The Quarter Life Crisis

[CamMoon]

I'll be graduating a decent sized college on Friday with a degree in Social Behavioral Sciences. I've taken the necessary prereqs for Medical School, Occupational Therapy School, and Physical Therapy School (All things I was interested in) I only applied to 1 OT school this cycle, out of pure laziness and subconsciously wanting to take a year off and just work like a normal adult. I'm currently waitlisted at the program. No big deal.

The job market is fine and I have a few interviews coming up. Most have nothing to do with my major (911 dispatcher) but I have an interview with the States child services agency.

I know a lot of people would kill to be in my position, but I have the urge to go to Kenya or Ghana and build houses and roads instead of going to medical school and "Settling down". There is a great Masters program at my UNI that I could apply for (would likely get in as I know the director), do that for 2 years then work abroad for a while. Then perhaps come back and go to Med/OT/PT school and melt away in the suburbs afterwards.

My GF absolutely hates the idea of me attending this program and the subsequent travel that it would entail. I've sacrificed a lot for her, and a lot of other people in my immediate family and feel its time for me to truely "find myself" and do something I know I'll enjoy. IF that means ending a relationship I've been in since shorty after high school, is it worth it? Haven't I wasted the "best years of my life"?

TLDR- Soon to be college gradating considering attending grad program that will require travel, put him at odds with long term gf

[pstall]

Congrats. Nothing wrong with finding the journey but man there is plenty to do here to help others.  May not be as exotic but just as badly needed.

There's an old saying.  You can't change your attitude by changing your altitude.  Your call at the end of the day but there are needs everywhere. 

You will go where you are most needed. It will work out.

[Panthro]

I wished I took a year or two off to travel the world after graduating HS. Go to Kenya my roommates were from there in college. Great culture

[PhillyB]

do the grad program.

[SmokinwithWilly]

It's not the number of years in your life, it's the amount of life in your years. The things you'll regret most are those you didn't do. I could toss out a few more cliches but do I really need to?

[t96]

What the hell did you pay to go to college for if you haven't "found yourself" yet? If you love the girl and think you'll marry her don't go or try to talk it out with her and make things work. If you don't and feel the urge to go, then still don't go. Get through med school or whatever else, then settle down and live the life. That's what I would do, but do what you're head/brain/mind tells you. Don't trust your gut.

[Mother Grabber]

do it do it do it do it do it.

regular life will be waiting for you when you get back, and you'll be a changed person. 

[stankowalski]

Just try not to be one of those people who at the end of their life wonders where it all went wrong.  

[Bob NC]

Snatch the pebble from my hand, Grasshopper.

[cookinwithgas]

You will probably learn more building roads and houses in Africa than in some school somewhere that will wait for you anyways.

[thefuzz]

Personally, I would finish my education, then travel all you want knowing that the hardest part is behind you, and you can walk right into  a job when you return.

It's awfully hard to go back to school after taking some time off.

 

P.S. Don't worry about the girl, live your life, not the life she wants of you.  Chances are you won't get married, and even if you do there is a good chance you get divorced.  

P.S.S. there is no such thing as "wasting the best years of your life", especially when you are the age I'm guessing you are.  My 30's have been much better than my teens and 20's.

[PanthersBigD]

Do the grad program. I would have traveled more before I settled into a career if I had it to do over again. I'd also have put less importance on dating relationships than I did at your age. 

[TheRumGone]

Follow your dreams.

[Ja Rhule]

13 hours ago, PhillyB said:

do the grad program.

And accumulate more debt :p