Okay peeps, I need a pep talk.
So. I haven't been on in a long while. And now I need to confer with some of the wisest people I know in internet life. Here's the deal...
I have two jobs. I need two jobs to survive right now, so quitting one is not an option ( I live with my dad, a steelworker who has had his hours dramatically cut back. I buy groceries and pay for cable and whatnot). I'm also needing to go to school and there is a really great small school I want to go to, but its about 50 miles away (another way is about 37 miles away, but I don't know the area, so I'll stick with the easier route).
My schedule for my jobs isn't an issue and I'm not worried about getting worn down, because I'm so used to not getting any rest, how can this hurt?! What I'm really worried about is the drive. 90% of it is just going straight, but there is one just horrible merge right in the heart of St. Louis that freaked me out. I'm not used to driving in heavy traffic and its in an unfamiliar place. But I really like the school and I will get a lot of the attention I need.
Any ideas? I don't want to not go to this school just because I'm scared of the drive.
in my opinion if it is just the drive that is scaring you...you will get used to it quickly. Seriously, after a few times you will be a pro and will wonder why you were scared in the first place. Maybe have someone drive with you or actually drive you there once...make sure you know which lane to be in for a merge or what ever...you will be fine.
You can do it! Driving is mostly about becoming comfortable with where you drive. Once you make the drive a few dozen times it will be old hat.
*hugs*
I agree. You can easily get used to the drive. Driving in Atlanta used to scare the hell out of me, but now I'm used to it, and I only go down once a month at most. If all else fails, learn aggression. ;)
Don't let fear keep you from doing what you want. My psychology teacher told us that fear doesn't exist, you make it in your head. If you tell yourself over and over "I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid" then eventually you won't be afraid anymore. ;)b hope that helped!
definitely don't let the drive hold you back - it's really not as worrisome as you make it out to be in your head. i would either...
1. mapquest out the other, shorter route and follow that. or..
2. practice the drive on an off-peak traffic hour. maybe even really late at night when no one is out.. that way you can go as slow as you want to see what the lanes do and where you need to be in order to be in the correct lane at the right time. that way you're not trying to figure it out during 9am rush hour and start freaking out.
i barely drove at all in high school and was completely clueless about directions.. i'd get lost so easy when i did first start driving. then college came and i started commuting 35 miles each way for the next 4 years. eventually i learned my way around and would take different routes all the time, letting me see all different parts of the area.
i heart maps!
Where it slows down is where it's the easiest to drive, because no one is going anywhere fast. The biggest challenge of a slow down is if there's one point were traffic "just stops" rather than gradually gets backed up. I think the worst of it is scheduling time to get through it. If it's a school you like, go for it. Does it have "work study"? Or are there state /local agencies that hire student workers? The student workers in my office get something like $12 an hour.
I second the note on pratice driving your route during non peak times, so you know which lanes and exits you need. Also see if you can schedule your classes on just two or three days, so you don't have to make the drive every day for just one class.
I learned how to drive in downtown Milwaukee and Chicago, nothing, trust me, Nothing is worse than Chicago!!!
I don't drive so my instant response is - public transport? I know it seems like avoiding the issue but maybe a few runs via bus or whatever would familiarise you with the route more?
I don't drive so my instant response is - public transport? I know it seems like avoiding the issue but maybe a few runs via bus or whatever would familiarise you with the route more?
or that...and its more eco-friendly!! lol
Unfortunately to commute 40-50 miles by public transportation would take more hours in the day than LZF12 probably has to spare. Especially if it is via a city type bus route. Plus in most of the United States there is little to no public transportation to be found. :(
take practice drives just to get the hang of it?
maybe take a treasured item (like an old teddy bear that a friend got you for your 7th birthday) for good luck?
I used to dread walking home from school because there was this street that I had to cross that was always so darn busy, and I was extremely shy, and so I would stand there for about three minutes until the traffic cleared up and drivers finally noticed me and slowed down. But, since I knew that I had to get to and from school some how, I braved it. Considering that that cross was the worse thing going on in my life, I think I would consider myself a pretty lucky person.
idk if that story helped at all. I hope it did somehow :/
I agree with everyone else- definitely go for it! Don't worry- anything new for the first time seems scary. You will get used to driving in traffic in no time. Just relax...you sound like you are a cautious, aware driver. And besides, every car has a bumper for a reason!
:)
Once you become more familiar with the area, you could start taking the other route. You could leave for school an extra hour early and try it one day- 13 miles is a big difference, especially when you add it up for both ways times the numerous trips you will be making!
Hey, I live in the St. Louis area too! I work at a local university and have to commute as well, so I know what you mean about the traffic. I've managed to find easy ways to get around where there are fewer cars. I'd be happy to help you map out a route :) Once you get the hang of it I don't think you'll have any problems at all. Definitely don't let this hold you back.
Thanks everyone. It really won't be a big deal(I hope!). About public transportation, the St. Louis area has recently dramatically cut back on the metrolink routes, so car's the only option.
Icephrosty: Yay!!! I live in Alton, Il and have to go from there to Arnold, Mo. About an hour's drive, but like I said earlier, most of it is just going straight.
Yes! yes! yes! You can dooooooo itttttt! I am so proud of you for taking on all these responsibilities and being such an awesome person! You will totally get used to the merge and be a PRO!!!!!!! I hope you can keep us updated to how you are doing!!!! Mad love for you!!!!!
:)>>>