Changing horses in the middle of a stream can be ...FUN!




About a year ago I thought it would be a great idea to go back to grad school and get my specialist degree in science education. This spring I thought I might want to get a doctorate. This summer I'm considering becoming a certified spinning instructor. Or maybe I'm already certifiable!


I've always worked. I was eight years old when I had my first job. I swept the floor of a beauty salon down the street for twenty-five cents. I would buy ice cream with my change. I worked in the dye room of a carpet factory when I was 16. I loved mixing the chemicals & dyes. After graduating from college I worked for the Georgia Geological Survey making maps in Albany , Georgia until I was offered a higher paying job as the Quality Control Manager at a Pet Dairy. We started having kids, so I worked in a Montessori school teaching science & PE. I've even worked as a maid in Pebble Beach cleaning mansions. I'll have you know that I've scrubbed hand painted & gold plated toilets. I once had my own very small business called Paula's Pretty Things. I sewed party, wedding & pageant dresses and the model garments that hung in fabric stores. After Lauren was born, I started teaching high school science classes. My last whim turned into a 21 year career. So I've changed horses midstream many times. I itching to change saddles again. I will finish my career as a teacher, but I'm ready to prepare for post-retirement.

I only have one regret. I've not had enough fun! I'm not talking about hedonism. I'm talking about life sustaining, awe inspiring, enrichment, fulfillment, energizing, focused fun!!!! My Dad encourages me to weigh the pros & cons for major decisions. So here they are:

Pros to Grad School:
  1. Eventually a raise

  2. Increase in retirement salary

  3. This is the perfect time to go, I have time to finish, no kids at home

Cons to Grad School:

  1. It is hugely expensive

  2. It is not FUN

  3. It takes up all my spare time. Family, fitness, music, writing all go out the window!

  4. I don't enjoy jumping through hoops for professors

Pros to Spinning Certification: (Can't think of any cons)

  1. Advances my own health & fitness; More balanced than grad school

  2. I enjoy this form of exercise above all others

  3. Once certified, I could earn extra income. I will decide how much I want to work.

  4. One certification could lead to others, I would enjoy be a swimming instructor, etc

  5. This sounds like FUN, less like a job than working with others in pursuing their fitness goals

  6. I like meeting & interacting with people

So, what do you think?

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