I got the results back from the forensic scientist trainee job written test that I took. I did pass the test but I really do not feel happy about this. Lately I have been waking up feeling anxious. I have been doing aerobics and toning with weights and yoga but it gets rid of the anxiety for a while but then it comes right back. I think a great deal of my anxiety comes from having no direction in my life. After college all of my jobs have been clerical. I really have not been able to get any jobs in my major, Biology. It just seems like all of my friends have a direction and I still just treading water. For a while there I was feeling very happy and relaxed but recently I have just felt lonely, dissatisfied with the way my life is going and sad. Does anyone else feel this way? In any event thanks for listening.

I just graduated from college and just started a new job near my hometown. I had big plans of working for a large corporation like IBM or Accenture, but guess what, it didn't happen that way. Then I had to realize that I am where God wants me to be in life. Yeah sure, some of classmates are working at IBM right now, making twice the money I am making, but guess what? I feel safe and secure in the job that I am in right now. I know that with my degree that I could be making a lot more money doing what I am doing, but money doesn't buy me happiness. I have learned to look to positive sides of things. I received a degree in management information systems, and I am gaining SO much experience at this job now. I don't plan on staying to this job forever, but with the experience that I am getting and with the money that I am saving now, I know that I am looking towards greater jobs and greater rewards in the future. So don't compare yourself to your friends or other people. I found myself doing that a lot, and that is what makes us unhappy. Comparing ourselves. WE ARE WHO WE ARE!!! GOD MADE US, AND GOD LOVES US!!! So you do what makes you happy. Found that job. Open new doors for yourself. You can do it. Just continue to pray and keep God first in your life. If you need to talk more, just post again, and I'll be glad to chat with you.

Dear Blanxfem,

First and most importantly, we can not compare ourselves to others - i.e.: your friends who seemingly have "direction". I do understand where you are coming from. I too am not working in what I went to school for. I feel I am in a dead end job and not fullfilled at all. I feel like I should be doing so much more at my age. But this way of thinking is exactally what further feeds our anxiety. You passed the test - so, now what do you want to do? Do you want to get into forensics? You are at a cross roads but you have made progress - YOU ARE A STRONG PERSON. You took the chance - the test - which I would find very scary in and of itself. That is a HUGE step. This is just a hiccup! Keep going - and measure yourself not by society standards of what/where you "should" be - but where you are content and fullfilled. Review the "Should" tapes - they will be helpful here. With great admiration and support - keep up the good work!

Wendy

Blanxflem,

I know exactly how you feel. I graduated from college last December with a double major in Animal Science and Animal Ecology. I keep applying for park ranger, biologist, zookeepers, and even vet techs (I finally did get a vet tech job, after awhile searching). I think that someday I want to do more of the Wildlife Biologist/Park Ranger type of job...esp at a state or national park (Hopefully, Yellowstone, which is my ultimate fave!). My job now, I don't really care for (see the forum in lesson 7). I currently still seeking other employment in one of those areas because I have never done that and I would like to at least try it before I get stuck in a certain area. I know there are tons of areas for us with our degrees...sales, farms, zoos, labs, etc, etc. People look at my resume and go you have a lot of potential...why don't you try this...I try and usually I don't get the job. I had a 2nd interview for a park ranger job about a month ago and got my rejection letter today. It was hard for me to swallow, since it would be my ticket "out". I know that there is something better for me out there, but there is a reason why I am where I am yet...I just haven't figured it out yet! Anyway, I understand what you are going through! I am not sure if I made sense...but I just wanted ya to know that you aren't alone!
Take care,
Cindy