Trying to Figure Out Where to Go

[Madaglan]

I’m trying to figure out where to go in life. I graduated from college several years ago, earned a B.A. in a liberal arts field, then went straight on into a Masters. After earning my Masters, I taught high school for a year. That unfortunately did not work (largely issue of discipline, not having former experience), and now I am working for a financial institution. I do not, however, feel this is the long-term direction I want to take. It’s all right for now, but I do not see much advancement in store for me, and I do not feel I am making a meaningful contribution. I’m considering my options.

One person in my family, well-meaning enough, has attempted to get me interested more in things like Special Education, medical field (like medical technician), deaf/speech therapist. I am not interested at all in any of these, but I wonder what to do.

In an ideal situation, I would go on for a PhD in Theology, Historical Theology, Patristics, Medieval/Byzantine Studies, or even Religious Studies (covering more than Chrsitianity). I feel that this would be intellectually stimulating for me, and it would be something I could have a passion for doing (it would be meaningful and interesting to me). However, I have spoken with a few people who have graduated with degrees in these areas, and they basically told me that it is very, very competitive to find a job. I also do not want to accumulate more debt.

I have thought about seminary, but I am not sure about this either. I think I would do well with the academic material, but the pastoral material I am not so sure about. I also am still dealing with a back problem which I fear may keep me back.

I feel conflicted. I feel very much drawn towards collegiate education, yet I do not want to accumualte more debt, and I am honestly a bit worried after my high school teaching fiasco (though it was 95% discipline issue). Part of the reason why I consider seminary is because I feel that it would be easier for me to find a job (be assigned) than were I to go for a PhD.

Your thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Monte_RCMS]

One of my friends took the exact same career path as you.

Made a nice salary + bonuses in the financial field.

Retired as early as he could.

And then, whether he made a late discernment, I’m not sure. But with the money he was able to go back to school and got ordained as a deacon and also got a degree in counseling/social work. Is very happy and doing God’s work.

 

[Elsport1]

I wouldn’t suggest entering into the seminary unless you really feel like God is calling you to be a priest. Being a priest isn’t something you should just fall into!

 

[Madaglan]

I wouldn’t suggest entering into the seminary unless you really feel like God is calling you to be a priest. Being a priest isn’t something you should just fall into!

Agreed.

I’m still in the process of discerning, so to speak. I pretty much have figured out that monasticism is not for me, at least not at this time.

Thanks for your responses.

 

[Madaglan]

One of my friends took the exact same career path as you.

Made a nice salary + bonuses in the financial field.

Retired as early as he could.

And then, whether he made a late discernment, I’m not sure. But with the money he was able to go back to school and got ordained as a deacon and also got a degree in counseling/social work. Is very happy and doing God’s work.

Right now I’m quite at the bottom of the financial field. Due to present economic circumstances, I do not foresee promotion in the near future. I’ve been at the job for almost two years now.

 

[Monte_RCMS]

Right now I’m quite at the bottom of the financial field. Due to present economic circumstances, I do not foresee promotion in the near future. I’ve been at the job for almost two years now.

Patience.

And prayer.

Daily Mass.

Frequent Eucharistic Adoration.

It may take a few years.

 

[petite_foireuse]

My situation is similar to yours in a lot of ways, except that I am a PhD student. I’m also feeling some sort of call to giving more of myself, have taught school for a year and know for sure it’s not for me because I can’t keep discipline, don’t feel any attraction for the para-medical field, etc. I’m in the IT domain myself, but it feels terribly “empty” - I feel like my work is no use to anyone and a pure money-making business.

About the PhD, I would definitely warn against going down that road unless you are really passionate about research. I have a fairly good PhD advisor, but still, a PhD thesis requires you to solve a lot of problems on your own and that’s been quite hard for me. I know I started for the wrong reasons - no other prospects on the professional side at the time - and I would definitely not do it again knowing what it really involves. Plus a PhD without strong additional skills does not open many doors on the job market anyway.

Then again, I’m seriously ill - I have a bad depression - so my advice may be on the pessimistic side