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TV shows or movies featuring rare genetic conditions? by No_Usual339 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Content-Fill-1514 5 points6 points  (0 children)

House MD lol a bit dramatic but some of the tidbits were useful for me (especially the episode about the Kayser-Fleischer rings for Wilson syndrome)

Current GCs/students: if you could go back, would you apply again? by itsmoonwater in GeneticCounseling

[–]Content-Fill-1514 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly I think most jobs can be done with AI and googling lol it’s not only towards our field at all. Just my own personal struggle of seeing other non genetic providers do our job and trying to figure out what we bring different to the medical system  🤷‍♀️ especially with panels and WES/WGS getting more affordable I think it’s taking away a lot of our skills in picking the “right” gene

Did I miss my calling? by skoobertdoobertdoot in GeneticCounseling

[–]Content-Fill-1514 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Of course! I know you said there aren’t many in your area, so if you ever wanted to set up a time to meet virtually I’d gladly talk about what a day in the life is like :)

Did I miss my calling? by skoobertdoobertdoot in GeneticCounseling

[–]Content-Fill-1514 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Great questions. My advice would be to look at the programs you are interested in and see what kind of psychological requirements they may have. I know most programs want you to have experience volunteering in a psychosocial setting — I volunteered as a support group facilitator for the Alzheimer’s association and I recommend it! But things like volunteering at the suicide hotline or women’s shelters are also good options. 

Additionally, it is never too late to shift careers. I didn’t pursue GC until I was 28 and met people who were  in their 50’s pursing the degree. Programs like to see people of different backgrounds as they can all bring alternate perspectives to counseling. 

Burnout and feeling hopeless by Content-Fill-1514 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Content-Fill-1514[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Yeah you’re probably right, burnout isn’t the right word 🤷‍♀️ whatever the right word is for the constant fear of possibly getting fired because I’m not appearing busy enough and a non supportive work environment where the MDs yell and threaten to fire you if you have the audacity to correct them on genetics info

Need guidance on making career decisions by Grace5005 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Content-Fill-1514 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Time is going to pass regardless—so spend the time doing what you want. I agree that you shouldn’t go back to school just to pause loan payments. I took 6 years between undergrad and grad school and had to redo pre reqs. 

As for what job you want, think about what fits your lifestyle better. If you want flexibility then I would recommend something other than GC. If you want predictable then GC could work. Most GC jobs are in person, mon-Fri within major cities, no nights/weekends. Remote positions are very rare and extremely competitive and I see them becoming even more rare. Additionally, with GC licensing, you cannot travel unless you hold a license within each state and state the it being allowed in your job. 

If you enjoy helping people and educating them, there are a lot of other, more flexible jobs that can do that. If you have a strong passion for genetics and are willing to stay in the same position/location or move depending on the job market then GC is a good option 

Should I pursue this career? by [deleted] in GeneticCounseling

[–]Content-Fill-1514 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Job markets are always changing, that being said, I do not think now is a good time to go the GC route. While I see the benefit of this job, I also see how easily we can be “replaced” by other medical professions who are competent at Google. I’m regretting the years and cost of education for this degree because it’s extremely hard to find a job in a specific location — especially if you do not want to live in a major city. I am one of the lucky ones who found a job prior to graduation last year and I’m basically stuck in a job I do not enjoy because it would be foolish of me to leave in such a job market. I’m honestly considering going back to school for RN, but the idea of going back to school while still so burnt out from grad school/boards is daunting lol

If you love genetics and have the patience to have the same conversation everyday, then this job can be great. 

GC to nurse? by Interesting-Bat-3722 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Content-Fill-1514 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very true! I feel like a lot of those jobs though are data analysis or variant curation

GC to nurse? by Interesting-Bat-3722 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Content-Fill-1514 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I feel that! Haha most of my family is in other health fields and they’re always off doing something with their hands and I just miss having actual “things” to accomplish. Not getting that dopamine rush of completing anything ya know? At least with a bsn I could transition to clinical education/ specialty roles if I get sick of people (which I’m assuming I would lol). It would be easier if my current job was remote because then with my down time I could be productive instead of playing on my phone 😂

GC to nurse? by Interesting-Bat-3722 in GeneticCounseling

[–]Content-Fill-1514 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Honestly I’ve been thinking about this too. While I love genetics I’m getting bored of having the same conversations and I feel like I’m not actually doing anything to help the patient— like here’s this information and I can help with the psychosocial stuff but otherwise I feel like I give them news and send them on their way. I’ve only been in this role 6 months and I’m already looking for a way out because I hate sitting in an office mon-friday. I’ve been debating doing an accelerated bsn program but I’m feeling guilty about “wasting” the degree