“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.