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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.