u/TDC_Playbook

37m thats just started a bridging undergrad after finishing a music degree 10 years ago.

Im genuinely enjoying the coursework immensely. I view it as my chance to exit the corporate grind of sales.

In true ADHD fashion (diagnosed as a child), ive jumped around several different industries. Ive also travelled extensively and lived in 4 countries.

Id appreciate anyone's feedback on my plans and questions below, but espexially those who started in their 30s. Feel free to tell me if my ideas are infeasible.

1.) I plan to he a registered psychologist in my early 40s. That leaves aboit half my working years left. While I think age and maturity is a benefit in therapy to an extent. Perhaps a late 60s or 70s therapist might be viewed differently, especially with younger demographics. What do you think?

2.)What else would an experienced therapist of that age do after maybe 20+ years of therapeutic practice? Perhaps in research, or speaking opportunities? Id hope to have a long career with of freedom to pick and choose whats important to me later on.

3.) If I cant finish my masters and registration, how helpful would a bachelors be in securing a good role in human resources, talent acquisition (i have agency recruitment experience and am business minded), or in marketing as an alternative pivot out of commercial sales.

4.) I plan on being a Positive Behaviour Specialist, throughout my studies and volunteer in organisations like ADHD Australia and other non profits. But Ive read about upcoming changes in NDIS and that funding will be reserved for severe cases of autism and other disorders while more general support might be done in the private sector and through clinics. how viable is the PBS pathway in the next 12 months?

5.) Ive just finished my 2nd of 10 study blocks for my undergrad. And again. In true adhd fashion my biggest flaws are structuring answers, and also academic style writing. I know i have great ideas, and recognise relevant patterns well and apply what currently little knowledge I have well in assessments. How much did your academic writing and structure improve from the beginning of your undergrad till towards the end?

6.) Relating to the prior point, i understand that 4th year/honours marks is what really determines your eligibility for masters acceptance. So im using my undergrad as a training ground to improve the flaws I mentioned. Would that ne a good view to have? What else can I do now to prepare myself as someone virtually uninitiated in counselling, for top 4th year marks or acceptance for honours?

7.) Lastly, how viable is the pathway to be registered as a professional psychologist and later get qualifications to become a clinical psychologist?

Ill continue reading the other posts on this subreddit and wish you all the best with your studies.

I was always a skinny ginger kid, not particularly funny, in fact most people thought I was a bit crazy, but it was probably just the adhd. Very lonely, especially as a teenage years and early 20s, because I had absolutely zero interest from women. It can be absolutely crushing

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Everything changed for me when I

1. stopped caring. And i dont mean in a bitter way. Like actually stop caring where communication leads.

2. genuinely enjoyed the conversation. Was present. It helped me ask good questions, keep everything flowing and let the good parts of my personality shine through.

3. owned and accepted some of my insecurities. Making the odd joke about having red hair or laughing with her about a funny reaction i made actually helps create a good image and bring us closer.

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Now Im married with a daughter. If you told me that 5 years ago I never would have believed you. But yeah, things really started turning around for me when I implemented a few small attitude adjustments like this.

I just wanted to share that its really enjoyable so far although its still my first subject learning about different approaches to personality.

Its still amazing. I just wish I didn't wait until my late 30s. I know this is so much more aligned with what im meant to do than my previous career.

Oh well, better now than later. Much respect to everyone studying and practicing around the world.

Im very interested in neuroscience and brain chemistry e.g sustainable dopamine management. Also ive done a music degree in the past and wish to study how creative outlets impact depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

If anyone wants to connect on those topics, give me pointers or on anything else dms and comments are always open.

Can't believe im going back to school at my age. I did a Bachelor Music over 10 years ago so I can save a yr or so my bridging the 3 yr psychology diploma

The music was a but naive. It was expensive and most I could learn on my own or with short internet courses.

But I think I know a way I can create a nonprofit combining both. Id really like to research how creative outlets like music can help with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.

One thing thats really intriguing is dopamine management. I even wrote an ebook on how to develop sustainable dopamine management strategies to help with common addictions. Id be happy to share with you if you're curious and want to check for accuracy.

Im starting in Australia and its all online. To make things even more complicated im trying to balance making an income, having a child in 6 weeks and living in South America before returning to Australia at end of year.

Id love to know any tips you have for me in balancing this. And anything you wish you knew when you started.