Thanks for stopping by!

It definitely sounds like you have found a potentially great school for your continuing education! I definitely know what it’s like to feel passionate about a certain path or place – as an INFP it’s sometimes hard to find a balance between the need to do what feels right with the need to balance my budget.

My first thought is this: have you considered other schools that might still offer a program that you are looking for but would be a cheaper alternative? I know your heart is set on the school you have found and it wouldn’t be your top choice – but you might thank yourself for it later and still have a great career as a counselor. At the very least it’s worth considering. If you tried a cheaper school and didn’t like it, you could potentially change your mind early on.

I’ve learned that there is no “perfect place” in life – even if you went to that school you might have some tough semesters where you are wondering if you made the right choice. However, you certainly do not have to compromise on your choice of career! INFPs make great counselors and if your heart is set on that path you should definitely follow through. The most financially painless means to getting there might not be the most attractive choice, but I’ll bet that if you did research, found a good alternative, and committed to giving it your best shot you would feel like you made the right decision.

And if you feel like you made the wrong choice, you could always change your mind early on and reconsider the first school!

Best of luck!

I really want to attend a particular grad school that is so incredibly unique and greatly expresses the deepest yearnings and values that I hold. However, with this economy, it is so hard for me to go to this school. Really logical people would say its a mistake to become a counselor when they only make 30-40,000 a year. I would also take out about 40,000 or a little more in loans to do this. There is no other school I want to go to. It is this one or no grad school. Any other place would be a waste of time. I’m 25 and will have all but 2,500 or so paid off in debt. Any suggestions? I know I lack confidence in myself…. and have issues with anxiety. Every time I tell myself I’m going to do this, I become anxious about the money and then eventually fall into a “life is meaningless” depressive state. It’s so tiring…

Glad you enjoyed my article! I definitely know how it goes – can be quite difficult finding/creating work that is meaningful to you. On the one hand you can look at your work as a means to an end and try to start something that pays the bills while you do something really meaningful with your life on the side. One of the best parts of starting a business is that it can be anything you choose. If you have a skill to offer others, if you can market this skill effectively you can have a business that’s profitable and makes you feel connected to what you are doing.

One piece of advice I would say is the pick something that you have considered and focus. Give yourself a trial period to try a business idea out (at least 6 months) and see it through to the end. If it doesn’t work, you can try something else. INFPs are idea people who want to help others… consider a business where you are doing something good for other people – coaching or counseling are good areas to consider.

I also got laid off right before I launched my web development solo business. Losing that job was the best thing that ever happened to me! I’m also an INFP.

Good luck!