I'm going back to school at age 34 (new career journey ✨)

Key Concepts

• Integrative Psychology: A therapeutic approach combining various modalities (CBT, EMDR, somatic therapy, etc.) to tailor treatment to the client.
• Somatic Therapy: Focuses on the connection between the mind and body, particularly how trauma manifests physically.
• Batching: A time management strategy involving grouping similar tasks together to improve efficiency.
• Existential Crisis: A period of questioning one's purpose and values in life.
• Trauma-Informed Care: An approach to therapy and support that recognizes the impact of trauma.
• Rocketbook: A reusable notebook that allows for digital transcription of handwritten notes.
• Brand Deals/Cohorts: Revenue streams related to sponsored content and group training programs.

Returning to School & Life Updates

The vlogger begins by reflecting on her first day back in Michigan after an extended period in Florida, and the start of her graduate studies. A recurring theme throughout the vlog is navigating change and finding balance amidst a busy life. She expresses frustration with a delayed flight and the predictable pattern of exes becoming fans post-breakup.

Grad School & Integrative Psychology (11:30 - 22:30)

The core focus of the vlog shifts to her decision to pursue a Master's degree in Integrative Psychology. She clarifies she’s intentionally keeping the school’s name private. Integrative Psychology is defined as a holistic approach that combines different therapeutic modalities – CBT, EMDR, somatic therapy – allowing practitioners to tailor treatment to individual client needs. A key emphasis of the program is somatic therapy, which explores how trauma manifests in the body.

During her first day of class, an exercise involved reflecting on positive and stressful experiences and observing the resulting physical sensations (breath changes, tension). She notes a personal pattern of jaw tension linked to holding back words or feelings.

The vlogger reveals a long-held desire to become a therapist, inspired by a childhood memory of the movie Freaky Friday (starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis). While her film degree led to a successful career in business coaching, she found herself repeatedly addressing clients’ underlying mental health challenges – issues of self-worth, relationship dynamics, financial trauma, and anxiety. This realization fueled her decision to pursue formal training in psychology.

A professor’s observation, shared during class, that many women experience this shift in priorities around age 30 resonated with the vlogger. The professor noted a pattern of women in their thirties seeking support after years of prioritizing external expectations and “pushing through.”

Personal Reflections & Existential Shift (22:30 - 32:00)

The vlogger discusses a recent “existential crisis” triggered by a health issue (a gland dysfunction affecting her eyes and makeup use) and the end of her marriage. She acknowledges financial stability but realized it wasn’t fulfilling, and that her clients needed support with deeper issues than business strategy. She describes a desire to help clients navigate topics like self-worth, communication, and boundary setting.

She contrasts her previous focus on achieving external success (e.g., six-figure launches) with a desire to provide more meaningful support. She recognizes a pattern of being able to “play the role” of a successful entrepreneur, but feeling a lack of genuine connection and purpose.

Daily Routine & Productivity (32:00 - 40:00)

The vlog details her attempts to re-establish a productive routine now that school is in session. She highlights the importance of batching tasks – planning and creating content in advance. She’s utilizing a Rocketbook for note-taking and a simple checklist to manage daily tasks. She emphasizes the need to prioritize her office space as a dedicated workspace.

She demonstrates a quick and easy method for preparing tofu – using paper towels to remove excess water instead of a tofu press, then air frying with a chicken rub seasoning (believed to be vegan and gluten-free). She pairs the tofu with a baked potato.

Podcast & Content Strategy (40:00 - 48:00)

The vlogger discusses her podcast and plans to adapt her content strategy to accommodate her school schedule. She notes that Q&A episodes are the most popular format and intends to solicit questions from her audience. She’s analyzing podcast analytics to identify successful topics. She also mentions her ongoing YouTube creator and social media management accelerator courses.

Brand Deals & Future Plans (48:00 - 53:00)

She plans to increase her focus on securing brand deals as a more efficient revenue stream, given her limited time. She’s having her operations manager update her media kit. She intends to continue offering her courses but may limit the number of new cohorts launched.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action (53:00 - End)

The vlogger expresses gratitude to her audience for supporting her journey and enabling her to pursue her educational goals. She encourages viewers to leave questions for future podcast episodes and offers a “virtual hug” as a closing gesture. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing multiple commitments but remains optimistic about the future. She mentions a return of a bag to Bergdorf Goodman due to a scratch.

Data & Statistics

• The vlogger mentions her previous year’s revenue was primarily from brand deals.
• She notes Q&A podcast episodes perform best.
• She references a professor’s observation about women seeking support in their thirties.

Logical Connections

The vlog follows a natural flow, starting with a general life update, then delving into the specifics of her graduate program, personal reflections on her career path, and finally, practical strategies for managing her time and content creation. The discussion of her health challenges and relationship ending serves as a catalyst for her decision to pursue a more fulfilling career path in psychology. The discussion of her routine and content strategy is a direct response to the demands of balancing school with her existing work commitments.

Notable Quotes

• “Why does every guy who, who like dumps me, why do they become a fan after?” – Reflecting on a recurring pattern in her personal life.
• “Clutter makes me crazy.” – Highlighting the importance of a clean and organized environment for her well-being.
• “I’ve always wanted to be a therapist.” – Revealing a long-held career aspiration.
• “I just wanna be able to help people deeper.” – Articulating her motivation for pursuing a degree in psychology.
• “I’m not really taking opinions anymore.” – Asserting her autonomy in making life decisions.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The vlog provides a candid and detailed look into the vlogger’s life as she embarks on a new chapter – graduate school. The central theme is a shift towards prioritizing personal fulfillment and pursuing a career path aligned with her values. She’s embracing a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on mental health, self-care, and creating a balanced lifestyle. The vlog offers actionable insights into time management, content creation, and navigating life transitions, while also showcasing her vulnerability and authenticity.