I have a chance to take a very difficult exam at work. It would require me to study intensively until February (that is after I come home at 8:30pm daily).
If I am admitted to the exam and pass it, I would be placed on a roster from which future positions may or may not be filled.
If I pass, and if they need someone, and if I got picked - than I would go through the regular multiple-interview process.
So even passing gives no guarantees.
It would be a job in a different field (that is very hard to break into without experience). It pays higher but carries a much higher workload/stress.
I can see why people prefer to coupon instead of trying to advance their career. In trying to save money you extend very little effort to get little result.
But the result is proportional to the effort and it is guaranteed.
While trying to climb the ladder requires a lot of effort and guarantees nothing for all that hard work. It is stressful.
You have to face high chance of failure/rejection/the unknown.
But it is a chance to change my life in a way that saving $1 on toilet paper and toothpaste will never change it.
Yet it is scary to want something so much and know that the odds are not so good. Yet there is a chance nevertheless, so I have to try.
So this weekend I will have to write an application essay to get selected to even take the exam.
I am trying to calm down and manage my emotions.
With the chances of disappointment being so high, would you do it?
Career stress - decision to sacrifice 2 months of my life for a very slim chance
November 14th, 2008 at 04:30 pm
November 14th, 2008 at 04:42 pm 1226680932
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November 14th, 2008 at 06:51 pm 1226688676
Hell, I was a SAHM with four kids under the age of 5, and I studied by myself for the LSAT. Plans for law school were nixed with number 5. But I had a plan, I studied when the oldest two were at preschool, and I sat for the test. And I did well. Probably well enough to get into a school of my choice without having to ride on coat-tails of my lawyer father or lawyer brother. Am I sad I didn't go to lawschool? Not really.
GO FOR IT! You can do whatever you put your mind to. You might not get there the way you think you will, but o will end up where you want to be.
GOOD LUCK!
November 14th, 2008 at 11:00 pm 1226703622
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