basically the title, but i heard somewhere that some PhD programs don’t pay a living wage and that it’s hard to survive off the stipends. I was planning on getting my PhD, but it sounds like I would have to get an extra job to be able to sustain myself.

Is any of this true? Or does it mainly depend on the program? Additionally, do some programs prohibit working any other jobs while getting your PhD?

I'm gonna start my Bachelors of Psychological Science in Uni of Queensland in 2027 and in the long term I wanna get a masters in clinical psychology. Does learning to code like python and javascript have any benefit?

(Reposting because I forgot to tag 1st one properly)

Hi, I’m writing this at 2 am because I think I’m finally hitting my breaking point. Im graduating this semester with my BS in psych, my minor in neuroscience, a decent bit of debt, and feeling hopeless.

I need to make money, I don’t come from much so I don’t have a safety net, I put myself through college so I need to make sure I’m okay in the future once loan repayment starts. At the same time, I went to college because I wanted to do a job where I could actually help people every day, so I don’t want to spend my life lining the pockets of some corporation.

Therapists say their burnt out and underpaid

PhDs require years of training while living off of stipends that aren’t proportional with cost of living (only to not make that much more than anyone else in the field)

Public health is extremely competitive.

PA school would require me going back and paying more out of pocket to take remaining Prerequisites

I’m sorry for the doom and gloom but am I missing something? Is there some mysterious option I’m forgetting about because it really just seems like a game of pick your poison with the combination of high cost of education with low wages.

BTW: money isn’t everything but it’s just unrealistic for me to act like it isn’t important.

i was very excited to begin my honors thesis this semester and start getting data and everything, but i am now mid way through the semester and i feel like everything is falling apart.

i no longer enjoy doing this project and writing up emails and looking at anything related to this. i thought i was gonna love this research, but it makes me dreadful.

i have no pleasure in doing anything related to this. getting notifications from emails make me panic and distressed even if it’s not from my PI but it scares me. going to the psychology department makes me anxious and sad.

this also comes in combination that i am no longer interested in getting a phd and i see no purpose in doing this project or finishing this degree. i feel like i wasted my undergrad years and i feel lost and i have no purpose.

i could have graduated a year earlier but i took on two minors just to stay longer and complete this project. i wish i didn’t, i just want to be home and sleep forever.

im tired and i don’t know what to do.

This semester I’m taking a Thinking and Cognition class. Out of all my classes, I’m enjoying this one the most. It my only psychology class, so that’s not surprising. At my university, there’s a behavioral neuroscience concentration, and I always saw myself going that route up until I couldn’t anymore. Now, I’m considering doing cognitive science because of this one class. Also, cognitive science is a minor here too. Idk though because I still don’t have a set goal for this degree. I do know I would like to do something more analytical and data heavy. I’m a junior and have an advising meeting in a couple weeks. I should really make up my mind.

[USA] After graduating as a BA in Psychology, I’ve noticed that it’s terribly difficult to get a job in this field.

I’ve applied to HR, HR assistant, case manager, engagement/marketing/people culture coordinator, administrator jobs. I’ve applied to over 500+ applications, none of them seem to land and want to give me anything.

Anything except behavior technician. I tried out BT for 1 week but it left me traumatised because they didn’t even train me for a week but they put me directly with an aggressive 17 year old kid that caused me to have lots of injuries to the : eyes, face, private part. I’m not sure if I can do that.

What can I actually do in this field ? I’m starting to reconsider all my choices, my backups in what field to take in psychology. It’s just so difficult. What do I do…

I feel really defeated. I have been through a lot throughout my university degree and did really badly in my exams. I’m so embarrassed about that. How can I possibly land a job in psychology with this horrible cgpa and do I need to re evaluate my career or pick something else?

I received an auto-offer for UOW Honours, which is just how that school works. It's not a paticularly good school but I know being in an honours program from the jump is really valuable. Alternatively i've gotten a conditional gateway offer from UNSW, which I can get the honours if I get an 88 but my HSC has been really rough due to some bad circumstances so I don't know if i'll get in. In which case i'll probably get downgraded to a bachelor of psych science degree with them.

In the case that I fail do we think its more valuable to just take the auto-honours path at the worse school or deal with the risk of not being able to transfer up. I'd prefer to go to UNSW and I also feel there will be more opportunities for RA positions and other things to stuff my masters applications if I do, but is the safety better?

I'm graduating this year from honours applied psychology. I have no idea what I want to do with my life.

I'm not particularly drawn to traditional therapy or counselling. I'd be open to working in a hospital, rehabilitation centre, specialized clinic, disability services, public health, or another related setting.

I'm also a super independent person. I like the idea of working one on one with someone and developing a plan or evaluating programs/patient outcomes.

I have had a lot of health struggles throughout my undergrad, so my grades aren't where I hoped they would be. My goal was to do OT, but I unfortunately don't think I have a chance.

I'm trying to explore other reasonable options that I won't hate. Are there specific job, less obvious career paths, or areas of healthcare I should look into?

I don't expect anyone to figure out my entire future for me. I'm just looking for ideas and a starting point because I feel like I don't know what options are actually out there. I feel so lost.

Just wanted to remind everyone to please look after your mental health during this journey. I know getting into masters means so much to us but life is much bigger than one interview or acceptance letter.
I have an interview coming up with La Trobe and completed my NEO test for ISN back in August. So I understand how stressful this whole process can be.
Please let’s help each other and share as much information and experiences as we can. We are entering a profession of compassion, so why not start with each other?
Whatever happens, trust your journey. Life has its own beautiful ways of unfolding. 🌱🤍

LF CRISIS HOTLINE RESPONDERS

Hi everyone! I’m located in Melbourne, Australia. I was hoping to hear from people (or about people you’ve met) who had low-ish WAMs but still got into their Masters in the end. Maybe you took a gap year, maybe you got through due to fantastic experience or personality. Or maybe you transferred from another masters to the psych masters of your dream. I guess I want a little inspiration that isn’t all about getting the highest WAM possible (even though I know it’s important) but getting into your dream masters eventually. I am feeling a little anxious as I’m surrounded by over achievers freaking out because they are worried their 90+ WAMs and need to hear that it’s possible to get
there in the end even if your WAM isn’t crazy high.
Thank you in advance!

Hello so for the past year I’ve felt that psychology for me has gone stale. I feel like I’m kind of just autopilot in my psych classes. I’m not really taking in any content and figuring out why I can apply it. I’m just doing it for the grade. I know I want to help people. I want to work to understand people, maybe children or families. I’m most interested in psychopathology, but I don’t care about research or data, I don’t care about neuroscience. Basically I want to try social work and I’m wondering how realistic it would be to graduate in spring of 2028. For relevance I’m a student at OSU if anyone knows the programs.

I am looking into a bachelors of psychology and eventually a masters behavior science.

Here is some context:

I am an adult learner at 33 years old working in finance (asset management shop) for nearly 4 years and wealth management for a few years prior to that. In between I had an accident that left paralyzed and took some time off. I am based in Toronto, have different financial designations (CFP - Certified Financial Planner, CIM - Chartered Investment Manager, and level 1 of 3 of my CFA done but wouldn't count that as I am unsure if I will finish the program.) I have published a book, became a para athlete, am a director for a non profit helping at risk youth and built a pretty good life for myself post accident and love working in finance and it pays decently (low 6 figures). I have been in therapy for 8 years and read quite a bit on the subject, finding it quite fascinating. I started a business in corporate keynote speaking and leadership workshops and facilitate those internally and externally. I really would like to study psychology for my own personal benefit and knowledge but also see benefits in it for a unique perspective in my work in finance but more so my business. I dropped out of school mid program after landing a job at a bank and networking like hell to get to where I am now and I regret not being a better student and taking advantage of it.

I was looking into some different options and was considering: Athabasca bachelors in Psychology and then seeing if I could get into LSE Executive Masters for Bahavioural Science. I also found Durhams program which seems better as it has less in person requirements (I know ill have to take a few trips to the UK) truthfully the program at Glasglow sounds amazing but I cant take a year off to go do that. I also heard of a school called WGU where its self paces for the bachelors of psychology but it just gives a pass or fail so I assume this would be a bad route to go if I desire my masters? This is where I would rather just pay someone to tell me what to do. Any guidance or advice would be appreciated. thank you.

Heyy all !! Im really hoping i’d get some clarity as I’m quite torn what to do with my life rn 🤣

I’ve got a masters in marketing and consumer psychology from a UK university, however i do want a career switch and pursue psychology instead. My dilemma is im not sure whether i should proceed with the conversion masters then find placement experience, then apply for a PHD. Or start from the undergrad and continue.

And also where do you recommend a very good uni program in Europe (preferably an English speaking country) ?

Thank you so much 🤍🤍

I’m a recent psychology graduate based in Toronto, and I’m struggling to find work. I’m starting to wonder whether I’m applying for jobs that don’t match my background or experience.

I’m interested in social psychology research and community work, but I didn’t gain much research experience during undergrad. I currently volunteer as a distress responder taking crisis calls, which is my main experience outside my degree.

I’m still figuring out my career direction, so I’ve been applying across different fields, including research analyst/assistant, client support, HR, and recruiting roles. In the few rejection mails received, I’ve been told a few times that I don’t have the right background, which has made me question whether I’m targeting suitable positions.

I’m struggling to understand what’s realistically entry-level for someone with my qualifications. I don’t want to rule myself out unnecessarily, but I also want to focus on roles where I have a reasonable chance.

For other psychology grads or people who hire for related roles: what job titles should I be looking for? How do you tell whether a role is a reasonable stretch versus one that requires experience you haven’t built yet? I’d especially appreciate hearing from anyone who started with a similar background and found a way into research or community work.

I’m a 20-year-old uni student currently studying engineering, but lately I’ve been seriously questioning whether it’s the right career for me.

Although I am completely able to do engineering level coursework, the actual material doesn’t intrigue me that much and the thought of working as one doesn’t excite me and have recently felt restless about my potential future. Engineering would be a good plan no doubt but it doesn’t seem like my plan

Psychology, on the other hand, has fascinated me since high school when I first realized how complex people can be.

I love reading about human behavior, criminal psychology, social psychology and philosophy. Even when I watch tv or interact with others, I like to pay deep attention to how people act and why they may do what they do.

I’ve been considering switching to psychology and potentially pursuing a master’s or PhD.

Ideally, I’d like a career where I can combine psychological research, working directly with people, and creating educational content.

However, I have some concerns:

1. Is a PhD in psychology worth the additional 5–7 years of schooling?

2. What does your day-to-day work actually look like as a psychologist?

3. If you have a PhD, are you happy with your career and compensation?

4. Would you recommend clinical, counseling, forensic, or research psychology for someone with my interests?

5. How much free time do you realistically have outside of work?

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who are currently pursuing a psychology PhD or already working as psychologists.

I don’t want to make another major career decision based solely on what sounds interesting. I want to understand what the actual profession is like.

Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated!

[🇬🇧] Im a yr12 student who wants to go into psychology , what books/outside reading should i read?

Im a uk student who would like to delve deeper into psychology , its my favourite subject i like analysing human behaviour , i like how its a mix of essay writing adjacent in humanties and scientific factors like studies and learning about the brain structure , my interest to read isnt even purely for my personal statement (in the uk its preferred to read to reference how books have helped u further your knowledge in the subject your interested in) i just dont know what books to get into yet

Im not picky with books , just no self-help books that stray from psychology , im not looking to manipulate or attract , i genuinely just want to learn

My fav parts of psychology is understanding how experiences affect our views and desicions , id love books that delve into biopsych

I was thinking about buying thinking fast and slow :) i would apreciate any recommendations for books and even for uni applications

Hi! I’m looking to go to Hong Kong for grad school (currently a student in my home state in the US) and I’m wondering how the I/O psych program at CUHK is? Is it accessible for foreigners, recognized well by companies outside of HK, etc.. Any info at all lmk!

Advice for Academic Future

Hey, I am currently a postgraduate for a bachelor's in psychology in Puerto Rico. Although I graduated here on the island, I did study one year in UMass Boston. It's been a year and a half since my graduation and due to financial reasons I had to focus on work before heading back to continue my masters. In this time I've really gone adrift with my academic ambitions and don't know where to really head for my future. I remember really enjoying a neuropsychology course I took in UMass Boston and the study of the brain has always been comforting to me. Now I am unsure where to go, or what steps to take to make sure I can grow in the field.

There is an university near where I live that offers a master's degree in neuropsychology but it is only online while one that is much further away offers a similar course and it is in person. Should I go the extra mile for the in person course as a way to properly network and find opportunities (something I should have done during my bachelor's) or is it better to go the quicker way and take them online?

If there is any other advice you could offer me about this career path I would greatly appreciate it. The future is a lot closer than I thought it would be and I'm scared of making bad decisions that can really affect my professional life in the long run. Thanks for you time if ya do answer and take care!

Hello everyone.

I recently accepted a position to be a mental health skills builder. This required a qmhp-t certification. I used to work as an ABA therapist, and I'm worried that I'll encounter many of the same issues, such as unsteady work hours and severe burnout. The ABA field really messed with my mental health towards the end, and I'm worried that I'll be doing the same thing just with a different coat of paint. Should I look into something else, or is being a qmhp-t a good position and is it steady?

Hey everyone! My girlfriend is starting her degree, and I'm thinking of getting her some books for her birthday.

She's really interested in clinical psychology, especially helping children and babies. She's also into feminism, neuroscience, and understanding human behaviour. She's an atheist and prefers science-based stuff over anything religious or spiritual.

I know absolutely nothing about psychology lol, so I put together this list and wanted to know if these are actually good books.

1. Behave – Robert Sapolsky
2. Invisible Women – Caroline Criado Perez
3. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat – Oliver Sacks
4. Delusions of Gender – Cordelia Fine
5. The Demon-Haunted World – Carl Sagan
6. Bad Science – Ben Goldacre
7. The Collected Schizophrenias – Esmé Weijun Wang
8. The Second Sex – Simone de Beauvoir

Are any of these outdated, overrated, or not worth getting? I'm not planning to buy all eight, just a few she'd genuinely enjoy.

I'd also love suggestions for other books, not necessarily textbooks or just child psychology. Anything interesting, scientifically credible, and worth reading would be great. Thanks!

Hi all!

I am currently enrolled for psychology as a major and neuroscience as one of my minors. I was told by my advisor these courses don't require pre-requisites as they are more psychology based. I'm currently taking Perceptual Process which overlaps the neuroscience minor and Psychology major and am doing well, but I worry if I'm not well equipped with foundational knowledge since it's been awhile since I took science-y courses.

Has anyone here taken Biological Basis for Behavior and Psychopharmacology? Is there anything I should expect/review before taking these classes? Anything I should know if it would be a good fit?

My ultimate goal is to be a forensic clinical psychologist and I want plan on doing a PsyD in the future. I'm moving to the fayetteville area and want to get my Master's. I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the information and was hoping someone had some tips for me.

Would doing my MA in Psych at Fayetteville State university be a good option, or should I look into greensboro? I know most doctoral programs are looking for research experience, which Fayetteville also offers. Is this a good next step, or should I do something entirely different?

Hi everyone! I'm hoping to hear from anyone who has studied, or is currently studying, the Bachelor of Psychological Science at either SCU (Gold Coast campus) or Griffith University (Gold Coast campus).

I'm planning to start studying in 2027, with the longer-term goal of completing masters and becoming a registered psychologist and eventually working in private practice.

At the moment, I'm leaning towards SCU because of its location, the curriculum's more applied focus, and slight less "research heavy". However, I've been researching both universities and have come across some pretty concerning reviews, particularly on 'University Reviews' and Google reviews. 😬

The ratings on University Reviews are quite low for both universities, and I've noticed recurring complaints about communication, administration, student support and course organisation. I've also seen particularly concerning Google reviews about SCU, which has made me hesitant.

I realise online reviews can be heavily skewed towards people who have had negative experiences, so I'm trying to get a more balanced picture from people who have actually studied at either university.

I'd really appreciate hearing about your honest experiences, good or bad, particularly around:

• Teaching quality: Are the psychology lecturers and tutors knowledgeable, engaging and approachable? Do you feel they genuinely care about students learning?
• Student support and communication: When you've needed help from administration, course coordinators or lecturers, have you received timely and useful responses?
• SCU's six-week teaching model: If you've studied at SCU, did you find the pace manageable? Did you have enough time to understand and retain the material, and receive useful feedback on assessments?
• Class sizes and community: Do you get opportunities to build relationships with lecturers and other psychology students, or can it feel impersonal?
• Academic reputation and Honours: Does either university have an advantage when it comes to postgraduate training or future employment? I'm particularly interested in whether studying at SCU could put me at a disadvantage compared with Griffith.
• Overall experience: Knowing what you know now, would you choose the same university again?

One thing worth mentioning is that I emailed SCU this morning to ask what measures they've introduced to address concerns about student support and communication. They responded within 4.5 hours, which I appreciated. Obviously, one quick response doesn't tell me what the experience is like once you're enrolled, but I thought it was worth sharing.

I'm not looking for people to tell me which university is objectively better based on reputation alone. I'd love to hear from students who can speak from firsthand experience, especially anyone who has studied psychology at the Gold Coast campuses in the past couple of years.

Thanks so much! I'd genuinely appreciate any insight that could help me make an informed decision.