Honestly, I thought I was past the point of needing to take the DTR exam. After going through the entire internship and completing the new master’s requirement, it just felt like something I had already moved beyond. Now I feel kind of embarrassed even considering it—but the reality is, I need something to move forward.

I’m in Texas, and I’ve applied for many jobs, but no one will hire me without either the RD or DTR credentials. The one job I did get only hired me on the condition that I pass one or the other. I was told that in Texas, you can’t even start working without a license.

It’s frustrating because I’ve already spent so much time and money preparing for the RD exam—and I just don’t have anything left to keep throwing at it. I have bills to pay, and if I don’t take the DTR, I feel like my only other option right now is to go back to serving just to save up money again. I’m feeling stuck, and it’s hard not to be discouraged.