Thirty Two...what should I do with my life?

Things this week were stressful as I face the reality of returning to work in September. I adore my company, they are really really great. However, my job, not so much.

I'm an Admin Assistant for a high tech rep company. Not exactly a dream job. So, once again, my husband and I had the stay at home mom discussion. Honestly, with the expennses we have coming up in the next 2-3 years (roof, new car, rising costs of everything) we just can't afford for me to completely stop working.

I was pretty mad about it for a couple of days until it *finally* dawned on me that I actually had options. Just because I'm an Admin Asst that doesn't mean I need to remain one for the rest of my life. Yes, apparently I'm slow. :)

So after discussing it with DH I've come up with a plan of sorts. 1) I wil do the last course for my office admin diploma so I will have completed some post secondary.

2) I believe, and have been told I have some natural talent for photography. Plus, I really enjoy it. I have thousands of pictures on my hard drive, I can take 200 on a 2 hour walk in the woods. So, I plan on taking a few photography courses at the local college to see if I can grasp the technical aspects of it. If I can, I will pursue that line of work because I can make my own hours, be there for Michael etc. But, I'm only going to take a few classes to see if I 'get' it because I don't want to waste too much time. If I can get it and make good pics I can slowly pursue a degree while still working. If I can't understand the technical aspects to the point I could make money with my work, the classes won't be wasted because I enjoy taking pictures so much. (plus is any knowledge wasted?)

http://www.picasaweb.google.com/LMarotta has some examples of my pics. The wedding ones have a LOT of bad shots...but there are a few really nice ones thrown in too.

3) If, after a few courses I decide that photography is too technical and I can't do it professionally, I will go back to school part time to get my degree. At this point the end goal will be a degree in English, or History and then Teachers College. If I can begin teaching within ten years, then I'll still have over 20 years teaching, a good length career, and a pension. In one way or another, I have wanted to be a teacher since I was Michael's age circumstances have always cahnged my plans, so this would be a good option as well.

so, we shall see, it's exciting. :)