<p>I'm a college junior who's hit a pretty low point, and was hoping that advice from wiser and more experienced people might help. Any advice is really appreciated.</p>
<p>As mentioned, I'm nearing the end of my third year at a fairly competitive four-year university. I'm a Chemistry major, and until recently was planning on going to graduate school. However, a tough semester work-wise (classes, plus doing research in a lab) has left me pretty burnt out. To be honest, I think I may have been a bit burnt out coming into college, but have managed to push through, mostly.</p>
<p>As for why I'm not so sure about grad school - I've been working in a research lab for over a year, and I'm not really enjoying it anymore (I like the people and the environment more than the research, I'd say). Not sure I can commit to 5 years in a PhD program as a result.</p>
<p>I've done pretty well in my classes up until this semester, but it's starting to show in my grades that I'm worn out. I'd like to do something meaningful with my life after graduation, but I'm not sure where I'm headed. </p>
<p>Any thoughts on how to recuperate, or suggestions on alternate routes post-graduation? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>As temporary solutions, maybe taking up a new hobby, something adrenaline-inducing that allows you to blow of steam, or something new and intellectually fulfilling that you know nothing about. I feel the same way you do about not being so sure after having had an extremely clear path in mind, and taken up a lot of related extra-curricular, etc… and even though these sorts of thing will not help you find something meaningful to do, they will help you get through the day and maintain your grades by providing you with quality side-activity that you can look forward to after you have done your work. I think putting “boundaries” also help. I decided not to do any work once I get to my room, no more work past 3am, and no more working on both Saturdays and Sundays. I also quit two of my 3 work-study jobs, and even though I am now poorer, I have more downtime, and overall happier than earning money I would any spend on coffee and those disgusting 5-hour energy drinks. I would love to hear what others have to say about actually finding something enjoyable and meaningful to do though.</p>
<p>I think you are wise to study your options now - don’t rule anything out just yet, but keep everything on the table. The American Chemical Society web site has some interesting options for chemists who are looking at non-traditional chemistry careers. </p>
<p>That being said: you are right to think long and hard about grad school in chemistry if you’re already less-than-enthusiastic about lab work. My husband and I both have graduate degrees in chemistry. It can be a long, brutal slog even if you love it - I can’t imagine making it through 5 or 6 years of lab work if you’re not thrilled with (and committed to) being in the lab for 10 to 12 hours a day, six days a week. </p>
<p>It’s true that your burn-out may be temporary - that’s why I said not to rule out any options yet. Who knows, you might “catch fire” for chemistry again! In the meantime, there are many options open to you in chemistry that don’t involve grad school in the subject. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>What about taking a semester to either study abroad or work? Sometimes a change of scenery is needed - especially a change to something less academically intense. You may see things more clearly when you get back.</p>
<p>Even if you don’t leave, consider taking a ‘sabbatical’ from the research lab, even if you don’t leave school for a while. Check out what other kinds of chemistry-related research are going one and think about changing the type of research you are doing - or at least taking a break from it. </p>
<p>Or avoid taking chemistry classes for a semester: Give yourself permission to spend a semester trying out classes in areas that you haven’t explored before, or take a light load so you have time to try new things in other areas of your life.</p>
<p>And think more widely about your future plans - maybe grad school in chemistry isn’t the answer. Maybe your burn out is trying to tell you something about what you need and aren’t getting on your current track. We can become pretty good a not listening to our doubts when it creates dissonance. Give yourself permission to be unsure for a while.</p>
<p>My husband and I met at a local state university that was not highly ranked. Previously, he went to U of Chicago and I went to Iowa State. We were both burned out. We both had not such great grades. We both took about 2 yrs off and worked. Then, we both enrolled in the local university and met. We had things in common obviously. Now, he is an IT manager with a major software company. I am a SAHM. We do well. The two years off did not hurt is at all. Not in the short run, not in the long run. I think it worked out for the best.</p>
<p>Another Chem major here (math double … but that’s another story). Junior year can be a “make-or-break” year. I had three lab courses each semester which makes for L-O-N-G weeks. I think the above advice is really on-point. This is exactly the right time to think about why you’re feeling burned out. Summer’s coming up. Take it off if you can. Do nothing, or take some mindless job. The spark will return … or it won’t. Either way you’re ahead.</p>
<p>[Note: After UG I tried commercial chemistry in a Fortune 500 company. I decided it wasn’t for me, and switched into Computer Science. You’re not locked into a life of chemistry just because you majored in it.]</p>
<p>You don’t have to go to graduate school immediately after you finish undergrad. You can take some time off, get some work experience, and if you still have the desire to go - or find a new area of interest - you can pursue it again in the future. I am really glad that I took time off after graduating, and even though I am still 100% sure I want to enter a doctorate program, I have learned a lot and paid down some students loans. I also think I will have a strong application since I have had more time to research schools and topics of interest. </p>
<p>As for the here and now, is it possible to take a semester off for a personal leave? Or to take a lighter course load next semester? You also have the summer coming up, so maybe letting loose and enjoying yourself will be enough to get back into the swing of things in fall. </p>
<p>Students often feel like they need to follow the “plan” - to spend 4 full years at undergrad and then run off to graduate school or get a full-time job right away. Taking a semester off and pushing back graduation for a semester or two isn’t a bad thing, and neither is taking a lighter course load or postponing graduate school admissions. The typical plan doesn’t work for everyone. You know your situation and feelings best. Maybe it’s the topic of the research you’re not thrilled with? Or the actual type of work you’re contributing to the project? Until you can begin to pinpoint the problem areas, you need to plan out how to give yourself a break and refresh your interests and motivation.</p>
<p>This is a very good idea. Just don’t wait too long. </p>
<p>For a person who’s been working, going to graduate school usually means lowering your standard of living. Your stipend as a teaching or research assistant is going to be substantially lower than your salary at most full-time jobs. If you’re only a few years out of college, you will probably be able to adjust. But if you’ve been working longer, it may be more difficult.</p>
<p>Take a break this summer, and don’t do anything chemistry related. Just let your brain relax, whether it be from travelling, or working a boring job. Just don’t push yourself to do research/whatever, because you’ll just end up hating your subject. A break will really let you cool off, and then assess where you want to go in life.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies, everyone! This really helps put things in perspective. I’m planning on finishing up the four years, but may take some time off afterwards before applying to grad school. We’ll see. </p>
<p>I’m curious about what people do when they take time off (either in the middle of the undergrad years or between undergrad and graduate). I know someone who’s working in a chemistry lab in the university, but that’s not much different than grad school in some ways, or at least from what I can see. What did you (or someone you know) do with the in-between time?</p>
<p>Also, if you’re interested in a work-study abroad or just going abroad, check with your local Rotary club. I’ve heard a lot about how awesome Rotary’s work-study programs are so you might be interested (I have no idea what kind of work you’re supposed to do though, but it’s worth looking into). Hope this helped!</p>