My work situation and anxiety.

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Here are some details of my situation you may feel free to skip
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So I realize now I went to college for the wrong career (twice). I had won a scholarship for art from a special high school program, I took a long time deciding how to use it, and eventually decided on a graphic design program because it's more commercial and I figured easier to find a stable job than fine art. Eventually I dropped out because the deadlines, fast paced, and constant flux of trends was overwhelming. Not to mention I find little joy in some of the main aspects of graphic design...

I worked at Target for a while to save money to go back to college as my scholarship had run out. After looking around for careers I was given the suggestion of Dental Assistant which I took after talking to some extremely nice Dental Assistants who gave me the name of a rather prestigious school in the area. It was a challenge, the estimated 3-5 hours of homework a night was more like 5-8 hours for me. I fought several times with my group members and at one point my teacher suggested I drop out because she felt it wasn't a good fit for me. It had nothing to do with my grades which were average (I'm proud of that because my grade school grades were severely below average). I did not drop out because the idea of giving up was more crushing than anything. I graduated and have been struggling to make it as a fetal assistant. The fluctuation, high demands, social interactions, multitasking.... The idea that I am dealing with the health of someone's mouth... It's very stressful.
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/of potentially boring information (actually the whole thing may be boring to some people...)




I think I might be able to find a job at a different office than the one that I have been working at for 2 years now but looking for a job is very stressful. I am rubbish at interviews and the pressure is high because of dealing with people's health and emotions.

I have been dreaming lately of owning my own business. Maybe making something I could sell at a farmers market or online, maybe doing freelance art work for people. But I get anxious thinking about how it's not constant, maybe my stuff isn't in high demand? It could potentially cost me more than I earn.

I haven't been diagnosed officially with Aspergers but I'm highly suspect. I'm 26 and currently living with my parents, not even paying rent or my own car insurance. I hate being a burden on people. I don't want my boyfriend to feel like he's carrying all the weight since we will be living together soon.. I feel like my problems are trivial compared to many others but I have such a hard time with all of these decisions and the demands that life puts on me.... I hate coming across like a victim also, but I think you guys probably understand what it feels like better than anyone. I don't want to get disabilities either.

I'm Kind of waiting till I'm done moving to consider a big change, but I'm not sure what that change is going to be yet. Any encouraging thoughts or advice would be much appreciated. I will be reading some other posts on this forum in the meantime.

Honestly I'd recommend staying as a dental assistant. Most decent jobs out there are going to be fairly stressful (and I consider dental assistant to be a downright excellent job for someone in your position), it's just a personal question of whether the stress is too much for you to handle. What kind of dental office are you working at? I know that the more mainstream/busy dental offices seem like they could be pretty stressful, but the small, private practices seem to have a much more laid-back atmosphere, and it may be worth trying to get a job at one like that if your current job is too much for you. I'm not in the field myself, but I know at the place I used to go to they never seemed even the slightest bit stressed lol.

Selling art or stuff at the farmer's market works, but it isn't steady income and won't pay all of the bills...it's better to do those things as an addition to your job, not as a sole career.

I second that. I just had my teeth cleaned and I admire you for being able to do that job. Working with customers has to be hard but awkward office politics are so much worse. I think as a career choice dental hygienist is great as it's in demand but may be you can find a better work place? The stress of work is nothing compared to the stress of dealing with co-workers.

I know my mother had a lot of stress issues as a dental assistant, and when we moved she decided to try the front desk instead. It worked a lot better for her because she wasn't always at the doctor's elbow, but since she used to assist, if they wanted they could pull her back if needed. Instead of being IN the customers' mouths, your interaction would be across-counter. Mostly scheduling, taking payments, and taking calls. Plus if someone calls about if they should come in or not, you have the experience and knowledge to answer without having to bother the doctor.
Ultimately, it's up to you, but it is a change that involves the skills you have.