will be increasingly needed for the foreseeable future and there is plenty of interaction with patients.  If you still want to work with emotionally disturbed people, get ready for many years of study.  Even if you want to be a social worker who specializes in counseling, that is still a minimum master's degree and 5-6 years of study.  Look at college websites which have programs in psychology and social work, and see if it looks and feels terrific, and then re-evaluate your present job and field of study.  

Answer 2

Whatever it is you decide, do not base the decision on your mom or girlfriend's opinion. YOU are the one who will have to go to school and YOU are the one who will have to work your job. If you want to look into psychology, do it, it doesn't mean you have to pursue it, you're only 21 (lol -too old) take the time NOW to explore what you want to do while you're still young. Only you know what 's going to make you happy. Good luck!

Answer 3

Psychology isn't just listening to peoples' problems and the course of study is long.  If you want to be a psychologist you will need a PHD.  We are talking about not just those beginning psychology courses but the statistical research courses and years of study as well. Are you up for that?  It would be a shame to change to psychology if you can't follow it through.  Speak to your college guidance counselors and see if they can offer you other suggestions.  There are exams that you can take which give you results of the best career for you.  They test your strengths, weaknesses and interests.  See if you can get a hold of these exams.  Some are state exams. Good luck!