Program switch?

[TF+MG=<3]

Hi everyone!

I posted previously about having a hard time in my current massage therapy program. The school I go to offers both full time and part time. I'm currently in the full time, which is 9 months, and the amount of work combined with weekend-long electives and internship requirements (which I will have to begin next semester) is completely draining me to the point where I am neglecting my self care. I also have relocated for this program, and my relationships (family and sig other) are suffering as a result of the lack of time I have to bridge the time zone and communication gaps.

I am enjoying school, and in no way mean to come off like I am complaining at all - I just feel overwhelmed and have been considering a switch to the part time 15 month program. I know it would prolong things, but I have talked to a few students at my school who have either switched or just opted for the 15 mo from the get go, and most feel it has been better for them.

Has anyone had experience with this or done the same thing? If so, was it the right thing to do? Were there any negatives for you? Did you feel disconnected joining a 'new group' or was it not a big deal?

Any input would be greatly appreciated...

Thank you so much!

 

[Hackman]

Program switch?

Starblind,

I was not in the exact same situation (my school only offers part-time, 20 month programs for this reason), but I did switch from the eight hours, one day per week class to the four hours, two evenings per week. I started working full-time at a new job just when I finished my first quarter of school, and they were unable to allow me the one afternoon off. So I switched.

I wasn't excited about doubling my commute (45 minutes each way) or about being at school until 10 at night (I get up at 5:15 in the morning and prefer to fall asleep as soon after sundown as possible), but switching seemed like my only real option at the time.

I am SO GLAD that I did.

For one, having a more spread-out program enabled me to focus on one thing at a time. While I might have an anatomy exam on Monday night and a massage exam on Wednesday night, I never again had to deal with worrying about both on the same day. And because I could schedule my studies more deliberately, I lost a lot of the stress of not knowing what to focus on, or of being overwhelmed by information.

Another unanticipated benefit was the social aspect of it. Most of the evening class students were people like myself, working full-time while in school. They were a little bit more mature, responsible, and compassionate. The day class felt a lot like middle school in some ways, cliquey and fragmented. In the evening class, nobody took what they'd been given for granted. We all struggled together, and we became a strong, unified group. Even though I was new (and two other students later joined the evening group after I did), there was never a sense of isolation.

I know it's hard to believe now, but a year is really a very short amount of time. When my graduation rolled around, I started worrying, thinking, "No, I'm not ready! I need another year in school, maybe two!" Keep your head steady, your loved ones close, and do whatever it is you need to do in order to get the LIFE you really want, in addition to a new career. If by taking some more time you can be a more diligent student and a healthier person, don't hesitate! Sooner isn't necessarily better. Better is better. Take whatever time is necessary to make it so.

Kat