“I will never go back to school. Ever!” says the girl now enrolled in four classes this semester. In the rearview mirror, I can still see the master’s degree in human resources I earned. It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago. I worked for thirteen years in the HR field. It’s a fun role; everyone hates you – all the time. Literally, the only time someone doesn’t hate you is when you are handing out money, and honestly, even in those situations people still find a reason. Cringe.
When I left my last job I knew it wasn’t the company that turned me off of HR, it was the role itself. Taking someone’s livelihood away from them, even when they deserved it, feels awful. I don’t know that I will ever go back, though I’ve learned there are few things to close the door on completely.
Enter, a new direction. I am not going to classify myself as an old dog, but at the ripe age of 41, I hesitate at change just as much anyone. Change is terrifying, especially when it requires additional learning a new skill.
I am taking an adventure into content writing. Writing with heart is the direction I want to go in. Feel good stuff that people can connect with, and I want to do it for other companies. Marketing isn’t entirely new for me, it’s always been an interest I have dabbled in, but it’s not easy to dig your heels in and switch direction mid-career. Until you are laid off — have a baby — decide staying home is the most cost effective thing you can do for your family – feel the need to get the brain juices flowing – open your mind to all possibilities – ZAP (bolt of lightning) — passion ignites like it was prom night. At least, that’s my story.
My local community college has some great classes. I have taken a few creative writing classes through ed2go for fun. Now I am taking Business Marketing Writing, Marketing Your Business, Passion to Profit (for bloggers), and Operating Your Digital Camera (because). The grand total is $366. How cheap is that?!
I am geeking out and excited about being a student again. Have you taken any classes or thought about taking any? A lot of online classes have a professor to interact with. I need feedback, I can’t do self-taught or self-paced courses. I want to interact and collaborate. I’ve had a good experience so far and can’t wait to keep going.
Melisa Peterson Lewis 
This topic of going back to school keeps coming up in my life in different places. I wonder what that could mean? lol
I have thought about going back to school, but haven’t been able to make up my mind. I remember when it used to be that you go to school to major in a career and do that same thing until retirement. I feel like that is rapidly changing and going back to school/changing career paths is becoming the norm. Kudos to you for having the courage to put some action to your plan (aka actually enrolling in classes)!
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With the community college having so many offerings and keeping costs low…and offering online options, it was hard to pass up. Good luck on your decision making. It’s not an easy decision but I figure if I change my mind the cost and time put in so far has been fun and valuable, so no harm.
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