The Crossroads

Life deals you a hand from time to time that leaves one so wide open with choices it
can be both exhilarating and daunting to select one. At present day, I feel
faced with the decision about how (or why) to further my career and how it
pertains to my current private life. The way I see it, my choices are:

1) Continue with my existing career path

Study on my own, take some formal classes leading toward certification or
degree studies.

Pro’s: I can stay with my present employer, paycheck pays the bills, learn
on the job, tuition imbursements, PTO and medical.

Con’s: I am not sure this is what I want to do with the rest of my life,
it feels unstable and unpredictable, a fair amount of studying outside of work
is going to be required to get me up to speed on the .Net platforms (which I’ve
gotten jacked around in this area for a while now) and I’m not sure how
happy I am over all/am dreading going to work lately. Considerably less time
with loved ones, including fur babies and time for myself, which I am just
getting used to having.

2) Pursue formal degree in existing genre, possibly graphic art or
more web design oriented

Get a less demanding job, preferably part time, go back to school full time.

Pro’s: It is a good marriage between two fields I adore and excel at,
art and technology. Will remain valid and in demand. I believe I would be
happier over the long term in this field rather then structural programming and
data end.

Con’s: Cash flow and fear. I’d be risking a lot and putting
myself into debt with student loans. I’d also be starting over (to a
degree) as a graphic artist or designer, I would take a pay cut, at least
initially. Considerably less time with loved ones, including fur babies and
time for myself, which I am just getting used to having.

3) Pursue something completely out of the techie realm

Get a less demanding job, preferably part time, go back to school full time.

Pro’s: It would challenge me outside of the technical side of life for
which I have spent the past 15 years and my adult life embroiled in, most
likely philanthropic in nature. Possibly looking at an environmental studies
or advocacy (animal, children, women?) program. Maybe English Lit or History.

Con’s: Cash flow and fear. I’d be risking a lot and putting myself
into debt with student loans. I’d also be starting completely over at 35
years old in an industry unfamiliar to me. Considerably less time with loved
ones, including fur babies and time for myself, which I am just getting used to
having.


4) A combination of the above?

Get a less demanding job, preferrabley part time, go back to school part
time, take 1 – 2 classes per semester and spend the rest of my time with
my family and fur babies and MYSELF.

Pro’s: To me, this would be the ideal I think and would consist of a
combination of the above. Far less challenging work environment, forward
movement in pursuing education goals, plenty of time for myself, Dave, the
doggies, etc. I have far less responsibilities as a whole, wouldn’t it
be a lot of fun to spend some time getting to enjoy that a little?

Con’s: Cash flow and fear. I’d be taking a pay cut, getting myself into some degree
of debt with the whole student loan thing AND there is the whole question of just
how vulnerable I am willing to make myself. One could also consider this a
step backward professionally, albeit it temporary, it would take me a few years
to actually pull together a degree like this.


Much much to think about, no? You might be wondering what is causing this? There
are two driving forces. One, I am really on the fence about my current work
situation and the more I find myself absolutely dreading going to work each day
the more I think to myself “Hrrrm, is life not for living and experimenting?
I’d really rather not be miserable every day for an eternity in the cube
infested shiny box that is my work day.” The second is that to a certain
extent, I have an option I’ve never had before. I am no longer
responsible for anyone else but myself. *GASP*

Yes, this is just NOW becoming a reality. And this, in and of itself, presents
a freedom that I’ve never been able to factor into my decisions before so
it’s a lot exciting (and anxiety provoking) to think about.

Feedback is valued and welcome as always

xo