***First, I wanted to update you all. The literary agent emailed me and said that due to the holidays, they have gotten behind and will need an extra week to evaluate my manuscript. Just in case you were curious!***
I'm having a crisis.
I'm (ahem) 40 and I am still wondering what I'm going to do when I grow up.
I have spent the last 11+ years as a stay-home mom. I have always had some kind of job, but it has taken a back seat to taking care of Megan and Chase. In Austin, I worked from home managing a database for our church. In Green Bay, I wrote a book. (didn't pay so well, but kept me off the streets.) In Denver, I worked 7am-noon in the office at Warren Tech, the local technical high school. All of these jobs worked out absolutely perfectly with the kids' schedule, and I was able to contribute to the household and fulfill my desire to be there for my kids.
Since we have moved to Las Vegas, I have not found a job. Unemployment is higher here than the national average, and with the casinos laying people off right and left, there is a lot of competition for every job. I have been substitute teaching, but even that has gotten more competitive, and I was only able to get one job this week.
All of this has left me feeling at a loss.
On one hand, I'm simply unwilling to sacrifice this time I have with Chase. On the other hand, I have no interest in staying home alone while he's in school all day. As good as that sounds, it gets old fast, trust me. I have a college degree, lots of experience and would like to exercise my brain more than just figuring out what is for dinner tonight! I have loved my time as a stay-home mom, but it's time to do something else.
So, I've been looking at my options.
My first thought was to go back to school. To do what?
My second thought was hmmmm. Nursing? 3+ years and about $25,000. Nope.
My third thought was something LIKE nursing, but not quite so spendy. CNA! 1 semester, $1000 and I'm ready to go. Then I researched what a CNA does. Mostly bedpans? No thanks.
Then I went and toured a school today for Pharmacy Tech. $14,500 and 9 months full-time school. sigh.
So, I've decided to be a blackjack dealer. Or a cocktail waitress. Wait, no one is hiring? I'm simply unwilling to enter the adult entertainment industry, so where does that leave me?
Wondering what I'm going to be when I grow up.
A very wise woman (hi Mom!) pointed out to me yesterday that substitute teaching, while not my dream job, fulfills my need for flexibility. It pays fairly well, considering, and probably once we get away from the holidays, there will be more jobs available. MAYBE I should stop whining about subbing and see it for what it is. A means to an end.
But I LIKE WHINING!!! :( I mean, what would this blog be if I stopped whining???
Another friend (hi Amy!) suggested that subbing could be my superhero alter ego. Whiny substitute by day, fabulous amazing (hopefully published someday) author by night. Only if I get to wear a cape! So, I think these are good suggestions. Until something better comes along.
(the following must be said in a VERY whiny voice)
I REALLY HOPE SOMETHING BETTER COMES ALONG!!! :)
5 comments:
Sis,
I hope that you can find what you are looking for. We in Greenville both think that you would be the greatest nurse since Florence Nightingale.
I do , however, agree with the no on the CNA track. I have spent enough time with you to realize that bedpans arent going to fulfill your needs. But, do remember that $25,000, while a significant amount, is a wise investment if it results in a rewarding career. Plus, I live with a woman currently looking for a job and all she says to me is that if she was a nurse, she would have had a choice of 15 jobs the first day she went looking.
Hey Bro,
Thanks for the encouragement. I think I may eventually go get my RN, but as we're doing the whole Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University thing to get out of debt (we're actually leading the class at our church!), it's not something I can do now. I know nursing is in demand, and it's pretty much a slam dunk for a job. Maybe in a couple of years when we're debt free and rollin' in cash! :)
Yep, trying to figure out what you want to be is such a hard decision! And your are right about the timing here with the skyrocketing unemployment rates and competition for jobs. Hang in there. BTW, I tagged you on my blog if you are game!
I wish we could google it. "STQ best job" and get the answer! :) A single woman of our age said that she stopped looking at what God hadn't given her (a husband) and started looking at what he had given her (lots of freedom). What's the flip side of the situation? What about applying for work in vocational counseling? That would be ironic, yet possibly fulfilling. ;)
Kale
You have a cousin pondering this very question...2 cousins, actually. I'll pray for all of you!!!!
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