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meganfm · Oct 16th, 2009, 01:41 AM

I'm basically exhausted. Today I was trying to study for an exam, and I just didn't have it in me. I don't usually get burnt out so early in the year, but I took a couple of summer courses and I didn't get a break at all over that time. I'm graduating in December, I know I'm SO CLOSE, but I'm struggling to keep myself motivated. I cried 3 times today because I was tired, I found out I have to mark exams for the class I'm TAing at the same time I have my OWN final exams, and I realized how much work I have to do this weekend (my birthday weekend too).

I'm trying to get applications for grad school in, and my mom wants me to take a year off to "refresh" myself. But I know I'm one of those people that if I take a year off, I won't go back.

Those of you in school/recent grads, how did you make it through? What do you tell yourself to keep going? What little things do you do for yourself to help refresh you when you're in a stressful time?

dbtbandit67 · Oct 16th, 2009, 01:57 AM

Originally Posted by meganfm

I'm trying to get applications for grad school in, and my mom wants me to take a year off to "refresh" myself. But I know I'm one of those people that if I take a year off, I won't go back.

I think your mother's right.

Sternchen · Oct 16th, 2009, 02:39 AM

First of all: allow yourself breaks! You need the time to "refresh" (like your mom said) yourself and to get back some energy and some motivation! Try to make a time-plan for yourself. Allow yourself breaks between studying - go take a walk and enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful fall weather, lay on your bed and listen to some music for a while. Also, don't stay up too late! It's important to get enough sleep. I find that if I don't get enough sleep I tend to make myself more stressed than I would if I weren't so tired.

Have a nice birthday and don't let this get you down. Enjoy YOUR day and do only things that you want to do. You've worked hard and you deserve it!

I know what you feel about not having a break. I finished my last Semester at the end of July and started my internship basically right after that. With three kids, my husband, a household and my family...and then work and school piledon to of that! I'm just plain exhausted and sometimes feel like I'm running on fumes!

Compass Rose · Oct 16th, 2009, 08:35 AM

Keep a small diary or journal at your bedside at night. You can record how you felt that day and maybe you'll come up with what your biggest stress points are.

natalie78 · Oct 16th, 2009, 09:50 AM

I was the same way and did give up. I stopped going to class, my grades dropped, and I went on academic probation. I dropped out. After a semester of a crappy job, I went back and finished. Now that I look back, I wish that I had just sucked it up and kept going.

Keep at it! I know that you are tired and stressed...I've been there. But don't give up! There's a light at the end!

NYCBelle · Oct 16th, 2009, 09:55 AM

i totally know how you feel. when i was in college finals and midterm weeks were nonstop. barely any sleep. my dad would find me asleep in my room at 7am when he's getting read for work sprawled out in my bed with my head on top of my books and papers. i'd just keep going and think that this will all be over in a week and then i can sleep till the sun doesn't shine lol and i would!

meganfm · Oct 16th, 2009, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by dbtbandit67

I think your mother's right.

I should point out that I'll be graduating in December and starting up school again in September. I have to take a couple of PT courses in between that (prereqs for my postgrad program) but I feel that's enough to give me a breather. Everyone I've seen (my mom included) who "took a year off" NEVER went back, and I don't want that to happen to me.

blueeyedgirl · Oct 16th, 2009, 11:54 AM

I know how you feel- I am burnt out as well. If you ever want to vent, feel free to PM me!

I think taking some time off, a semester or a even a year, might be good. It will give you some time to relax and refocus. I wish I had done that last time I got really stressed out, because I ended up dropping all my classes in the middle of a semester, because I really couldn't deal any longer. Don't put your mental or physical health at risk. It's like my bf says, "If you start feeling a little sick, take a day off and rest, so you get over it right away." It works the same for mental ailments, don't let it get so bad that you need even more time off.

girliceclimber · Oct 16th, 2009, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by meganfm

I should point out that I'll be graduating in December and starting up school again in September. I have to take a couple of PT courses in between that (prereqs for my postgrad program) but I feel that's enough to give me a breather. Everyone I've seen (my mom included) who "took a year off" NEVER went back, and I don't want that to happen to me.

I would definitely take a year off, especially if you're feeling burnt out while you're still an undergraduate. I'm currently in my third year of graduate school, and more than half the students I've encountered have taken some time off between undergrad and grad school. My opinion is that if you want to do your grad program enough, you will drive yourself to do it. Those people you know who took the time off and didn't end up going back to school might (1) have found something they wanted to do more or (2) have decided that grad school wasn't for them. Maybe not going to grad school was the right thing for them to do, and taking a year off gave them the opportunity to realize that.
In my experience, grad school has been about 3 times more work than my undergrad, so you really have to come in eager to work.. otherwise you won't have a good time, and you won't learn anything.

kimalee · Oct 16th, 2009, 07:29 PM

I know what you mean - if I had taken a year off, I wouldn't have gone back. I know myself and I just know that I wouldn't have.
I'm in my 5th and final year (I'm in a grad program). My school has an accelerated degree program - basically you do your first year of grad school during your undergraduate senior year, so I only have one year left. It was really killer sometimes. I'd totally have major breakdowns and want to give up. I even contemplated dropping out of the grad program because I was so unhappy.
But after a couple of months, I was fine again. Just tell yourself this: YOU WILL GET THROUGH IT. Sometimes you just have to trudge along even when it feels like you'll never get there. I promise you, you will. And you'll be so happy when you do - you'll look back and tell yourself it was easy.
Just handle one thing at a time, one day at a time. Allow yourself to have fun on your birthday - have fun and forget about school for one day. After that, just take things as they come. It's sort of a 'keep on truckin' mentality. There are weeks that completely suck, and other weeks where it almost seems easy. Take a breather if you have to. Listen to some music or watch some TV in between tasks. Spend some time with friends. Go for a jog. Try to find small hobbies that don't make you think about school at all.
You can do it, don't give up! And just remember that there are lots of us here going through the same thing if you need to talk!

PrettyInPink · Oct 16th, 2009, 07:39 PM

OMG... I so know how you feel. I'm in my senior year, and I'm definitely burned out too.

Basically, what I do is allow myself ONE DAY per week to do what I please. No homework, NO papers, NO school at all. And, honestly... it really helps.

meganfm · Oct 17th, 2009, 05:51 PM

Thanks for all the great advice! I find I spend a lot of time vegging in front of the TV/on the computer-instead I want to try doing things I actually ENJOY (hobbies and whatnot) and try to keep on top of my readings more so I don't end up having it all piled on at the end (I'm a horrible procrastinator).

I appreciate those of you who say a year off might do me good-but the thing is, the program I'd be going into is only 9 months anyways. It's not like it's another 3+ years of schooling. I don't think I'd be able to "enjoy" the time off knowing that I just have to get back into the student life in the near future. Even after a break in the summer I find it really hard to get back into the swing of things-I can't imagine how I'd be after more than a year off!

@Kimalee Yeah for sure I think a big part is that I'm right in the "middle" of things right now. I know in a couple of weeks I'll get a breather and I'll feel silly that I got so worked up. I am REALLY looking forward to finishing up and enjoying myself over the holidays though :)

chinahopes · Oct 17th, 2009, 06:23 PM

I'm in grad school, and I also have 2 babies at home. It's not that school is difficult, I just miss having nothing that HAS to be done.. I SOOO look forward to those couple of days off around Thanksgiving. But at the same time, I'm keeping my eye on the prize.

Just keep going. You'll be grateful that you did.

ShopGirl647 · Oct 18th, 2009, 09:03 PM

It's a mental preparation for the real world and believe me, in the real world, there are some days where you want to quit but you CAN'T. I'd say keep going cuz you're almost there!!! Good luck!!!

choooooo · Oct 20th, 2009, 02:46 AM

NO no no no....don't take a year off. if u r someone like me,then don't....

when i am in those tough days,i always write down what i will do after tough days,help me a lot...i will finish my job or my things as soon as i can!!!when i see my will doing list,i get very excited and have energy for everything...maybe u can try,works for me....

wish u luck...we can go through everything!!!!!

Oct 16th, 2009, 01:41 AM	#1
meganfm OP Member Joined: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 1,605	I'm so burnt out from school..... I'm basically exhausted. Today I was trying to study for an exam, and I just didn't have it in me. I don't usually get burnt out so early in the year, but I took a couple of summer courses and I didn't get a break at all over that time. I'm graduating in December, I know I'm SO CLOSE, but I'm struggling to keep myself motivated. I cried 3 times today because I was tired, I found out I have to mark exams for the class I'm TAing at the same time I have my OWN final exams, and I realized how much work I have to do this weekend (my birthday weekend too). I'm trying to get applications for grad school in, and my mom wants me to take a year off to "refresh" myself. But I know I'm one of those people that if I take a year off, I won't go back. Those of you in school/recent grads, how did you make it through? What do you tell yourself to keep going? What little things do you do for yourself to help refresh you when you're in a stressful time?
	__________________ Wish List: -Alexander McQueen Flapper -Balenciaga GSH City -Miu Miu Coffer -YSL Muse

Oct 16th, 2009, 02:39 AM	#3
Sternchen Proud mama of 3! Joined: May 2006 Location: Bavaria, Germany Posts: 13,951	First of all: allow yourself breaks! You need the time to "refresh" (like your mom said) yourself and to get back some energy and some motivation! Try to make a time-plan for yourself. Allow yourself breaks between studying - go take a walk and enjoy the fresh air and the beautiful fall weather, lay on your bed and listen to some music for a while. Also, don't stay up too late! It's important to get enough sleep. I find that if I don't get enough sleep I tend to make myself more stressed than I would if I weren't so tired. Have a nice birthday and don't let this get you down. Enjoy YOUR day and do only things that you want to do. You've worked hard and you deserve it! I know what you feel about not having a break. I finished my last Semester at the end of July and started my internship basically right after that. With three kids, my husband, a household and my family...and then work and school piledon to of that! I'm just plain exhausted and sometimes feel like I'm running on fumes!
	__________________ Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl this year and have worked very hard for my family, my school and my job. This year I would like to wish for only one thing: THE CUPCAKE CAR!!! Please and thank you. Love, Melanie

Oct 16th, 2009, 08:35 AM	#4
Compass Rose Opie, My Schmopie!! Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Southwest Florida Posts: 8,626	Keep a small diary or journal at your bedside at night. You can record how you felt that day and maybe you'll come up with what your biggest stress points are.
	__________________ Teddie says......"They'll never find me in here"! My jewelry creations at: www.greenfeatherdesigns.com

Oct 16th, 2009, 09:50 AM	#5
natalie78 Dave's not here Joined: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,665	I was the same way and did give up. I stopped going to class, my grades dropped, and I went on academic probation. I dropped out. After a semester of a crappy job, I went back and finished. Now that I look back, I wish that I had just sucked it up and kept going. Keep at it! I know that you are tired and stressed...I've been there. But don't give up! There's a light at the end!
	__________________ I consider myself a good judge of people and that's why I don't like any of them. ~Roseanne

Oct 16th, 2009, 09:55 AM	#6
NYCBelle Yahtzee anyone?? Joined: Oct 2006 Location: 57th & 5th Ave Posts: 5,545	i totally know how you feel. when i was in college finals and midterm weeks were nonstop. barely any sleep. my dad would find me asleep in my room at 7am when he's getting read for work sprawled out in my bed with my head on top of my books and papers. i'd just keep going and think that this will all be over in a week and then i can sleep till the sun doesn't shine lol and i would!
	__________________ "Is there blood in my hair?" On a serious ban...Have a wedding to plan

Oct 16th, 2009, 11:54 AM	#8
blueeyedgirl Fashion Addict! Joined: May 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 146	I know how you feel- I am burnt out as well. If you ever want to vent, feel free to PM me! I think taking some time off, a semester or a even a year, might be good. It will give you some time to relax and refocus. I wish I had done that last time I got really stressed out, because I ended up dropping all my classes in the middle of a semester, because I really couldn't deal any longer. Don't put your mental or physical health at risk. It's like my bf says, "If you start feeling a little sick, take a day off and rest, so you get over it right away." It works the same for mental ailments, don't let it get so bad that you need even more time off.
	__________________

Oct 16th, 2009, 07:29 PM	#10
kimalee on a mission Joined: Jul 2007 Location: (Hotel) California Posts: 15,827	I know what you mean - if I had taken a year off, I wouldn't have gone back. I know myself and I just know that I wouldn't have. I'm in my 5th and final year (I'm in a grad program). My school has an accelerated degree program - basically you do your first year of grad school during your undergraduate senior year, so I only have one year left. It was really killer sometimes. I'd totally have major breakdowns and want to give up. I even contemplated dropping out of the grad program because I was so unhappy. But after a couple of months, I was fine again. Just tell yourself this: YOU WILL GET THROUGH IT. Sometimes you just have to trudge along even when it feels like you'll never get there. I promise you, you will. And you'll be so happy when you do - you'll look back and tell yourself it was easy. Just handle one thing at a time, one day at a time. Allow yourself to have fun on your birthday - have fun and forget about school for one day. After that, just take things as they come. It's sort of a 'keep on truckin' mentality. There are weeks that completely suck, and other weeks where it almost seems easy. Take a breather if you have to. Listen to some music or watch some TV in between tasks. Spend some time with friends. Go for a jog. Try to find small hobbies that don't make you think about school at all. You can do it, don't give up! And just remember that there are lots of us here going through the same thing if you need to talk!
	__________________ banned! until March 3, 2010 (aka London shopping trip)

Oct 16th, 2009, 07:39 PM	#11
PrettyInPink <3 Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Hockey Town! Posts: 1,445	OMG... I so know how you feel. I'm in my senior year, and I'm definitely burned out too. Basically, what I do is allow myself ONE DAY per week to do what I please. No homework, NO papers, NO school at all. And, honestly... it really helps.
	__________________

Oct 17th, 2009, 05:51 PM	#12
meganfm OP Member Joined: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 1,605	Thanks for all the great advice! I find I spend a lot of time vegging in front of the TV/on the computer-instead I want to try doing things I actually ENJOY (hobbies and whatnot) and try to keep on top of my readings more so I don't end up having it all piled on at the end (I'm a horrible procrastinator). I appreciate those of you who say a year off might do me good-but the thing is, the program I'd be going into is only 9 months anyways. It's not like it's another 3+ years of schooling. I don't think I'd be able to "enjoy" the time off knowing that I just have to get back into the student life in the near future. Even after a break in the summer I find it really hard to get back into the swing of things-I can't imagine how I'd be after more than a year off! @Kimalee Yeah for sure I think a big part is that I'm right in the "middle" of things right now. I know in a couple of weeks I'll get a breather and I'll feel silly that I got so worked up. I am REALLY looking forward to finishing up and enjoying myself over the holidays though :)
	__________________ Wish List: -Alexander McQueen Flapper -Balenciaga GSH City -Miu Miu Coffer -YSL Muse

Oct 17th, 2009, 06:23 PM	#13
chinahopes Luckiest. Joined: Oct 2008 Location: the Beach, SC Posts: 1,000	I'm in grad school, and I also have 2 babies at home. It's not that school is difficult, I just miss having nothing that HAS to be done.. I SOOO look forward to those couple of days off around Thanksgiving. But at the same time, I'm keeping my eye on the prize. Just keep going. You'll be grateful that you did.

Oct 18th, 2009, 09:03 PM	#14
ShopGirl647 Member Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,201	It's a mental preparation for the real world and believe me, in the real world, there are some days where you want to quit but you CAN'T. I'd say keep going cuz you're almost there!!! Good luck!!!
ShopGirl647 Member Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 1,201	__________________ RANDOM TWEET/BLOG http://twitter.com/mzshopgirl

Oct 20th, 2009, 02:46 AM	#15
choooooo Member Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 94	NO no no no....don't take a year off. if u r someone like me,then don't.... when i am in those tough days,i always write down what i will do after tough days,help me a lot...i will finish my job or my things as soon as i can!!!when i see my will doing list,i get very excited and have energy for everything...maybe u can try,works for me.... wish u luck...we can go through everything!!!!!
choooooo Member Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 94

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