Jump to page: 1 2
Yesterday I shared the post Shaking My Younger Self by the Shoulders. Interestingly, I had no intention of writing what I wrote when I sat down. I was intending to write this post which is probably going to be far more boring and not sci-fi at all (I know, where’s the fun in that!?).
Anyway, I’ve been thinking a lot about life lately. And by lately, I mean the last two years.
You’ll remember last fall I moved from that big ol’ Alpine house and downsized to something much more reasonable. Or at least I thought it was reasonable.
As it turns out, leaving a life of entitlement behind is a mental process. Simplifying life is a process. And, more than anything, learning the lessons I’ve learned about happiness, money, and success… is a real process.
I thought this house was a downgrade, but the truth is, our current home is way too much house for Noah and me. Granite countertops, three levels, three televisions, two family rooms, a garage, and still a lot of the finer things of life. Lately I’ve been looking at it all and thinking… this was a downgrade? Sure it was only 36% of my previous monthly payment and half the size, but damn if all it’s done is make me want even less.
So, I asked my Landlord to let me out of my lease. Thankfully she was awesome enough to do it. And I went house hunting.
I started by looking for single family homes or townhomes that might work. Nothing was really floating my boat. I just drove up and down countless streets in the area in which I wanted to live, looking for rental signs.
In the middle of it all, I passed by the community college campus. And I had this weird thought hit me.
It’s not too late to go to school . Maybe you could even be a teacher.
I was like, “whoa, where’d that thought come from?!” You see, when I was younger, I really wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. A high school teacher. When I look back at all the people who made the biggest differences in my life, the majority of them were teachers. And so, I always wanted to grow up and be one of those teachers. The kind that really makes a difference in kids ’ lives.
But… as I mentioned yesterday, the money thing got in the way. And I quickly ditched that goal.
Yet there I was, face splattered with bits of life and experience, thinking something I hadn’t thought since I was a teenager .
Of course, when the thought hit, I immediately started making excuses as to why it was too late. I was too old. Not enough money. I live too far from the school. I’m a single dad. All that stuff.
It’s not too late to go to school. Maybe you could even be a teacher. Maybe you could be a computer programmer. Maybe you can get your nursing degree.
The thought bugged me for days.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
- 1 2
how about instead of "i am going to be [insert idea]" ... "i *am* a student" and enjoy it for what it is. fwiw.
Going back to school won't be easy. I have done it. I was a stay at home mom for my entire marriage and suddenly found myself divorced with two almost teenage sons and little help from their dad. I was 32 and I had no practical experience and what education I had was no longer any good since it was outdated and old and had to have yearly continuing education that my ex never let me do. So, I looked into the local community college and started in August. I earned my AA and moved onto the university in town, the University of Colorado, and I now have my BA in Sociology and am starting a Masters in Communications. I have graduated with high Latin honors at each level and fully expect to do the same with my Masters. The years in between have been really really hard and finances have been absolutely horrible, but with the help of the full scholarships I received, my teenage boys and I have managed and are doing ok. Financial aid has been a Godsend and has kept us from being homeless again more than once.
Your decision to return to college is a great one and will set a wonderful example for Noah. It will not be an easy adventure, but an adventure it will indeed be. Be prepared to struggle with everything. You will have no time for anything but your homework and Noah. Even something as a home cooked meal will be a challenge with late classes and tons of reading and homework. It will all be worth it. I am not trying to dissuade you, just give you a realistic point of view of what to expect from someone that has done it. Good luck and God's blessings Dan that this is the right path for you to take.
Congratulations!! I'm a single mom with sole custody of a (as of this coming Tuesday the 21st) 2nd grader. We do homework together, it cracks my daughter up to see me as frustrated as she is :) It's a great bonding experience with your school-age kid. Going to school, working full time, having a kid full time...it's a struggle, but totally worth it. I also have two dogs, a cat, and a horse. I also live in a 900sq ft house, we have very little furniture (by design) and we play by dancing, singing, and goofing around with the pets. I have to say, I don't miss the social stuff. The friends who are "real" totally understand and support me, the friends who aren't have been flushed out of my life.
What you're doing is going to give Noah a great example for his entire life! Good job Dan!
I'm a little late seeing this but congrats! I'm a single mom of two and am entering my senior year of nursing school. I'll graduate with a bachelor's degree at 29! There are so many great feelings that come from it but honestly, the best is knowing that my kids are proud. I can't wait to see them at graduation next spring!
Yay!My mom went back to school a few years ago to become a nurse practitioner. She's 59! And has a Phd she started 8 years after finishing her undergrad, one year after I was born. My dad started his Phd right after my mom finished hers, one year after my sis ter was born, and my brother was born nine months befor he finished.
It's never too late to go back to school - life-long learning is awesome!
AAAAaaaaaahhhhh!!! Congratulations!! I get SO happy anytime I hear about people going or going back to college, because there are entirely too many people who excuse themselves out of it, and they miss out on all the happiness and fulfillment that comes with it... My ex is one of those people, I started going to college after my daughter was born, and he told me no, that I need to wait until we're on our feet better, until it's a better time, until I know the area better or know more people, blah blah blah... If I'd listened to him, I'd be yet another year behind right now, and SO much less sure of myself. I wanted him to enroll too, because he LOVES computers and would do really really well in a programming field, but he says "No, I'm too old (he was 28 at the time), old guys don't go to college." Psh. This is the guy that didn't work for a year and a half after we had this conversation, until I left him so he couldn't use all my money anymore. Anyways, I've become distracted. What I really meant to say is GO GO GO!! You can do it! I'm SUPER proud of you and I'm sure lots of your readers are too! Oh, and you're setting an amazing example for your son.
I did the same thing, it was kind of funny actually. I was in a bad relationship and playing video games excessively to say the least. I was 27 years old and although I had tried college several times I hadn't committed myself to it yet. I was sitting there wasting time playing video games and realized if I put as much time into studying as I did into playing video games that I would be a straight A student! I decided that I wanted more out of my life and I returned to school. I have since graduated with BA and I am currently writing my thesis for my Masters. Good luck! Your teachers will appreciate your additional insight.
Congrats on this amazing big step! I did the same thing at the age of 27, went back to school to pursue an English degree, I've wanted to be a writer all my life. I went back to Junior College, and at 30 I transferred to a UC. The crazy thing is that I transferred to a University that was (in my opinion) way out of my league (UC BERKELEY), I'm still in school now at 32, working on my undergrad but I'm actually getting two majors now. When I transferred I was scared out of my mind, but that very fear pushed me through...many bumps in the road but I'm still here, getting ready for my last semester and counting down towards graduation at the end of the year!
You'll do great, our experience helps see things from a different perspective!
PS: check out: monilazo.com I wrote about my college freak out the day after orientation. That's why this topic really caught my eye.
Congratulations! I too am a single mom that has all the hardships and rewards of being a single mom but I too have decided to take the next step to becoming more self-sufficient plus work with something that fascinates me (as a blogger) - communications! So we will all be a support system for each other.
congrats on making the decision to go back to school! i am 31 and just did the same thing! i survived summer semester and am signed up for fall semester! I have been wanting to get my nursing degree for years and am finally making that dream come true! we can be old together at the community college! lol!
Way to go, Dan! You will have a blast learning about whatever topic you decide to learn, and you and your son will be richer for it.
I follow this vlog, and saw this video this morning, and immediately thought of you. It is directed more at kids in high school or younger, but I appreciated what he had to say. :-) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x78PnPd-V-A&feature=relmfu
Good luck. No, it is not too late. I am 51, and have been the oldest student, and often older than the instructors at college. I have been in a trade for many years, and was an adjunct instructor for about 5 years. I was just hired on full time as an instructor just one year ago. I am starting my second year and love the full time teaching of what I did for 30+ years. This just proves it is never too late.
Woo! Go Dan! You must be so excited! Since you will be seeing less of your son once he starts school, this will be a great thing to do with your time, and it gives you the opportunity to set a great example for him with regard to school work and learning. Picking what to study has always been agonizing for me--if I choose A then I can't do B, and then there's C over there... And they all look so good! Whatever you pick, do it with pride and have a great time!
You are a brave one. And I think youd be an amazing teacher! Good luck to you.
Ive always wanted to be a teacher, but I wouldnt make enough money. So I went into Public Relations, with a dream of NFL reporter. But now i think its just too late. I love what I do now, but sometimes wonder.. is it really too late??
Beautiful!! Thanks for sharing and I'm excited to see where this new path leads for you and Noah.
I think that those things you sometimes do without thinking it through too much end up being the things that change your life for the better. You're good enough, you're smart enough, and doggonit, people like you.
How great for you, and for Noah. My fiance went back to school at 47, is working hard, and is making the dean's list every term. This is a guy that thought he wasn't cut out for school - it's a challenge for him, but he's doing so well and is wondering why he didn't do it sooner. Pursuing a dream is always worth it. I'm cheering for you!!
YOU CAN DO IT!!!! I'm 31, a single mom of three and divorce necessitated (in some ways) finding a better way. All I ever REALLY wanted was to be a mom, a very close second to that was to be a nurse. I get pinned tomorrow. It's worth giving up time with friends, it's worth the homework, it's worth the stress, and it's worth every test to be able to tell my girls that mommy did something they can be proud of and that I ALWAYS wanted to do. I'm proud of you! New sexy man on campus!!! :)
wow Dan! good luck for your new life!! that's a big change, you're gonna enjoy it :)
you're gonna join the declutterer's club, I'm in there :D if you need some practical help on doing it, take a look at this blog: http://www.365lessthings.com/ (and hundred of others)
Congratulations on your exciting new journey! Dan, I know you will have great success.
I just turned 31 and I'm starting my second year of law school. I have classmates who are older than me by upwards of 10-15 years. You'll be surprised how many older students there are. Even if you go full-time undergrad, try to take some night classes. That's where most of the "adults" are and the classes are much different from the day classes with the "kids". I know that may be difficult with a little one but at least try for the english and math reqs. It will make a big difference as you adjust.
When I went to University as a 'mature age student', right alongside of me was a 90 year old lady! She was the most amazing person and proved once again that it is never too late!
good luck to you. big move. brave move. good on ya
Don't donate to the Salvation Army...they're anti-LGBT. There are other charitable institution you could give to.
bet you can sell stuff and save the proceeds for school..
Congratulations!!! I think I enjoy your blog so much because I can relate so much. It is definitely never too late. It took me several years after my divorce, but in 2008 I went back full-time and will (hopefully) be graduating this spring... as a TEACHER of all things! Though, I do feel obligated to tell you that it is NOT an easy thing to do. I have found the hours and the work much more grueling than my former full time employment. It is so completely worth it though, part of discovering the new me and becoming the me I like.
Good for you!! I'm a singe parent, I live in a tiny wee house and with the exception of the beds ALL our furniture is second hand. It's not flash, but just under a month ago my children came to my graduation. The look on my 11 year old daughter's face, the fact that she held my hand all afternoon after refusing to do so since age 9 and the thank you hug she gave my tutor said it all :-)
Congrats on your decision to follow your heart! It always knows the right direction :)
Fantastic! Congratulations on that decision Dan, I wish I'd done it when I was younger. I really AM too old for it now (63) but I wanted to be a teacher too. Whatever you end up doing, you'll be great at it. Good luck on the downsizing. :)
Awesome!! Do it.
Good for you! I am a middle school science teacher, and while there are definitely days I wonder why I chose this job, the majority of the time I love it. Sure, the pay sucks. But the kids make it worth it. I wish you the best in your new adventure.
It's never too late. Almost 2 years ago (at the tender age of 37) I left a 13 year teaching career (middle, junior and senior high school over the years) to go back to school and do what I wanted to do when I was 3 or 4: become an EMT. So, I 'gave up' a good career with good benefits and started down the road to reach my dream. And, here I sit today, wiser, happier and in a career I'm not just good at but passionate about. What I 'gave up' on was a job I was good at but would never be great at. I miss the kids I taught but keep a foot in the pool as a guest teacher when I'm not jumping up when the tones go off. It forced me to realize that I have way too much 'stuff' and don't need anything else. It taught me that sometimes, following a dream makes you far more rich than the most lucrative career out there. I have never been happier.
Someone I know from Berkley CA sold their home, car, bed, couches, refrigerator and 90% of their belongings in exactly 4 weeks to move into a VAN and travel the US looking for their next spot to land. This is totally do-able for you. Yes.
oh god you've been a damn idiot.
YAY!! Persistence is the key to success. One assignment, one class, one semester at a time, just keep going!! :-D
Congratulations and good luck!!!
Congrats! As a fellow single dad who taught for 9 years and was a high school Principal I can only say go for it. It is a rewarding life and it is not about the money but you and Noah's life will be incredibly enriched!
Best of luck! I am 33 and just started grad school two weeks ago! You are never too old!
Go for it, I say! And go for it with gusto--I am almost 55 and am just finishing my doctorate in Educational Leadership! Never too late and we're never too old!!
Good for you, Dan! So proud of you! What a great role model for Noah!
Good for you! I'm on my 4th time in college & I'm going to finish this time! One class at a time w/a family & FT job, but my goal is to be done before the kid hits high school!
Not creepy at all. Go for it.
Hehehehe, I too am one of the creepy old people on campus. Finishing my nursing degree this fall, after almost 7 years (5 children, and two changes of major...don't ask). You will probably tell me to get a psych eval when I say I'll miss being in school, but it is nonetheless true. It is endless and tedious at times, interspersed with wonder and new ideas, with a sprinkling of great people long the way. I can't think of anyone better suited to it than you.
a year and a half ago i decided to finish a long abandoned bachelors degree - what i started calling my 30 year plan. i at least wanted to finish my undergrad degree before my niece (who was born during my first go at the degree) got her p.h.d There are many more older students these days , at least at kent. Had a running joke with a professor my last semester - she had been one of my first professors back in the 80's - and I was in one of her first classes back when most of the class hadn't been born.
grad school starts the 27th.And I only have a 3.6 because I was stupid enough to take Biology during a may-mester...that nearly killed me lol. I got a B though!
I'm 30 and I've been doing it one class a semester. It's scary and awesome...I'm moving so so slowly, but I'm making progress! I have a 3.6 GPA and I'm almost through my basics. After this semester I only have tech math...and then I start my vet tech classes!!!!
Dan, I'm 23, and frankly I loved going to a community college specifically because there WERE all of the "creepy old men" who actually aren't creepy at all. They had all sorts of awesome stories, and one of them even taught me how to change tie rods on my car! So my vote (not that it matters, you've already decided) is GO FOR IT!
I'm sure you'll find some youngster that will be more than happy to hang out in the parking lot between classes and pick your brain about any number of subjects. And besides, there's all the other "creepy old men" to hang out with. I'm sure you've got any number of bits of wisdom, or just funny stories, to share with people (hey, that's why people read you blog, right?), and if they're smart, they'll listen.
I am one of those creepy old people (age 31) in community college. Going after a degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace. With two kids, a husband and a ged. I so feel you. Be prepared for the naysayers to tell you it's dumb for you to go to college at your age, or that you should get a degree in something quicker or easier. My own brother was one of those for me. Steel your resolve now. You CAN do this!
Hooray for teachers!