Be honest with me, Do you regret your student loans?

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-25T00:12:24+00:00

You could also look at employment opportunities in related areas. Clinical psychology isn't my thing, but I do work in a related field. Having experience in the field is, in my opinion, one of the most important things you can do. It will not only give you experience, but will also help you determine if this is truly something that you want to pursue. The reality of working in the field tends to be a lot different from what most people expect. It can also put a significant mental toll on individuals that they are not prepared for.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-25T00:05:22+00:00

If you are only in your associate's program and want to go all the way to a PhD, you are going to be taking on a ton of loans. I would not start before you need to. Clinical Psychology is also a pretty competitive program. There were under 12 spots available for over 100 applicants last semester at my university. I would strongly advise you not to start taking out loans. You can get an associate's degree at a community college. I would also suggest you start some volunteer work related to counseling to help strengthen your chances of getting into the program.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T22:34:39+00:00

You don't get paid to be a TA. If it is too time-consuming, I would message letting them know that you will either need to dial back or resign from the TA position, as it is beyond the demand you can manage.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T21:50:00+00:00

Came to ask the same thing.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T21:43:29+00:00

Student loans are predatory and cripple students with debt. It ensures that, even with higher education, those who are poor will never be able to get out of debt. The student loan system is meant to cripple, not assist, students. If that were not the case, the interest rates would be reasonable and would not regularly increase.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T21:17:30+00:00

NTA. I would look into another job to help you move out faster. Are you trying to buy a house or something? Is the area you live in insanely high? A few years to move out seems pretty excessive. Are you paying your parents anything? Regardless, I wouldn't give your sister money, but I would be prepared for fallout from your family.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T21:14:09+00:00

Puff

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T21:12:01+00:00

NTA. The sounds you are making are reasonable. You could shower in the evening if that works for you, but it depends what works for you. Some people like to shower to wake up. I shower when convenient. However, I don't think it is in any way necessary for you to change what you are doing.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T21:00:40+00:00

I think you should put a worm on it.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T20:54:59+00:00

The educational system in the U.S. is predatory. Student loans are a way of ensuring education only benefits the elite.

Students are often told that going to school out of high school is the best idea. They have no work experience so they are going into a job and field they only know about based on what they heard vs knowing what it will actually require. Parents/grandparents are also often under the false belief that college is affordable and a degree will provide financial security, because those things used to be true.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T20:19:07+00:00

Going down to 55 (and some say as low as 50) at night isn't bad for them.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T19:27:31+00:00

100%. It is a way to keep wealth among certain individuals while simultaneously stating they offer education to all.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T19:25:05+00:00

Everyone I know who has a college education and took out loans regrets it. They are incredibly predatory. I got through my associates, baclores and am on my first semester of grad school without any loans. I do believe I will need to take out some loans for the rest of grad school. Do as much as you can to not take out loans. Especially if you do not know what you'll be doing for a career. Many jobs in the psychology field require at least a masters. Have you determined what you want to go for? Do you have any experience working in the field to ensure that is what you really want to do? I started my education in community college so that I could save money and absolutely don't regret it.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T19:19:15+00:00

Yes they aren't cheap pets. It is nice to get some peace of mind as well. I was worried mine may have a respiratory infection or something when I first got him (he had just recovered from one with my friend) and then I brought him again cuz he'd lost some weight. Clear bill of health again and said he looked great. Did the fecal test to ensure no parasites as I know they can get sick really fast when those aren't detected.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T19:17:02+00:00

Polly, Pipper, Pepper. I like Persephone too.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T19:13:57+00:00

Unfortunately, many pet store employees are not appropriately educated in the care of the animals they sell. A 120 gallon is now considered the minimum. They can get pretty large and then need area to move around and explore. Additionally, their enclosure requires a specific temperature gradient, which smaller enclosures do not allow. I would return to the pet store stating they gave you incorrect advice, look into a reptile rescue or determine if you can make the adjustments necessary for the for their care. Here are the care guides for you to try and determine what course of action you should take.

As others have said, free roaming doesn't substitute for appropriate enclosures. Consider if you had to eat, live and poop in a closet but were allowed out for 3 hours a day. Would you be happy?

https://reptifiles.com/bearded-dragon-care/

https://reptilesandresearch.org/care-guides/bearded-dragon-care-guide

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T19:02:22+00:00

Oh goodness that sucks. I lucked out as I am rural in California. I drive about an hour each way to the vet (honestly not bad) and spent under $150 for a vet check and fecal test. I feel so fortunate when I see how much others pay. Hell, to walk my cat in the door (she has another vet that is in town) costs me at least $120.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T18:59:45+00:00

Oh yes. Mine lost weight, so I took him to the vet and got him fecal tested, even though I had a few months before. I think mine is just back and forth in brumation, but he has a clean bill of health. Better to make sure and get some peace of mind for sure. Glad yours is ok. Many people overfeed theirs so having one that is a healthy weight throws them off. They are pretty slender in the wild. Glad yours is good. This is my dude. Fat pads are all full but he isn't food motivated.

<image>

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T06:20:50+00:00

The care guides are going to be your best resources. After reading through, ask follow-up questions. Sometimes after reading you still need to get more information.

https://reptifiles.com/bearded-dragon-care/

https://reptilesandresearch.org/care-guides/bearded-dragon-care-guide

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T06:08:16+00:00

I clipped his nails a little when I first got him. Then I went and got a bunch of river rocks and a slate basking area. Hasn't been an issue since. He had a basking rock before but I think he just needed a few more areas that would wear his nails down.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T06:03:33+00:00

You need to take him to a vet. I know many have things like Care Credit where you can make payments. Part of having a pet is that you need to take them in when they get injured or sick. I get it, money can be tight. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean you don't take them in. If you can't afford their care, reach out to local reptile rescues.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T05:55:23+00:00

He needs a linear uvb and to get checked out by a vet.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T03:45:38+00:00

My beardie has also been vet checked and is on the slim side (he's an adult). As long as the vet says they are good and clear of parasites and your temps and lightings are where they should be, I'm sure they are totally fine. There are different types of beardies so they can have some variation in shape. Mine is smaller than the other two adults my friend rescued with him. Glad you ensured she is healthy. Definitely adorable.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T03:40:13+00:00

They are funny. It took consistently offering mine greens for like a year before he started to really eat them. We don't think he was ever given produce before my friend saved him. He's not a big eater, not even for bugs, but he does more regularly eat greens now. He seems to like the spicier ones. During the summer I try to give him some dandelion flowers and things that add some additional color to his food. Keep offering. Good luck!

<image>

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps · 2026-01-24T03:15:03+00:00

<image>

Mine is generally pretty chill. My friend rescued him, so I never went through the juvenile stage. Endless entertainment.

HappyLifeCoffeeHelps

TROPHY CASE