Feeling Like an Absolute Fool

[Willie Pep]

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Well, I actually talked to my family about my desire to go to PT school tonight, but didn't quite get the reaction I was hoping for. Little background about me is I'm 24, graduated about a year ago with my BBA, and spent about half the time since then traveling in southeast Asia. Now I'm back at home, bored off my ass, and wanted to aggressively get cracking on these prerequisites.

Anyway, I should have talked to my family first, but I decided I'd register for classes and then tell them. Well, after spending the week sparring with admissions people and religiously hitting the refresh button on the anatomy registration page, I told my dad about my desire to try for PT school next year.

He told me that he thinks I should concentrate on getting work experience right now instead. He told me I have no real work experience (he's right, I've only had summer jobs) and that's a major weakness in my resume. He also told me I need to make some money.

The worst part is I know he's right.

I'm just so frustrated though because what's the point of me investing a year or two of my life working whatever full-time job I can find when I already know from what I've experienced volunteering that PT is a field I really like? I'm very afraid that I'll start working, lose my nerve to commit to going to PT school, become complacent, and spend the next 40 years in a career that only pays the bills.

Not sure what my next move is. My dad is right about a lot of things, but it ain't his life to live either. Need to do some thinking.

Just had to rant. Totally frustrated.

 

[zenman]

Do what you want to do. Parents screw up a lot of kids.😀

But do try to get your family to pay for all your college....

 

[facetguy]

Your dad is wrong. Go to PT school.

 

[MuscleHead]

it doesnt sound like your dad has a clue, sorry dude. you dont need "work experience" to become a PT, with the exception of volunteer hours.

the longer u delay it the harder it becomes to get back into it. im 26 and wish i had done this a lot sooner.

 

[MinnDasota]

I'm assuming BBA=business admin? Does he want you to get a job within that field? Why not get a job as a PT aide/tech. That way you can work and continue to get experience in the field. It may not be a ton of money, but it may appease your dad.

 

[eder10986]

Go to school, then to PT school.

Get work experience by volunteering, being a PT aid or even shadowing. Enough said

 

[jess818]

as others have said, you do NOT need any work experience for PT school. in fact, I was told when I used to volunteer that you legally can't do much PT related things anyways because you are not certified.

in any case, it would nice if you could get some sort of job to help pay for bills, school, etc. at my university, there was a career website that let local industries post job opportunities. maybe you could find a part-time business internship? that would be related to your degree and flexible as internships are usually for students so the managers realize you have classes and homework. i have an internship right now at a hospital. it's more business related than physical therapy but i at least have my foot in the door. my managers know i want to go into PT so they have mentioned many times that they will put in a good word for me with the hiring PT managers 😀

it pays well and i am only working 8 hours while in school and pick up to 40 on my breaks.

all you need is volunteer experience to apply-also as a side note, my managers have offered to let me shadow the PTS here at the hospital. so that would be my suggestion-check with your university that you graduated from for something like that! also, if there is a career center, they help new graduates find jobs. if PT is your dream, do not put it off as it is a LONG road. you can always go get a job if you change your mind!

 

[Willie Pep]

well, thanks for the advice guys. my dad isn't telling me to get work experience for PT school, he's telling me to get it for life experience ("getting up and going to a job everyday"). My liking the PT field is a weak factor in his eyes because I've never worked in any other fields (other than bull**** clerical jobs), so how do I know I wouldn't like something else, something much more easily attainable?

then he went on to tell me that work is called work for a reason ("because you wouldn't be there if you didn't get paid"), almost as if suggesting to me that seeking out a career with a true sense of purpose is futile.

the truth is I want to believe him because then I don't have to experience the possible failure of taking my prereqs, doing bad, not getting in to PT school, and then having to look him in the eyes with this expression of embarrassment for me on his face when I tell him I'm gonna look for a job.

 

[kurtin2kiter]

Do the prereq's and volunteer/work hours and you will get in somewhere. No need to save up... you will almost definitely just need to take out loans anyway.
Also, PT school is good work experience in itself! 7am-4pm class everyday plus homework/studying in my opinion is harder than working full time.
Do what you want and don't be scared! I was in a similar situation and am now SO glad that I decided to just do it, take the prereq's and apply. I am very happy in PT school right now, and it's great to know I will have a good career in 2 short years.

 

[pwrtrainer]

...

 

[jess818]

I see where you are coming from. I have a really hard time imagining letting my parents down. But, you gotta do what you want. It seems like you are unsure of becoming a PT? Have you shadowed a few? If it's what you wAnt your parents will come around.

 

[myr11]

I think that you are acknowledging all that you should be right now with your situation. Your parents want you to become independent and from what you are saying it seems like that is your goal as well. It seems like what your father is saying is that "life is not perfect" and either should be your career but you have to get up on your 2 feet and do something now! It seems like you understand that but you should also understand that you need to put just as much work into making yourself happy as well as independent. So, your goals seem to be get into PT school and get some life experience with a "real" job. My suggestions are get into those pre-requisite courses and keep the schedule LIGHT! for the first semester. I would make sure that they both are not tough...So e.g., take Biology 1 with maybe a non science class that you still need like statistics or what have you...At the same time I think it is a great idea to get some work experience but I would not make that work experience your primary goal! Find something that is flexible yet can give you some experience in an area you desire, and there is no shame in just getting a job to make some money!, like at a local store. All of us had to do it in one way or another...Now I think it is important you also sit your parents down, explain to them your passion for physical therapy, your desire to work but also explain to them the process of getting into PT school, how demanding it is and how this is a real long term goal of yours that you will not stop working towards...Forget about doing poor! If the first semester does not work out for you and you change your mind then no problem...Just don't bite off more then you can chew too quickly with the classes you take, as well as the job you pursue...This job is not going to be the end of you! It will just put a few bucks in your pocket, nothing wrong with that!...
(I just finished my 1st year as a DPT student, and I dealt with many of the same issues getting here, take my word that it CAN be done!) Sorry for the long post but your post hit home with me...