Thursday, October 1, 2009

Taking the leap

When I graduated high school I knew I wasn't ready for college. I needed a break. So I joined the Air Force. It was one of the better decisions of my life. I got the break I needed. And I got an opportunity to see and do things I never would have been able to do otherwise. I also made some wonderful life long friends. Oh yeah, and I got a pretty great hubby out of the deal too. So all in all the military was a good choice for me.
The one thing the AF didn't set me up for is future employment. My job in the military isn't very marketable on the outside. I could go work for an airline. But they aren't hiring much right now. Besides there aren't many airlines in my tiny town.
The thing the military did do for my future was my GI Bill. I have a college education just waiting for me to take advantage of it. I've started school two times in the past. The first time I stopped because they called my reserve unit up. I deployed and was unable to continue my schooling. The second time I quit because I was two months from popping out a baby. Then came the sleepless night, feedings, and constant needs of a newborn. I just couldn't fit any college time in there.
I think, finally, at the tender age of 31 I am ready to go back to school. Now if I could just figure out what I want to do when I grow up. My employment search presents some unique challenges. It is important to our family a parent gets our kids off the bus. Since Jason works so many hours that parent is me. Another challenge is summers. I need to be home with them in the summer. Jason and I arranged our lives before we had kids so that I could stay home. I wouldn't want to mess that up now that they are starting school. We don't feel it would be fair to them or us. They will only be young this one time.
Now what can I do? I've always wanted to open my own business. I think it would be fun to take a newborn business and grow it into something more. But baby businesses suck even more of your time than actual newborns. They never sleep. What kind of business would I open. A restaurant? A boutique? Also something like 99.99% of small businesses fail in their first year. Am I really willing to risk our financial well being on one of my hair brained ventures. I don't know.
I've always said I want to work with kids. I think I still want to do that. The big problem is here in NY you need a masters to teach. Great for our kids. Not as great for someone staring down eight years of education before I can enter the work force. But when I really think about it that's what I want. I want to teach the little ones who are just starting their education. They are so full of fun and wonder. I want to be a part of that.
So I guess the end of the story is I am starting the admissions process for college. I may be a little absent around here for a bit. Just bear with me. I promise, I'm coming back.

9 comments:

Gina said...

That is awesome! Good Luck!

2nd CM said...

You Go Girl! .... you will make a GREAT teacher! I really applaud you too for your child raising parameters .... don't give up on those or compromise ... we've learned that they Mom being there for the kids pays big dividends!

Mom said...

You will be great - and you need to make lots of money so you can support me in my old age. I have very high technology needs too. I can cook though and if forced I will fold laundry.

Weezee said...

Good for you! YOu will be a wonderful teacher.

2nd CM said...

Better get that education quick!! ... if you're supporting certain family members in their old age! (tee hee ... couldn't resist!)

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

This is WONDERFUL!! You can do whatever you set your mind to. Hank and I both got our Masters when our kids weren't much older than your kids AND we were both working full time. It only took us three years each but we were determined not to have class more than one night a week so that family time wouldn't suffer.

Grandma Shirley said...

This is awesome, Ellyn. I am so proud of you!! I have always thought to myself you would make a remarkable teacher. One of your many strong points is your sense of humor which you will definitely need when you are in the classroom. Love you, Mom

Cynthia said...

Good for you...I think that's great:)

Flea said...

My Hunny was past thirty when he went back to finish his bachelors. There are all kinds of ways to do that now. He went to U. of Phoenix, so he attended one night a week. It was intense, but it allowed him to work full time and finish school. There are also online opportunities which are legitimate.