I just finished my Spring Semester course (which was a humdinger -> Capstone Seminar for INT) - at times I could barely wait for it to be done, yet I find myself ..bored.. without having a course! I am in countdown mode for the Summer Semester. Does anyone else experience this...withdrawal?
As in the IT field, I don't feel that way. While waiting for the new semester to start, you always can pick up the book for something to study for the IT Certification Exams.
I have this after working really hard towards the end of a term. While studying, I think about how glorious it will be *not* to study for a while, but after a day I feel strangely empty and a little sad. Sad because I am most effective under pressure, and I know how much time it will take to get back into study mode.
I must be the opposite. I occasionally think about going back to school for a webmaster certification, which i don't need but think it would be fun, but at the same time, don't want to give up what little free time i have.....
I do! I finished my spring semester a few weeks ago, and my summer one starts next week. In the mean time I didn't know what to do with myself. Thank goodness the weather was agreeable, and I was able to convince my girlfriend not to leave me since I had some free time again. Luckily, she starts graduate school this summer, so we'll both have no free time. I hope she doesn't forget who I am, though...
Like Go Fishy says, there were many times when I was studying for finals and was staying up late to get those damn papers written, that I just wanted out of there. Then I took my finals and handed in my papers, and... felt all empty and sad because I was out of there. Now that I've happily moved into non-degree-objective personal-interest study mode, it's a much smoother flight. I've always got several books going and something upcoming to look forward to. There are fewer pressures alternately grinding me down and letting me up.
This is similar to the feelings expressed by many PhD grad who have spent years on a single project, and then they are done. I've heard it referred to as a type of Stockholm Syndrome.
You may be on to something. After completing my bachelor's, I felt antsy to keep learning and push ahead. Now that I have taken a few grad classes, I can't wait for it to be over. I enjoy what I'm learning, but the constant deadlines take a toll. After this, instead of getting a third degree for pure pleasure, I may just go the self-study route too. I'm sure if you ask me after I graduate though, I'll be eager to get back into class!
Yes, I do and I thought that I was the only one... And that's one reason why I teach. I don't like down time and I feel like I'm missing something if I'm not studying or teaching. Like I'm getting behind. Besides, the first of school was always the best part of going to school. I love it when a new class starts.
