Graduated in summer 2016, doing MA, so depressed.

[hazythinker]

Well, that's about it.

Graduated in July 2016. Straight onto the MA (constitutes professional qual) in the October. The workload is killing me and I am so tired but this is the only way that I can achieve my dream career. I don't know what I would do if I quit... What could I do with a Social Studies degree? Really...

Does anyone have any advice? I want to give up so badly, but I want to keep going even more.

I miss my son (who was 6 months old when I went back to uni), I miss fresh air, I miss seeing people... but I want my career, I need it, for my independence and my confidence.

I feel so sad, I think I am failing.

[voilets]

Oh dear. Stress of studies.

Try talking to well being dept. Or whatever is called at your uni. They can help you priortise.

You could take a gap year and work part time to give you a head rest and give you perspective.

Just do things not to burn out.

[hazythinker]

Thanks for the reply.

I can't take a gap year. It's an intensive course, requiring placements and training. It's all or nothing. Plus it's funded...

Sorry for seeming negative.

[Waitingforsherlock]

Is it full time placement plus academic work or is the work load balanced? Are you living apart from your son?

Do you think that the fact that you didn't have a break after your degree might be making things more difficult. I thought I would never write another essay ever again after I had finished my degree. I was so sick of academic work and went off to earn some money in an undemanding job because I couldn't have done anything else. Placements etc must be making extra demands upon you too.

Who funds the course? Is it an organisation that could be approached for some help?

[hazythinker]

Hi Sherlock.

It's 2 years, full time with 2 placements (1 per year), meaning attending uni all week and writing assignment after assignment (40000 word total this year - not including role plays, exams and poster presentations and then interviews for placements) and then working full-time for 4-5 months of the year.

Oh no, I have my son, he lives with me - but I mean, I feel as though I am not there for him? I don't get to have fun with him. Though, obviously I'm trying to do this to secure his future!

No extra help from funding body - it's a very competitive and complicated process and there's no room for negotiation. You attend or you fail etc...

I agree, this is burn out. Essays are now boring me and no longer inspiring me. Perhaps if I just hang on in there for placement - at least then I can get stuck in to some more practical stuff.

[Ohtobeskiing]

It sounds really tough but try and focus on the end result - it will be worth it. When is your next placement due to start?

[Motherofhowmany]

Is it a social work ma? If so I know how you feel as I've just finished mine a few months ago and went straight from my BA onto it. It was infinitely more intense than I expected it to be and there were many times I contemplated giving up. However in so glad I didn't and I definitely found it easier when I was on placement.

[hazythinker]

Whoops, I didn't see this reply. Motherof.

Yes, it is indeed the SW MA. I'm swamped with work right now. I was encouraged by my results the last time around and decided to just power through and stop whinging. It's an amazing opportunity and I should try enjoy it. That said, this lot is really testing me and I feel similarly to last time!! I think you're right, I'm keeping placement in my sight.