What am I doing?

[dragonfly9]

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Is anyone else who is headed to school this fall thinking the same thing? I'm getting really nervous because lately I feel like I have to pep talk myself into being excited to start school. Part of me feels like 4 years is such a long time. I mean, I will emerge from D-school in my late 20s. My little brother will already have a good start on his career and I will just be starting out. Am I crazy? Am I ready for this?

Tell me I'm not the only one. . .

 

[aphistis]

You bet. We've got our undergrad degrees, which is what we spend most of our lives being told we need...and now we're signing up for four <i>more</i> years?

It helps me to remind myself that professional school or no, it's still college, and my college experience has been great so far. Also, we're going to have PLENTY of time for our careers--40 years, if you plan on retiring at the average 65. We're in, we're ready to go, all that's left is to hit the ground running 😎 Good luck!

(btw, where are you doing your dental?)

 

[FMLizard]

I wouldn't say your little brother has it better....

The vast majority of those starting their "careers" these days after graduation from undergraduate are unemployed or working the same jobs they worked during college. They will be doing this for many years, even if they went to an elite school and made awesome grades.

I anticipate this will continue long past the time you graduate dental school. You aren't missing out on anything.

 

[dragonfly9]

Its not just the career issue. . . I'm just afraid that I am basically going into a cave and hibernating for 4 years while everyone from my pre-dental school life is moving along and having an actual personal life, while I become involved in a deep relationship with caries. . .

I'm sure that if I wasn't headed to school in the fall, I'd be having a tough time. Maybe the grass is always greener. . .

 

[Yah-E]

Girl:

You've just experienced one of you many soon-to-come doubts and concerns as an official dental student in the next four years. Welcome!

These concerns and doubts are normal and common. I started dental school last year when I was 27 and I will not earn my DMD until I'm 31! If I specialize, then that will carry my age much older!

A lot of my close friends view our goals to become a dental medical doctor by investing 4 "short" years as not only as a legitimate "job", but also as a way to better ourselves than just settling for a "joe-schmo" job out of college.

Your socio-economic status as a United States dental student will be highly respected and regarded, believe me! As a lot of people would put it, "at least you're doing something with your life!"

You are joining an elite club! It's your age issue now, but wait until you have 15 exams hitting you in two weeks, then you'll have a completely different worry, trust me!

 

[zazzookode]

How naive and immature do you sound. Emerging out of dental school in your late 20's. You are lucky to even do that. When your brother gets unemployed in his late 30's due to economic trends while you are earning 6 figures and working a 4 day week, you tell me who has it better.

And don't let anyone fool you about how majoring in MIS or CS will guarantee you a 60K starting job out of college. That's a myth propagated by college students. Sure, your friend out of MIT may get that but your average Joe College grad WON'T. It's always people in the health care fields that think getting an MBA is an easier and better way out. These are the same people who have never held a real job in their life and have no clue about the business world. Don't buy it!

 

[DesiDentist]

If you are having doubts right now I think you didn't carefully select this field. Seriously, ALL of my buddies who are accepted are so excited to start Dental School. Yes, me included, are a little nervous and nostalgic since we are starting a new life. However, I think you should re-coop and think about your decision.

Maybe you aren't happy with the school you are going to? That also maybe.

A bachelor's degree does so much. A doctorate takes time but is worth so much more at the end.

DesiDentist

 

[ItsGavinC]

How does the OP sound naive and immature? Because she is expressing a fear and trying to fully understand the motivations behind the emotion?

Anybody who goes throughout life without questions decisions and choices (good AND bad) is missing a piece of the critical thinking process.

In my mind, if all of us who are starting this fall DON'T consider the gravity of our decision, perhaps we are in for a rude awakening when we actually begin dental school.

 

[dentalvibe8881]

I would have to agree with desidentist. You should be excited not doubtfull of your choice. Perhaps, you should work for a couple years and experience life's reality before tolerating your decision to start dental school. Everyone on here would kill to be in your situation. Being nervous is one thing, being doubtfull of your career choice is something else. In short, you aren't ready to start dental school. If I were you, I would work for a year and see if the grass is truly greener on the other side.

 

[GTchick]

I think you have every right to question things. Although I know I have made the right decision there are still times when I just ask myself what I have gotten myself into. I have worked in the so called real world and it is ok but not something that I would want to do the rest of my life. I do get jealous of my friends that have moved onto that next chapter in their lives though while I am heading back to school.