Big decision to make

I am already stressed out (money, financial crap) but am considering going back to college. Do I take even more on my plate? I am scared to fail. That is half of me, the other half is excited at the opportunity. It is only 1 class a month, i find my safe place inside myself, and tell myself that I can handle 1 class a month. Yes, it is an online college.

My meds are working well, I have skills I can use when I get anxious. I'd like to try this. It is just I have failed at school before, I have walked that path. Maybe it is just too much for me to handle?



You will not give me the answer, only I can do that but I am interested in your feedback.

I went back at age 37 was scared to death that I couldn't do it. I wanted it so bad I just went for it. It was not easy I took a little different approach than you. I decided I could be miserable for a four years or for double that so I took a full class load, and summer classes. At that time I was employed full time also. It was worth all the sacrifice. You will be fine. Funny thing was I took a speech class as my first class. I figured why not do the scariest one first.
Ed

I know that you're afraid to fail, it's something I struggle with, too. My pdoc called it perfectionism paralysis. You're driven to be perfect, so you procrastinate, then you become paralyzed or unable to accomplish.

The truth is, though, really and truly failure can't hurt us. If you were to fail a class, all that has really happened is that you failed a class. You can retake it, appeal it, or try again later. Everything will still be okay. You failed once and yet you still find that you have this opportunity to try again, right?

I think you can do it, though. Larry is right, I think non-traditional students try harder. You know what you're fighting for now. You have experience as motivation.

It's something I'm actually considering. Took an aptitude test Thursday night. I'm not sure that I can afford it, though.

In my opinion, if anxiety stops us from moving forward, from living (or at least striving for) the life we want, anxiety wins. And we don't want to let that ugly beast win.

Best of luck in your decision. :)