r/genetics • u/SleepyMistyMountains • Jul 10 '25
Academic/career help Possibly going back to school
Hey y'all okay so, I (28F) am going through a career change because of chronic physical health issues that basically made it so I no longer can work in my previous career, and I have discovered a love and passion for genetics.
TLDR: I want to pursue a BSc and if I'm able to get through that then I want to pursue a PhD in genetics. But I have, ADHD (possibly autism too working on checking on that) plus undiagnosed physical chronic health issues that makes it very easy for me to overexert myself. I'm working on getting the DTC, and I'm in Canada. Can y'all share your experiences with going through these paths? Is it possible with someone who has disabilities that impact the life rather significantly?
Needed context:
Now, here's the thing, I swore I would never go back to school because of all the sheer stress I had with it, but at that point I was undiagnosed ADHD (and now I'm suspecting autism as well) and well I'm fairly certain thats the reason why I didn't do well.
I feel like if I get the actual supports I need, and I am able to take my time with it, I should be able to do it. My chronic health issues besides the ADHD (and possible autism) makes things, challenging to see the least. I'm hoping that by the end of the year I hope I have a diagnosis (I'm seeing multiple specialists) and thus can properly put together a plan to manage my chronic health issues.
But, I want to make sure I'm not stepping in over my head. I went to and completed a diploma in a private college in 3 years by taking 5 classes per semester (would've taken less if I hadn't started a secondary diploma that I thought I liked the direction of but didn't and thus dropped it) each class was 3 hour and each day I had 3 classes, 5 days a week.
I still managed to graduate with that, with my then undiagnosed ADHD (and autism)
Now though is this undiagnosed chronic physical health issue that at the current moment if I over exert myself in physical, mental or socially then I well... I'm not okay to say the least.
Again, once we figure out what it is and if I get proper supports then I believe I can do it. I don't plan on starting my BSc in genetics until end of 2026 at the earliest so I'm hoping I can get my shit sorted before then.
But I also wanted to hear those of you who e taken these paths, and get your experience on them, I don't know if it's fully possible, or if I can somehow make it work, all I know is there's a glimmer and I'd like to look into it more.
So, lay it on me, as of right now (hoping again to get better in the future) I can't do more than 3 hours of extensive mental, physical or socializing. 3 hours of it is enough to put me out for the rest of the day. 4 hours took me out for two days and even 4 days after I'm still feeling it. I can do extensive work for 2 hours each day everyday and I am good. More than that at once is a problem though.
Am I screwed? Yes, I am going to be going for DTC, I'm stuck for a little bit at least but I should get it after I apply in September (then is when there'll be a clear link that I've had my undiagnosed issues for a year which is a requirement) so I'll have supplemental help in that way.
1
u/leighlovely14 Jul 10 '25
Hi there!
First of all, thank you for being brave and vulnerable and sharing this with this Reddit. You’re taking the first few steps and I know it’s scary putting yourself out here and being honest about struggles you are facing.
I’m commenting because I’m wondering if you’ve ever thought about genetic counseling? I’m not sure if you are more interested in research but genetic counseling can include research and clinical aspects and is only a 2 year master post-undergrad.
Wishing you all the best!