I’ve previously mentioned that I know all too well what it’s like to have my work be my life. It’s hard not to let work consume you when you are on call 24/7 or know that when the creek floods by your house, it will be you who is expected to cover the story.
Now that I’ve rediscovered weekends and evenings, it is hard to give them up. After more than a year of what used to be considered an indulgence, I still feel like I have a few more hours in the day and my weekends are longer. It’s a great feeling.
I’m contemplating pursuing a Masters in Strategic Communication. I say contemplating because while I know I want to and I miss the intellectual stimulation of college classes and learning in general, I don’t know if I really want to give up those precious hours. Especially since there is no way to stop working my regular 40 hours a week and go back to school full-time. It just isn’t feasible.
On the other hand, the knowledge I could gain from the classes would help me in my future career endeavors and give me more insight into exactly what I want to be when I grow up. It could fill in my self-taught gaps.
I don’t know which side wins out yet. At least I know the process will take time, even if I decided to start the ball rolling today.
Neil and I struggle with the same thing, and I think a lot of people our age do. We’ve worked so hard, put career first, and always everything else second and the moment we get that glimpse of a life outside of that, it’s hard to give it up. The unfortunate thing is that although grad school is no guarantee of better opportunity, for the most part it does raise the ceiling, thus why he and I are both in school.
I just don’t know how people do it with kids. I just can’t fathom.
Jessica,
I can’t either. The responsibility of adding children to the mix would mean I wouldn’t pursue grad school, period. Instead, I would just look for the most stable, long lasting, position I could even if it didn’t make me happy or feel fulfilled.
I agree grad school does not equate to a better opportunity, additional opportunities or even more money, I just believe it would make me better prepared in general and give me a knowledge base, I feel I am lacking.
As an additional note, I am not interested in attending an online only program. I don’t learn as well in those environments and while they are good for people with children or who learn best that way, I am not one of them.
-Aurora
A few things from a 35-year old fogey:
1. You learn more in life than in a classroom. Period.
2. Life is so incredibly short. You can give up some time for classes (or work)… and more time… and more time… then suddenly wake up and realize you’ve missed out on the more important things in life. Those things are friends and family.
3. Your married. You are part of a unit. Your unit is only as strong as your relationship. Your relationship MUST come first – even before work.
4. College is expensive. One reason I refuse to go back. The other? I refuse to lose my life.
5. Some say you need extra education to stay gainfully employed. B.S. If an employer only focuses on a little sheet of paper, they will never hire the right folks, anyway. Jobs are about more than degrees.
When I worked in journalism, I lost my college years and twenties because all I did was WORK. I was single and forced to work all the hours no one else wanted. They had obligation excuses – many of which were lies to get out of working hours or stories they didn’t want to.
I look back and realize it was NOT worth it.
I take occasional seminars and online courses when I want to, but that’s it.
These are my rules from my own life experiences. Be praying for you that you make the right decision for YOU.
Great insight, Angela! Definitely some points to consider.
I promise to keep you updated.
-Aurora