Part 1: Today I wanted to share with you a big decision that I’ve had to make. As you all remember I’ve been stressing over that dreaded “Empty Nest” syndrome and have had a hard time looking forward. My youngest will graduate high school this year and it’s time to do something with my time other than sit home and feel sorry for myself. I looked at my choices and decided I love working with high school age kids and already spend many hours at our local high school volunteering for different things, so why not put some of my schooling to work and earn some money from my degree? I was so excited to get started with substitute teaching in our small farming village. It would be the perfect job since I’d be home for the summer and could put in as many or as few hours as I wanted. 
Well, that all came to a screeching halt when I went in to get my transcript. I sat down with the advisor and she informed me that since I went to college 25 years ago not all of my credits are recognized anymore and I would need to continue my education with classes that are now offered in place of the outdated classes I’d taken. I stated that wouldn’t be a problem; I had time to get them done this year and start subbing for the 2014-2015 school year. It would give me time to get the youngest through school and then I could concentrate on getting the classes I needed done. So now I have been interviewing with local colleges to see what the best fit for me would be–so far it looks like a community college will offer the classes I need and I can take many online. It is such an exciting decision to take on this new adventure in my life, so please come back by and see how my transformation into a new teaching career shapes up. Whether you’re seeking further success in your current role or a new opportunity, Kaplan University can help you prepare for the exciting possibilities ahead.* As an accredited university built on more than 75 years of experience,† Kaplan University offers a wide range of career-focused programs designed to develop the skills and knowledge leading employers seek. Our focus: to offer you the most direct educational path to achieve your goals.
Well, that all came to a screeching halt when I went in to get my transcript. I sat down with the advisor and she informed me that since I went to college 25 years ago not all of my credits are recognized anymore and I would need to continue my education with classes that are now offered in place of the outdated classes I’d taken. I stated that wouldn’t be a problem; I had time to get them done this year and start subbing for the 2014-2015 school year. It would give me time to get the youngest through school and then I could concentrate on getting the classes I needed done. So now I have been interviewing with local colleges to see what the best fit for me would be–so far it looks like a community college will offer the classes I need and I can take many online. It is such an exciting decision to take on this new adventure in my life, so please come back by and see how my transformation into a new teaching career shapes up. Whether you’re seeking further success in your current role or a new opportunity, Kaplan University can help you prepare for the exciting possibilities ahead.* As an accredited university built on more than 75 years of experience,† Kaplan University offers a wide range of career-focused programs designed to develop the skills and knowledge leading employers seek. Our focus: to offer you the most direct educational path to achieve your goals.
Are you ready for a change? Learn more at kaplanuniversity.edu.
* Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.
† Kaplan University is regionally accredited. Please visit http://www.
Good luck in your new career choice. I started our as a full time primary teacher before marriage and kids. When the kids came along I stayed home (no maternity leave in those days) and when they were a bit older I did substitute teaching for many years as it certainly fit into my family schedule. When the youngest was in school full time I switched jobs a bit and worked as a speech language assistant and an educational assistant, basically worked the same hours as they kids went to school, had school vacations off, and didn’t have all the responsibility of being the teach in charge. It worked out great for me. I’m sure it will work out great for you.
Linda, that is what I want to do, just sub when I want and not have the responsibility of being there everyday. My mom did exactly what you did and it worked out great, once we graduated she worked full time for the school as the secretary.
I’m cheering you on, my friend.
xo
Claudia
Thanks Claudia:) It means a lot to have your support.
Oh my gosh I didn’t realize you were this far along! I hope it all works out and is exactly what you want. I know from experience that an empty next can mess with your head. Good for you for doing this before that happens!
Ann, I am ready to move on and quit feeling overwhelmed with it all. I will still blog, but need to do this too.
I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing all about your classes.
Rondell, I am excited to get started.
Good for you Dawn! You are awesome!
XO Kris
Thanks Kris, a little scary but I know I can do it.
What a big step! You will do fine, I’m sure. You are such a go-getter!
Tammy, thanks for the encouragement.
Dawn
I’m excited for you!
I’m sure you will fly right through your refresher classes.
And it’s great you’ll still have plenty of HOME time too.
Kim I hope you are right and yes the home time will be a benefit to this type of job.
I applaud your decision Dawn! Both for you and the students who will benefit by having someone who genuinely cares for them. They need all the positive influences in their lives that they can get!
Thank you Jane, it will be a fun time for me I love all the kids and have a connection with them. I hope to make a difference in their lives.
Congratulations, Dawn! What an exciting adventure! Best of luck in your journey back to school!
Thank you Jessie I need all the support I can get!
That is exciting! Good luck on your new venture 🙂
Susan
Thank you Susan, I have other things in the works too and I will bring that to you soon.
I am a firm believer in keeping all doors wide open….and Education can do just that. More power to you Dawn, I know how hard life changes can be but I also know if you have a passion for something no matter where you follow it or where it takes you, you will benefit as a person. Never slow down…
Thank Kim, I love You:)
Good luck Dawn…it was very hard for me when my only child went away to college; however, after the first year it got so much better and empty nesting actually was pretty good!…I admire what you are doing!
Shirley thank you for letting me know it gets easier:) I have have to cling on to that as I struggle through.
I’m so excited for you Dawn! You are doing all the right things to help yourself cope with Empty Nesting! I can tell you that some days will be good, and some will not, but if you have something exciting going on it will sure be a lot easier. Those are some lucky kids, you will be an awesome teacher 🙂 And I am only every a phone call away if you are feeling down, believe me, I understand! So happy for you.
xoxoxo
Andrea, how kind thank you so much for the encouragement and offer to talk. Bless you!
Dawn, I am so excited for you and I know you will be an inspiration to all the young people in your life! I am in a bit of a rut myself and am struggling with what should come next. You are giving me hope that I can find the right answer. Take care and good luck.
Nancy thank you so much for the support, it is hard to know what to do next. I have a few pans in the fire right now so hopefully something will work out.
Hi Dawn~ Sounds like you are doing very well! I haven’t been around a whole lot, but always have to check in once in a while! How exciting for you….YAY!!! I have often thought about what I am going to do after Beka graduates, I have another year….but with hubby gone a lot….what am I going to do!? Good for you, what an exciting step!!! 🙂
Take care and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Jodi
Jodi, Merry Christmas to you also:) I decided I couldn’t sit home and mope so I may as well push on.