When I was in my twenties, having finished undergraduate school with a major that wasn’t necessarily conducive to future employment, I needed a job. So I took a job in Customer Service with a local company. The pay was low, but I had no marketable skills other than a good phone voice, so I gladly took the job.
I stayed there for seven years. While grateful for employment, I was barely able to make a living. And I knew that I was working at something I ultimately cared nothing about. Though I loved my co-workers, I felt increasingly trapped in a job that wasn’t going anywhere. I wasn’t going anywhere. The years were passing, I was about to turn 30, and I felt like I was living a lie. That phrase, ‘living a lie’, may seem dramatic to you, but I can assure you it was very real indeed.
I knew I had to make a change or I would continue on the same path to nowhere. I wasn’t using any of the talents I had been blessed with. It was now or never.
I decided to apply to graduate school. If accepted, I would have to move to another state. I would be in school for three years and my life would dramatically change. It was a risk for this homebody. But I knew in the very core of my being that it had to be done. Once I made that decision, I was surprised and pleased to find that family and friends completely supported me in this move. They knew, even before I did, that I needed to make a change in my career path.
I was accepted in the program. Hurrah! I would be studying something that was a true passion of mine. I quit my job with the blessing of my employer. And I said goodbye to my old life. I’m not exaggerating when I say that making that move and going back to school changed my life completely. It was the single most important step that I took in building a career in the field I loved.
The education I received, the knowledge I gained and the degree I earned made it possible for me to work in the field of Education. It changed my life for the better. It opened up all sorts of opportunities for me, none of which would have been possible without that degree. I found work teaching at the university level; truly the most rewarding work I have ever done. Working with students, teaching, guiding and mentoring them has been so satisfying. I have taught at two universities in the intervening years and will be ever grateful that I was guided to go back to school and study what I was meant to study – to be the teacher I was meant to become.
Yes, it was risky. I left behind my family and friends and a way of life that was comforting in its routine. I started on a new journey.
It was worth it.
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I agree wholeheartedly. I went back to school at age 34 to complete a degree I had abandoned 15 years before. I was a secretary and got a job at a local college where I got free tuition as an employee. In six years of full-time work and full-time school, I got a BA in English and went on to grad school to finish my Master’s. With this I was able to teach at the college level. There were the best years of my life in terms of feeling like I was in the place I was meant to be. I think adults are invested far more in education than most kids right out of high school. We want it and we work at it because we may sacrifices to do so. If you’ve ever wanted to become a student again, go for it!
Great advice! Thanks so much for sharing your experience.
What a great testimonial, Claudia! We all want a fulfilling life, not just an existence. So glad you found the path to the life you enjoy.
Thank you so much my friend. I love the way you put it: a fulfilling life, not just an existence. xo
I am so glad you chose the right path Claudia. A young lady we love like a daughter will graduate from FSU in May with a degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She has decided that she wants to work as a Victim’s Advocate. Her heart is geared towards making a difference in people’s lives. I hope her decision leads to as much fulfillment as yours did. I hope she touches as many lives in her line of work as you have in yours. Great post!
She sounds like a wonderful young woman Janie. Best of luck to her – she will be helping so many in need.
Thank You for the great advice! You are a well respected part of alot of peoples lives,including my favorite Jim Parsons!
WOOO HOOO! I hope this message reaches as many people as possible. I directed a lady I met in
Goodwill to your blog,she was talking about her dollhouse and how she Google to try to find inspiration. So I “Turned her on to your Blog.(I thought I’d throw in a phrase from our generation) Lol! Great Work Claudia! -Judy A-
You are the best, Judy! Thank you!
Confirmation comes to us in the most unexpected ways. Thank you for this testimony, Claudia. It is exactly what I needed to hear.
~ Cassandra
You are most welcome, Cassandra!xo
All of our life decisions have forever reaching impact. Your decsion blessed your life and the many you have touched along the way.
Day three of my home tour us up. You have encouraged me for so long to share my home. I hope you are enjoying it. These types of posts are not easy for me
I’ll come by later today to read it, Beverly. We’re off to get our Christmas tree.
I know this kind of post is not easy for you, but we are so thrilled that you’ve gone ahead and done it. Your home is beautiful.
xoxo
It’s hard to be brave sometimes but so worth it in the end..
Yes, indeed!
Good for you Claudia!!!
It takes courage and strength to venture away from a comfortable environment and into the unknown,
Oh, I was going to check out Beverly’s blog but I can’t find it. Can you point me int he right direction? Thanks
Pam
Thanks, Pam. Beverly’s blog is How Sweet the Sound – it’s on Typepad. I think if you google “How Sweet the Sound” blog, you’ll find it.
Well, I’m certainly glad you went on to get that degree. Just think of all the people you’ve been able to help. Continuing education is a terrific idea…no matter how old you are. ;)
I forgot to post yesterday, after flying for 4 1/2 years I left at the age of 27 to go to court reporting school. School was 3 1/2 yrs for me, full time. I had a great part-time job that helped w/living expenses. I had never even been in a court room or knew what a deposition was before entering school. I went on to work in Los Angeles Superior Court after cutting my teeth on depositions for a few years. It was such a great job. So, yes, we are never too old to persevere!