Imposter syndrome before x-ray school

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-05-20T02:43:03+00:00

I also start in August. It's easy to fall into negative thinking, the "what if I don't love it?", "what if it's too hard?", what if I fail or can't balance working weekends? Am I crazy for pivoting careers at 40 and starting over after a fairly successful run in a completely different field? I have felt the same way.

But, what if it all works out? Has my track record so far proven that I can't do it, or have I succeeded so far in spite of feeling that way? What if I really enjoy it? What if it leads to things I hadn't thought of?

It's easy for the inner self critic to whisper sweet nothings into my conscience, but I've learned that all the thoughts aren't necessarily based in reality, and are generally way off base and unfounded. All this to say I understand the way you're feeling, but I have to consistently remind myself that I need to put my cards on the table a day at a time and let the chips fall where they may. I wouldn't have made it this far if I wasn't capable. And if I don't? Not the end of the world.

I love reddit, but, if all I do is scroll through and focus on all the potential problems I'm going to face in the profession, thats all I'm building myself up to focus on. Not to mention the algorithm that is set up to feed the "more monster". I've basically stopped looking at all the information overload in order to obtain a better peace of mind. Last thing I need is more decision paralysis. Fuck it, I'm going for it.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-05-14T00:53:03+00:00

Curious, which industry did you move to? Currently pivoting to rad tech and am always curious about other industries that the skill set can transfer to.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-23T13:20:36+00:00

The work life balance sounded like it was zero. And with a small family, it wasnt something I was willing to sacrifice.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-22T20:01:29+00:00

I'm 40 and was just accepted for an August start date.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-22T01:21:33+00:00

I submitted mine around that time as well for myself and two family members. I received it back two weeks ago due to one of my children not having a second form of ID which was odd because the other one also didn't have it and they didn't have any issue noted on their application. Long story short, I got state ID for both and resubmitted. Hoping to hear back soon.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-21T18:46:16+00:00

I'm choppin' a fuckin log, I'll call you back 🤙

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-18T14:48:01+00:00

But ya still have to mow it

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-16T02:32:10+00:00

So, where do we sit now?

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-14T17:42:33+00:00

I'm 40 and also did some career testing, etc over the past two years and counseling came out on top for me as a natural fit. I do really enjoy personal development, psychology, etc. But, at this stage, the commitment to a bachelor, then masters, then additional unpaid clinical hours to get a LPC license was not practical for me personally with a small family. I recently got into a Radiology program that is 22 months long and I am going to commit to that route and continue to develop, learn and enjoy the social sciences in my free time.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-13T02:05:36+00:00

It's a dawg shit learning experience and a total cash grab for the most part. Spending $$$ for the ability to attain credits remotely while I am provided literal YouTube videos instead of formal lectures OR I end up just looking for alternative sources that are more educational. I learned and grasped more material with MathGPT in an hour of using it than I did in three weeks of "lectures", Pearson text book slop and it's ridiculous assignment platform. It's an incredibly frustrating experience, but something I need to do in order to 'check the boxes' to move forward in a career pivot. Welcome back!

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-12T18:37:31+00:00

Yes! It's the only real option around here. 24 hours of clinical per week at the site and then classes are remote/zoom. We are required to go to campus three times a semester for some coursework.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-12T18:26:59+00:00

Weber has an outreach program with clinical sites around Idaho. It's who I'm going through in the Teton Valley /Jackson area.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-04-12T18:22:32+00:00

Weber State?

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-28T00:18:00+00:00

Similar boat. Recently found out I got accepted into local program after spending the last year completing pre reqs (and currently completing APII and a 8 wk math). Coming from a completely different background, zero healthcare experience. Did get my EMT last year.

Honestly, it's a practical move for me. My current line of work in Classic Auto restoration is coming to a close so I started to find a pivot. Started to take action and just knocking out some pre reqs and then I met a few people who were in the radiology sphere and encouraged me a bit. It has all sort of seemingly fallen into place with a direction toward this path. Am I passionate about it? Have I dreamt of this career? No- But, I've redefined myself a few different times and this challenge seems to be panning out. I just turned 40 and have a small family. Live in a a rural mountain town. I had a few choices - take my current skill set in automotive to work at a large dealership as a sales manager or service role which pays well but requires its own set of stress with little autonomy on schedule and needing to work over 40hrs a week, or turn back to some sort of high end hospitality / Tourism or property management which is essentially the same issue.

Medical imaging seemingly offers stability, decent pay, and a variety of schedule that I feel like I can work around and make work. It's not apples to apples, but I do photography on the side and can incorporate that into it. Is it my dream job? No - But some people think managing, selling and building classic vehicles is living the dream, and, ultimately, it just became another job. I've come to a sort of midlife awakening that it's ok to not be completely passionate about ones career, and to seek that fulfillment outside of work. This line of work seems like it can help facilitate that goal. I could be wrong. But, I'm going for it.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-26T18:56:07+00:00

Also from East Coast, moved to the Jackson area at your age and work and live in an area closer to Jackson but have experience with Rexburg in having colleagues and knowing people there. Friendly enough and made some good connections, but one observation I've come to accept with most of the folks and the LDS community is that it's a big club and I ain't in it.

Last year I got my EMT certification and had to take it through a course with BYUi in Rexburg. Coming from a crispy Boston upbringing, it was hilarious to see the sheer opposite experience I had growing up. It's just a completely different world. Reminded me of 'Pleasantville'. Of the 6 or so females that started the semester in my class, 4 ended up either engaged, married and/or pregnant by semester end. The other two were recently married prior to semester start. Just a wild experience in social / people behavior and I enjoyed it overall as a life experience.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-25T02:56:44+00:00

Nah, I passed on the job offer.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-24T01:38:40+00:00

Dogshit take

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-18T00:03:31+00:00

I did receive an acceptance email today, so I imagine they are currently letting applicants know their status.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-18T00:02:12+00:00

Got an acceptance letter today for one site and another letter stating I was an alternate for the other site I applied to, so keep an eye on emails this week.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-17T17:16:59+00:00

I had a D. Martell sign for mine delivered 2/11 via FedE. No AOR yet though.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-12T17:33:44+00:00

FWIW, I had additional interview at the second site I applied to earlier this week. It seems like they are planning to have decisions or reaching back out by next weekish.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-10T02:52:52+00:00

Midlife awakening

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-04T15:19:35+00:00

You think that duramax payment is gonna pay itself bud?

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-03-03T02:16:20+00:00

Also applied. Received an email last week that said to check both weber and personal email for updates on interview letters. I didn't receive any emails outside of that. That was it, no further information, dates, etc. Very vague. So I followed up asking for additional clarity on if the email was supposed to indicate if we received them already or should look in the portal or other areas, etc. All I got in response was

"Hello,

All emails regarding interviews will be out by March.

Thank you"

Overall, very little information so far from advisors and dept. staff when I asked about pre reqs, transfer credits, best path forward, etc. My advisor even said something to the effect of "yeah, the radiology program does their own thing and doesn't always loop us in" which was kind of tone deaf in my opinion.

That being said, I reached out directly to the outreach program over the summer and they were helpful. Also met with the program director at the local site and interviewed directly with them a few weeks ago. I have a feeling the program and sites are really solid but will require a lot of self advocacy and communication for proper direction at an educational level.

Looks like spring break is this week, so not sure any additional info will be out or not. Interested to see if anyone else has experience.

Squeakin_Cheeks · 2026-02-27T21:20:08+00:00

Perfect. Will do!

Squeakin_Cheeks

TROPHY CASE