Anyone else tired of Clinical Dentistry

[Batmansvoice]

Anyone here sometimes dream about doing something nonclinical? Maybe it’s because I find myself getting worn down from time to time with clinical dentistry and the sudden stresses really add up. I don’t want to get into a whole grass is greener mentality, but I have noticed that it takes a certain personality to really tolerate Dentistry and seeing what friends do in other fields like Tech and accounting makes me wonder is all this work and worry really worth it. Currently doing a CS masters degree in my spare time. Is transitioning from clinical dentistry to something like epidemiologist a path that is possible

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[allDAT]

You mean to tell me that you get tired of working in a small, dark hole that houses a moving muscle with a mind of its own that is attached to a human who happens to be awake, frightened, and unable to swallow his own saliva?

All while using materials that must remain dry? Sounds like a blast to me.

How about the guy who can’t recline, has sleep apnea, and a strong gag reflex who insists that heroic efforts be made to save #2 and curses at you when the impression doesn’t come out the first time? Then has the balls to complain about how much a crown costs? Or how about pretending the give a **** about Sally’s cat photos?

Being a dentist is very challenging.

 

[DrYDAOB]

loool I feel the same way and it has been only one year since graduating

 

[Cold Front]

Anyone here sometimes dream about doing something nonclinical? Maybe it’s because I find myself getting worn down from time to time with clinical dentistry and the sudden stresses really add up. I don’t want to get into a whole grass is greener mentality, but I have noticed that it takes a certain personality to really tolerate Dentistry and seeing what friends do in other fields like Tech and accounting makes me wonder is all this work and worry really worth it. Currently doing a CS masters degree in my spare time. Is transitioning from clinical dentistry to something like epidemiologist a path that is possible

It can be very easy to clinically plateau in dentistry and to see your interest in the field go down very quickly.

Here are some tips to make things more interesting:

1. Consider taking CE courses regularly (although it’s hard to travel to other cities and take CE courses now due to Covid). This can boost your income by expanding your clinical skills.

2. Get into teaching. Teach at a local dental school, teach a CE course, Teach your own educational program - even on YouTube.

3. Get involved with study clubs. A great way to network with local dentists and explore how other dentists manage the challenges in dentistry.

4. Change your office hours to a more comfortable and suitable schedule. Are you a morning person? Afternoon person? 4 days a week person? Adjust accordingly.

5. Identify key stressors in the office and try to eliminate them. Try to change the setting if you can, to make things more tolerable. It’s like sleeping on a bed that’s bad for your back but without knowing if it’s the bed or your back that needs fixed. Is it the daily patient load? Is it the staff? Is it just being an associate all together? Dentistry under the right environment can be great, but unfortunately most dentists can easily get frustrated and hate the profession. I lost few associates that way.

 

[2TH MVR]

I think the other stressor in dentistry is that for those in private practice as a sole dentist. Well .... there's no other colleagues to talk to. I was on this lonely island for 25 plus years. No one to talk to. And I like to talk. Just ask my poor wife lol.

I know for myself that talking with another colleague about a certain patient, staff member, certain procedure, paying bills, running the office, sharing tips on dentistry, etc. etc. RELIEVES STRESS for myself. Dentistry can be a lonely island.

So maybe it's not so much the clinical aspects, but the lack of professional interaction. One of the few advantages to working Corp is that I get to talk to other dentists. Do lunches together. It just helps when you know that others like yourself are going through the same stuff.

As for your CS direction. I think that is a good idea. With that knowledge you can branch off and do some other things unrelated to dentistry.

 

[Combine33]

When I was in private practice, in a corporate office where I was the only doc there, the study club really saved me. I looked forward to hangin out with other docs once a week and is well worth the money.

 

[deleted954913]

I think the other stressor in dentistry is that for those in private practice as a sole dentist. Well .... there's no other colleagues to talk to. I was on this lonely island for 25 plus years. No one to talk to. And I like to talk. Just ask my poor wife lol.

I know for myself that talking with another colleague about a certain patient, staff member, certain procedure, paying bills, running the office, sharing tips on dentistry, etc. etc. RELIEVES STRESS for myself. Dentistry can be a lonely island.

So maybe it's not so much the clinical aspects, but the lack of professional interaction. One of the few advantages to working Corp is that I get to talk to other dentists. Do lunches together. It just helps when you know that others like yourself are going through the same stuff.

As for your CS direction. I think that is a good idea. With that knowledge you can branch off and do some other things unrelated to dentistry.

totally agree 2th, you can talk to your assitants/hyienge or fromt stand but there's always that dynamic of boss and employee and such and not to dismiss their roles as they are all so damn important, you want to be around those of the same 'level'. Not to say the aforementioned group is not on your level, but just another person who gets it. can commiserate with etc. This is def an insidious aspect of the field. my brother/cousins have all said this exact thing and have been about 6-15 years (varied amongst the lot). in the field.

 

[WolftheDentistStanson]

we're in a thankless profession. health professionals don't really take us very seriously, many patients have negative experiences with dentists. sure there are days where i wish i would've gone into another field, but there are instances that make me appreciate the instant gratification you're able to give patients who are in pain. my advice...find a good work/life balance, and like others said, invest in CE. challenge yourself with new cases. it keeps the spark going, so to speak

 

[mmc12]

Anyone here sometimes dream about doing something nonclinical? Maybe it’s because I find myself getting worn down from time to time with clinical dentistry and the sudden stresses really add up. I don’t want to get into a whole grass is greener mentality, but I have noticed that it takes a certain personality to really tolerate Dentistry and seeing what friends do in other fields like Tech and accounting makes me wonder is all this work and worry really worth it. Currently doing a CS masters degree in my spare time. Is transitioning from clinical dentistry to something like epidemiologist a path that is possible

I know of some dentists who own dental offices yet they hire someone to manage the office and hire associates and are rarely in the office. You could probably do that, no?

 

[TanMan]

Anyone here sometimes dream about doing something nonclinical? Maybe it’s because I find myself getting worn down from time to time with clinical dentistry and the sudden stresses really add up. I don’t want to get into a whole grass is greener mentality, but I have noticed that it takes a certain personality to really tolerate Dentistry and seeing what friends do in other fields like Tech and accounting makes me wonder is all this work and worry really worth it. Currently doing a CS masters degree in my spare time. Is transitioning from clinical dentistry to something like epidemiologist a path that is possible

It might be called a hobby. I think it all depends on your current working situation. It does wear you down, especially in the age of COVID and all this PPE that we have to wear. Work will always be work. Ideally, work as little as possible and maximize your profitability. I cut back my hours and found that I'm making more even with reduced hours. If you are planning to work for the rest of your life, then you should find work that will financially satisfy you and not hate at the same time. Dentistry is a means to do what you want, or what I referred to earlier as hobbies. If you make sufficient income, work less to make time for more hobbies, then you won't be as burdened by dentistry (or any work) if it's taking 60-80 hours a week. I'm working 30 hours a week now and have plenty of time to do other non-dental things.

Make your money in dentistry and if you really hate dentistry that much, plan an exit strategy and/or find something to distract you with all the money you're making from clinical dentistry. My frustration ends the moment I see my production for the day.

 

[2TH MVR]

I'm working 30 hours a week now and have plenty of time to do other non-dental things.

I have a feeling you're not out peacefully protesting in your free time.

 

[deleted954913]

I have a feeling you're not out peacefully protesting in your free time.

haha. I heard TanMan hates guns and would never horde enough banana clips and AR variants for a militia.
his collection was nice. As a New Yorker, it is so tough to get compliant variants of AR-15s. There is one only that is acceptable and it feels ike im being cucked. 7 bullets no pistol grip just nothing man. even when they upped it to 10 (that's big for us).

I can't recall the safe act changes I know there was a shift back to the old mag capacit but who the hell knows anymore.

 

[TanMan]

I have a feeling you're not out peacefully protesting in your free time.

Yeah, lol - maybe my competition and colleagues can protest. I stay neutral and try not to divide the demographic. I don't understand companies that take stands on controversial issues and effectively dividing their purchasing demographic. As long as they aren't planning to loot my office or home, I'm neutral.

haha. I heard TanMan hates guns and would never horde enough banana clips and AR variants for a militia.
his collection was nice. As a New Yorker, it is so tough to get compliant variants of AR-15s. There is one only that is acceptable and it feels ike im being cucked. 7 bullets no pistol grip just nothing man. even when they upped it to 10 (that's big for us).

I can't recall the safe act changes I know there was a shift back to the old mag capacit but who the hell knows anymore.

Yeah, that's harsh. I did get into BBQ (grill/smoking) recently. Maybe I'll get my honorary Texan card now. If you can, nothing beats 30 rd mags with a range benchloader. One swipe and you got a full mag in case you run through all your mags.

 

[Batmansvoice]

Anyone else feel completely isolated in dentistry...maybe I'm working in a hostile environment but this job is stressful enough without all the extraneous BS most associates have to deal with

 

[yappy]

Anyone else feel completely isolated in dentistry...maybe I'm working in a hostile environment but this job is stressful enough without all the extraneous BS most associates have to deal with

Please expound on the extraneous bs

 

[TanMan]

Anyone else feel completely isolated in dentistry...maybe I'm working in a hostile environment but this job is stressful enough without all the extraneous BS most associates have to deal with

Burnout is real, if that's what you're experiencing. We all hit our perceived ceiling and as we get older, that ceiling just feels lower and lower. There's that old saying, it's lonely at the top. It's normal for solo practitioners to be isolated in dentistry, since we don't really have anyone to voice out our issues in our professional lives.

 

[allDAT]

Anyone else feel completely isolated in dentistry...maybe I'm working in a hostile environment but this job is stressful enough without all the extraneous BS most associates have to deal with

Dentistry in the solo doctor model is isolating. If you're in a quality group practice, it can be more fulfilling if you feel the need to be around people with similar educational backgrounds.

It's important to connect with a few colleagues locally and meet in person. It doesn't have to be a study group. Finding a healthy work environment as an associate is the unicorn. Good luck finding that 4 or 5 days a week. Most dentists have developed very poor places to work.

 

[Mauricio45]

It's hard to find colleagues to talk to in real life because dentists tend to "eat their own" and tend to be distrustful of other dentists. Especially if you're in a saturated market.

I think online resources like DentalTown and Dental Nachos (on Facebook) are really great especially if you're a solo practitioner. I think online tends to be less threatening.

In particular, I really enjoy DentalTown. I find most of the dentists there are friendly and helpful if you're stuck in a bind or on a case and most are willing to help you out. I learned so much on that website that I wished I had known about it when I was in school. Plus, lots of entertaining arguments on there, lol.

I've seen many stories just like the OP's posted on DentalTown. It really does seem to be quite common.

 

[2TH MVR]

I posted a long time ago that one of the few advantages of Corp is the opportunity to talk to general dentists and other specialists. It's no secret that I like to talk and chum it up with colleagues. My reputation is the class clown at work. But this is at WORK. Away from work .... I prefer the company of non-dentists. I do not like to discuss dentistry outside of work with actual people. You internet people are just make believe. Right? You guys are not real lol.

But seriously. In your free time ..... forget about dentistry and do LIFE.

 

[Cold Front]

I posted a long time ago that one of the few advantages of Corp is the opportunity to talk to general dentists and other specialists. It's no secret that I like to talk and chum it up with colleagues. My reputation is the class clown at work. But this is at WORK. Away from work .... I prefer the company of non-dentists. I do not like to discuss dentistry outside of work with actual people. You internet people are just make believe. Right? You guys are not real lol.

But seriously. In your free time ..... forget about dentistry and do LIFE.

I’m the opposite. I work almost all the time, either physically or mentally. Yes, life is too short to be busy with work related life, but at age 42 - this is the time for me to be very busy most of the time and have little fun while I can. Either way, it’s a life choice. Do what makes you happy!. It’s in my signature at the bottom. I would get very bored if I take more than 1 week vacation. Taking a break from life slows me down mentally and physically. I get a big kick out of exploring new ideas and learning from other people at the office or in other ventures I’m in. It’s my mojo.

 

[Cold Front]

It's hard to find colleagues to talk to in real life because dentists tend to "eat their own" and tend to be distrustful of other dentists. Especially if you're in a saturated market.

I think online resources like DentalTown and Dental Nachos (on Facebook) are really great especially if you're a solo practitioner. I think online tends to be less threatening.

In particular, I really enjoy DentalTown. I find most of the dentists there are friendly and helpful if you're stuck in a bind or on a case and most are willing to help you out. I learned so much on that website that I wished I had known about it when I was in school. Plus, lots of entertaining arguments on there, lol.

I've seen many stories just like the OP's posted on DentalTown. It really does seem to be quite common.

That’s the beauty of the forums. You learn a lot from people from all over the country for free. In my opinion, they are the best CE courses. I have been on DentalTown from D1 in Dental school. I have been on these forums for 15-16 years. I’m on many other non-dental forums; biggerpockets, creditboards, SeekingAlpha, etc. I mine knowledge daily. It’s the best time spent in my day. I also follow some great YouTube channels when it comes to video knowledge; CNBC Television, MeetKevin, KevinO’Leary, Bloomberg Markets, Howard Farran, etc. Not big on podcasts, but I’m all NPR on my way to and back from work. If you have time, get the Good Reads app and look for any book that can help you understand any topic. We are dentists, but more than that, we are people who need to be highly informed. Just like we don’t just treat “teeth” as professionals, but we treat “people” in the profession.

 

[PerioDont]

That’s the beauty of the forums. You learn a lot from people from all over the country for free. In my opinion, they are the best CE courses. I have been on DentalTown from D1 in Dental school. I have been on these forums for 15-16 years. I’m on many other non-dental forums; biggerpockets, creditboards, SeekingAlpha, etc. I mine knowledge daily. It’s the best time spent in my day. I also follow some great YouTube channels when it comes to video knowledge; CNBC Television, MeetKevin, KevinO’Leary, Bloomberg Markets, Howard Farran, etc. Not big on podcasts, but I’m all NPR on my way to and back from work. If you have time, get the Good Reads app and look for any book that can help you understand any topic. We are dentists, but more than that, we are people who need to be highly informed. Just like we don’t just treat “teeth” as professionals, but we treat “people” in the profession.

Wow. I follow almost everything that you do. Guess that's a good sign lol.

The two additional ones are white coat investor, and FastLane forum from fastlane millionaire.

 

[Cold Front]

Wow. I follow almost everything that you do. Guess that's a good sign lol.

The two additional ones are white coat investor, and FastLane forum from fastlane millionaire.

I posted the list of forums and youtube channels I follow before somewhere in these forums. The actual list is probably longer. But those were the ones that came on top of my head... I didn’t include cars, sports, music and political forums and channels.

 

[deleted954913]

I posted the list of forums and youtube channels I follow before somewhere in these forums. The actual list is probably longer. But those were the ones that came on top of my head... I didn’t include cars, sports, music and political forums and channels.

Nice to see you back, Supreme Leader. Haven't been here myself, but I felt your absence. Nice to see you back.
- your biggest fan

 

[deleted954913]

Nice to see you back, Supreme Leader. Haven't been here myself, but I felt your absence. Nice to see you back.
- your biggest fa

dang, I repeated myself. Just get nervous talking to ya haha. I love Meetkevin. He had an awesome special with Kevin O'Leary. Do you follow up with any tech/dental startup stuff? I have a potential idea for the future of healthcare/dental but it's like 10 years out. Was curious if you follow any specific sites/sources about the tech landscape. I like to use TRADING ECONOMICS | 20 million INDICATORS FROM 196 COUNTRIES overall as an indicator for the financial infrastructure, globally. And, a few demographic/policy maps to determine just raw info/extrapolate your investing/work strategy that way. I feel that any site other's use is just negated by the fact everyone has access to it. Tech is often too all over the place.

Government policy is the most important IMO to adjust how you spend your time, both professional and otherwise. I feel following all of this is great if you have a thirst just to know how things work and how the world functions daily, but there is just so much out there. I often have struggled with the 'paralysis by analysis'. But, I assume this is just for your own personal satisfaction and not really for your livelihood.

I can PM you if you want to know more about what I was going on about. Would love your input.

 

[Cold Front]

Nice to see you back, Supreme Leader. Haven't been here myself, but I felt your absence. Nice to see you back.
- your biggest fan

Haha. I never left. I lurk around more now. Good to hear from you as well.

 

[deleted954913]

That’s the beauty of the forums. You learn a lot from people from all over the country for free. In my opinion, they are the best CE courses. I have been on DentalTown from D1 in Dental school. I have been on these forums for 15-16 years. I’m on many other non-dental forums; biggerpockets, creditboards, SeekingAlpha, etc. I mine knowledge daily. It’s the best time spent in my day. I also follow some great YouTube channels when it comes to video knowledge; CNBC Television, MeetKevin, KevinO’Leary, Bloomberg Markets, Howard Farran, etc. Not big on podcasts, but I’m all NPR on my way to and back from work. If you have time, get the Good Reads app and look for any book that can help you understand any topic. We are dentists, but more than that, we are people who need to be highly informed. Just like we don’t just treat “teeth” as professionals, but we treat “people” in the profession.

Eternal Supreme Leader, would you still recommend following CNBC/Bloomberg media content? I was going to go on a longwinded rant of mine but noticed it's 2 bucks for 3 months. LOL print media. What are your thoughts on Peter Schiff? Ever watch Kitco News? You can def feel they are backing some gold-ira or just the bullion itself but I love seeing resistance to bit coin.... I swear bit coin boys are the new cross fit enthusiasts.... everyone's drinking the kool aid and buying tulips like it is 1656

 

[2TH MVR]

Eternal Supreme Leader, would you still recommend following CNBC/Bloomberg media content? I was going to go on a longwinded rant of mine but noticed it's 2 bucks for 3 months. LOL print media. What are your thoughts on Peter Schiff? Ever watch Kitco News? You can def feel they are backing some gold-ira or just the bullion itself but I love seeing resistance to bit coin.... I swear bit coin boys are the new cross fit enthusiasts.... everyone's drinking the kool aid and buying tulips like it is 1656

Non-Eternal Minimum Leader here. And I thought you only hung out on Nasioc or Subaru WRX Forums?

 

[Cold Front]

Eternal Supreme Leader, would you still recommend following CNBC/Bloomberg media content? I was going to go on a longwinded rant of mine but noticed it's 2 bucks for 3 months. LOL print media. What are your thoughts on Peter Schiff? Ever watch Kitco News? You can def feel they are backing some gold-ira or just the bullion itself but I love seeing resistance to bit coin.... I swear bit coin boys are the new cross fit enthusiasts.... everyone's drinking the kool aid and buying tulips like it is 1656

I follow all the channels I mentioned on YouTube for free. Short “get to the point” clips. The YouTube algorithm does a good job recommending you similar channels eventually, that’s how I found MeetKevin, BullBoom-BearBust, FinanceFix, etc. But if you really want to have a front row seat on the high speed data on market news... it’s going to cost you. The Bloomberg Terminal is $24k a year for each terminal. $20k for 2 terminals or more. This is hedge fund manager level, you will essentially have have access to the matrix.

 

[Rambunctious]

Anyone here sometimes dream about doing something nonclinical? Maybe it’s because I find myself getting worn down from time to time with clinical dentistry and the sudden stresses really add up. I don’t want to get into a whole grass is greener mentality, but I have noticed that it takes a certain personality to really tolerate Dentistry and seeing what friends do in other fields like Tech and accounting makes me wonder is all this work and worry really worth it. Currently doing a CS masters degree in my spare time. Is transitioning from clinical dentistry to something like epidemiologist a path that is possible

You're definitely in the wrong field if you feel this way. We all have bad days but if you generally feel like this a lot and money (and dental school debt) isnt an issue then switch to your computer science degree.

I personally like being my own boss and not having to ever think of possibly being fired and replaced. That to me is the worst possible thing about being an employee. But we might have different personalities. You sound like you would fit in to the typical 8-5, get pay check and go home. There's nothing wrong with that, but definitely not for me and a majority of the other small business owners on here.

 

[TanMan]

Anyone here sometimes dream about doing something nonclinical? Maybe it’s because I find myself getting worn down from time to time with clinical dentistry and the sudden stresses really add up. I don’t want to get into a whole grass is greener mentality, but I have noticed that it takes a certain personality to really tolerate Dentistry and seeing what friends do in other fields like Tech and accounting makes me wonder is all this work and worry really worth it. Currently doing a CS masters degree in my spare time. Is transitioning from clinical dentistry to something like epidemiologist a path that is possible

Here's a question for you: If you made more money, would you be happier if your workload remained the same?

 

[Batmansvoice]

Has anyone considered doing a Dental Public Health Residency? What career opportunities are available from this? Research?

 

[allDAT]

Has anyone considered doing a Dental Public Health Residency? What career opportunities are available from this? Research?

You could work in public health...maybe as a dental director. Once you leave “dental” you’d paid almost nothing for your degree in public health so you’d want to stick with dentistry.

I’m in public health. If you don’t like clinical dentistry, you’d hate most community clinics because they’re high volume, heavy clinical hour job (I’m 100% clinical time with no admin time).

 

[yappy]

Anyone here sometimes dream about doing something nonclinical? Maybe it’s because I find myself getting worn down from time to time with clinical dentistry and the sudden stresses really add up. I don’t want to get into a whole grass is greener mentality, but I have noticed that it takes a certain personality to really tolerate Dentistry and seeing what friends do in other fields like Tech and accounting makes me wonder is all this work and worry really worth it. Currently doing a CS masters degree in my spare time. Is transitioning from clinical dentistry to something like epidemiologist a path that is possible

Specialize in a field with low volume/high compensation that interests you. I think that will wear you down less?

 

[Rambunctious]

Has anyone considered doing a Dental Public Health Residency? What career opportunities are available from this? Research?

I'm starting to think you're trolling. You post questions and dont give feedback to anyone responding to you.

 

[ddsaspi]

Anyone here sometimes dream about doing something nonclinical? Maybe it’s because I find myself getting worn down from time to time with clinical dentistry and the sudden stresses really add up. I don’t want to get into a whole grass is greener mentality, but I have noticed that it takes a certain personality to really tolerate Dentistry and seeing what friends do in other fields like Tech and accounting makes me wonder is all this work and worry really worth it. Currently doing a CS masters degree in my spare time. Is transitioning from clinical dentistry to something like epidemiologist a path that is possible

Taking GRE and trying to do 3 month boot camp for coding, my family is in tech and they are concerned for my mental well being, i might explore a masters in biomedical engineering etc. depending on the GRE scores. Let's see how it goes in a month. By the way I am well liked at my job and I guess I am good at it; been practicing for 8+ years, but have began to hate the whole dealing with patients' minute complaints about everything in their life. Sometimes I feel I am their therapist who gets to sit and listen to their life problems, while I get paid 50$ for a filling. Something worth exploring if it isn't for you.

 

[Batmansvoice]

Taking GRE and trying to do 3 month boot camp for coding, my family is in tech and they are concerned for my mental well being, i might explore a masters in biomedical engineering etc. depending on the GRE scores. Let's see how it goes in a month. By the way I am well liked at my job and I guess I am good at it; been practicing for 8+ years, but have began to hate the whole dealing with patients' minute complaints about everything in their life. Sometimes I feel I am their therapist who gets to sit and listen to their life problems, while I get paid 50$ for a filling. Something worth exploring if it isn't for you.

I’m considering doing the same thing and have made an 18 month goal: stem masters and bootcamp. Issue is I’m reaching mid 30s, hopefully not too old. Can I reach out via PM

 

[TanMan]

Taking GRE and trying to do 3 month boot camp for coding, my family is in tech and they are concerned for my mental well being, i might explore a masters in biomedical engineering etc. depending on the GRE scores. Let's see how it goes in a month. By the way I am well liked at my job and I guess I am good at it; been practicing for 8+ years, but have began to hate the whole dealing with patients' minute complaints about everything in their life. Sometimes I feel I am their therapist who gets to sit and listen to their life problems, while I get paid 50$ for a filling. Something worth exploring if it isn't for you.

The trick is to finish the filling quickly. If the filling can be completed in a minute, 50 dollars a fill isn't too bad (50*60 = 3k/hour). Even at 3 minutes, it's still 1k/hour. My question would be why aren't your assistants dealing with the chit-chat?

 

[yappy]

The trick is to finish the filling quickly. If the filling can be completed in a minute, 50 dollars a fill isn't too bad (50*60 = 3k/hour). Even at 3 minutes, it's still 1k/hour. My question would be why aren't your assistants dealing with the chit-chat?

I agree. You have got to protect your time... and in your case it sounds like mental health if being dumped on bothers you.

 

[TanMan]

I agree. You have got to protect your time... and in your case it sounds like mental health if being dumped on bothers you.

Not sure what you mean by the second part of the sentence? If it means I don't like talking to people who talk for the sake of talking (and make no sense, are lonely, and so on...), then yes. I can carry on short conversations, but not 20-30 minute dialogues.

 

[yappy]

Not sure what you mean by the second part of the sentence? If it means I don't like talking to people who talk for the sake of talking (and make no sense, are lonely, and so on...), then yes. I can carry on short conversations, but not 20-30 minute dialogues.

Not you, sorry. I meant OP

 

[ddsaspi]

I’m considering doing the same thing and have made an 18 month goal: stem masters and bootcamp. Issue is I’m reaching mid 30s, hopefully not too old. Can I reach out via PM

definitely possible I am in my late 30's too.