So, you think you might be a psychologist? Here’s a lighthearted look at some telltale signs that you’ve chosen this fascinating, and sometimes perplexing, career path. This list offers a humorous take on the realities of being a psychologist, from the rigorous academic training to the professional challenges.
You were trained as a scientist, and your profession’s journals reject 80% of submitted manuscripts. The world of research can be tough!
You don’t dare move out of state for fear that you might not be able to get licensed in the other state. Navigating state licensing boards can be a real headache.
You have just spent $450 on a professional workshop, plus another $650 on travel and hotel expenses, only to find out what you had hoped you would learn is unethical to do without a two-year post-doctoral program. Continuing education is vital, but sometimes disappointing.
You have a doctoral degree but make less than occupational therapists and physical therapists with a bachelor’s degree. Your professional association encourages you to provide free services. The economics of psychology can be surprising.
Even though you have just completed six years of post-graduate training and have a doctoral degree, you still need two years of supervision to be allowed to take a licensing examination. More training? Always!
Your main competitors for jobs have master’s and bachelor’s degrees. The job market can be competitive.
Your colleagues who were appalled at the use of medications to treat behavioral disorders ten years ago are now active advocates of prescription privileges. The field is constantly evolving.
You are in a doctoral training program that requires an internship, and there aren’t any. Securing internships can be a challenge.
The professors who taught the core content of the background and discipline of your profession publicly express serious doubt about whether your applied activities have any validity or merit. Even experts have doubts.
Your colleagues have vigorously and publicly debated whether schizophrenia really exists for the past 50 years, and you are genuinely perplexed as to why the Alliance for the Mentally Ill is not impressed with psychologists. Some debates never end.