Feel like Im making a mistake?

Otter06

Long time visitor first time poster. I started college as a mature student last week and already my head is all over the place. When I found out during the summer that I got accepted into the course, I was so happy and was really excited about this new challenge. However, the week before starting college, I couldn't help but feel very different about it. It wasn't nerves, it was more a sense of dread but I tried to ignore it. I'm 24 and I already have a degree in the chef industry. I didn't hate it but I wanted to try another career if the food industry didn't work out for me in the long run. So about a year ago I decided I wanted to become a second level teacher. Applied to the cao earlier this year and here I am now. Only a week in and I've come home and been in total tears every day after college and even walking around campus feeling my eyes welling up. Its not the upcoming work load that's upsetting me, its the horrible feeling that I've made a mistake and not ready to go back to full time college yet, or even feeling like I don't even want to go through college again. I've had to quit my job and rely on savings and a loan to get me through this but I really miss work and making my own money and being independent. I was very serious about doing college again for the past year and considered the sacrifices but the reality is very different. Sorry for the long post.

AidanadiA

Take a deep breath.

Changing your career is daunting and stressful, but not impossible.

Can you tell me why you wanted to go into teaching?

Permabear

This post has been deleted.

Xterminator

Hi Op

my advice is finish the course. even if you don't plan to work in the field you're studying eg teaching, it will be of benefit to you & open doors.
once you finish the course, you can decide on your next move.

the only exception to this would be if you actually run out of money to eat/for rent etc.

shesty

OP I went back a couple of years ago to do a Masters part time.I can't say I enjoyed it.I hated the feeling of being back in lectures and doing exams and trying to do 'group' assignments (drive me nuts coming from the world of work to the group assignments with students who hadn't left college yet) I just gritted my teeth and told myself it was only a small part of my life and that was it.And then I divided it down further.X weeks til christmas, then I'd have a break.X weeks til Easter.X weeks til the summer.Then before you know it, a year is done.

If you feel strongly enough about it hold on to it.It's togh, it's a big change and a big challenge, but you will get there.

Lux23

Have they got a chaplaincy or counselling service in your college? It might be good to talk through these feelings with someone. And it's not like you're giving up your food career, your degree will always be there and there are lots of opportunities in the industry, even for part-timers.

SATSUMA

If your gut is telling you no, then leave. You have many options ahead of you. Maybe it's the right course and the wrong time? To me, it doesn't sound right if you are that overwhelmed.

I would however agree with the above poster. Go to the college counsellor and talk it through just so you can be comfortable in your decision.

Best of luck OP

dcfc91

My best advice is to look for supports around college. Link in with the chaplaincy service, or the counselling service as another poster has mentioned. Does your college have a Mature Student office? If so pop up for a chat and find out about ways to link in with other Mature Students, some colleges have Mature Student Societies that can be a fantastic way to get support from you peers whilst doing fun things. You are far from alone in what you are feeling, it's very common for students of all ages and backgrounds, so you aren't alone, but it will definitely help you to link in with others who have perhaps gone through the same. I realise that a lot of Mature Students have a busy life outside of college and thus aren't as motivated as others to get involved in college life and build friendships. But don't isolate yourself, building a support network will help you immensely in situations like the one you are currently in. Best of luck.

LegacyUser

Do you cry easily? I dont get it. If you cry like this, how will you handle a class of teenagers?
Were you crying when the head chef shouted at you?

moneymad

What job would you do if you had loads of money and didn't need to work?

Tell me how

OP, I think a week is a very short time to be regretting your decision.

Change is always difficult, recognize that it's OK to find it challenging and don't make any rash decisions.

If you back out this quickly, you may find it impossible to ever try such a move again.

I'm sure things will settle.

Teyla Emmagan

You will be fine. It's just reality hitting you. I also went back to college recently (part time) and the actual drag of being in classes and doing assignments was something I'd managed to forget about. This is a great time in your life to do this. And as most people in catering seem to be burnt out by 30 it's a really good idea on your part. Give yourself at least a month before making any further decisions. You will be grand once you settle in.

sunnyt

Hi there. A week is very little time really and most people in life have doubts over big decisions. College campuses can be huge, daunting places and it is a big change to go from full time work to student status. You definitely have college adviser or liaison officer...find out who it is for your section and make an appointment to go talk to them. You need to do this ASAP as there is usually a window of six weeks to defer your place without fee implications. Sometimes just talking to someone who can assure you that others feel the same and help you feel more confident that the choices you made are right in the long run but might not feel 100% right now. This chat may also help you manage your emotions and realise it's ok not to feel ok 100% of the time. Humans adjust to change and you will too once you settle in...but there is help in all colleges so in the meantime go find it! Good luck.