Tuesday, October 16, 2012

My other big life change.



What I wore: Boots, Target. Socks, DIY. Sweater, H&M. Necklace, Forever 21.

My apologies for my absence yesterday.
I know how it freaks people my mom and Amanda out when I skip a blog day
(I promise, even if I've been kidnapped, I'll convince my kidnapper to do a guest post for me).
But I'm not to blame for yesterday. It's all Lauren's fault. 
Not really...but sort of. Sunday afternoon Ryan and I drove down to 
Orange County to shoot Lauren's engagement session
and Sunday night I couldn't pull myself away from gawking at the 
heart-melting sunset photos. I'll post a few when I get more time!
Because right now, I'm swamped. Writing + photos + school + 
keeping the house clean watching TV while feeling guilty about not cleaning =
a schedule that's absolutely blowing my mind right now.
Which brings me to my next little tidbit of news.
At the end of this semester, 
I'll be taking a leave of absence from grad school.
When I started my MFA program, I began with plans to 
get a full-time college teaching position when I graduated with my Masters.
And, if I'm honest with myself, I think another big reason I wanted to jump into 
grad school is because it seemed to validate my writing as a career,
not a hobby or an excuse to avoid a full-time job. If I was accepted into a writing program,
that had to mean I have some talent, right? And if I was enrolled in a program,
I felt like that gave me two years of "cover" where I could dedicate myself to writing
without feeling judged by other people. 
But over the months that I've been in school, as much as I've loved
being part of a great, supportive writing community, I've started to realize that
in a few years I'm probably going to be more focused on starting a family 
than beginning a 9-5 career. And if I'm not positive I'll need a graduate degree 
for the career path I'm choosing, it doesn't make financial sense for us to spend
the money on an MFA program right now, even though the program itself is wonderful. 
So, where does that leave me?
I'm still writing diligently and I'm spending a lot of time developing my new photography 
business, which I hope will be both a fulfilling job and a fun break away from writing.
Years from now, when our currently non-existent children are in school,
I may go back for my Masters and pursue teaching. Of course we probably won't have loads
of extra cash then, either (I hear children aren't exactly cheap), but at least I'll feel more
confident about spending the money if I'm positive of the career path I want.
And right now, I'm happy with the choice we've made.
Happy to get through the next busy months and 
very happy to focus on my writing and my photography.

10 comments:

  1. Good for you! I think that's a wise decision, work on writing and growing your business. Good luck with everything, you can do it!

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  2. I totally, totally get this. Yes, our careers and passions are important, but there is nothing wrong with choosing to make your [future] kids and your family a priority. This is big one that I've had to realize myself in this age of feminism that's pushed so hard by the world. I love that we have opportunity in the work place, but it still should be my decision what I do. So I don't feel bad about not being career-driven... because at the end of the day my dream job is to be a mom. And there is nothing lame or wrong about that. I hope you figure out what your next step is!

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  3. Good luck!! I'm not married or anything, but as I've gotten older I've started reevaluating what's most important in my life, and decided I definitely want a family more than I want an MBA! So I totally understand where you're coming from. Love this!

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  4. I hear ya loud and clear my friend. I have been pondering my career/job/school/life in general and am realizing that life is too short. Do what you love, everything else will fall into place. Hmm, now I just need to take my own advice! :)

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  5. Good luck with this new life change... you are smart to go with your gut and do what you know in your heart of hearts is right for YOU... regardless of what others might think... and turns out, I think others would be proud of you too - I sure am!
    xx
    Here&Now

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  6. It seems like you've thought a lot about your decision, and I hope everything works out for you! :]
    Your outfit is amazing btw.

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  7. Love the outfit :)

    & good for you on the life change!! I hope everything goes fabulous w/writing & photography...two of my favorite things!

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  8. Good for you! Do what makes you happy-- no need to explain or justify yourself to anyone else. Go girl! :)

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This is the part where you tell the pups how cute they are.
...but seriously, thank you so much for stopping by and for your wonderful comment! I read them all and try to respond as often as I can. We hope you visit again soon :)