There is a blog that I like to read that is written by a woman who is married to one of DH's former college teammates. It's just a simple family blog. She talks about her children, her hobbies, and her husband. She doesn't know me, and probably doesn't even know that I read about the sweet accounts of her day.
A few weeks ago, she posted about a big change in her family's world. Her husband, who got his Master of Business Administration from Duke, had gotten the opportunity of a lifetime-- a chance to work in Paris, France, for a full year. And he wasn't going to go alone; his wife and both daughters would be traveling with him.
I have to admit, I was jealous. But my emotions were nothing compared to how DH felt when I told him the news. He hasn't spoken to this former teammate in years, but he was still blown away by the accomplishments his teammate had achieved in such a short time. While DH & I are both pretty much at "entry level" jobs in our careers, this man has gone above and beyond, and his work is being recognized in the most exhilarating of ways.
Then, last week, G's Godfather came to town. While here, he told us that he was also planning to get his MBA (in fact, he spent many hours pouring over online MBA rankings, trying to decide where he'd earn his degree online). I could almost see DH's face turn green with envy.
It's true, we don't earn a lot of "green" in our house. Neither of our careers are especially fruitful in the whole money-making department. We knew that going in, and for the most part, we've always been ok with that. We've been following our passions. But over the past couple years, we've started to weigh the benefits of having jobs that would give us more... well, benefits-- namely, money.
DH has always said he wanted to return to school (even despite my warnings about pricy student loans!), and if he chooses to do that-- whether attending a college campus or getting his online MBA, I will fully support him. I know that in doing so, he'd be finding a way to more fully support our family, at least financially.
If so, what profession would you like to explore?
I wish I knew! As a nanny who will be out of a job when the youngest goes to Kindergarten, I have NO IDEA what to do with my degrees in psychology and child development. Seeing as how I wouldn't be interested in a $9/hour job teaching preschool, I'm pretty screwed unless I go back to school for a Masters. And I can't justify the debt because ultimately? I want to stay at home.
This is a great post. I always want more and sometimes I feel bad because I do want more and want to go to the next level. Is it the money or just the sense of accomplishment we seek?
Yes... One where I'd work with people. Either Nursing or being a PA.
I like the green we earn, but hate that I'm locked in an office all day by myself.
I've enjoyed success, but at a price that I don't think you & DH are realizing. You two have had quality time together, as a family that is rare in my home. When one income, or worse both incomes, are highly profitable it generally results in a lot of hours either in the front or ongoing during the career. Hours not compensated for during the time. Hours you will never get back. Hours of travel. Hours of all nighters for projects you know mean basically nothing in the grand scheme of life.
While I know it is easy to begrudge others, and have been feeling similar feelings myself - there are a lot of benefits to what you & DH are doing. Be proud of those.
And I'll try to take my own advice...
I sometimes think I should have gotten my masters and then gotten a good job. But it just didn't happen that way. It can be hard when I compare myself to others I know as far as what they have done in life. But it is what it is :)
I do think about it. I'd love to be a college professor one day.
Then, I saw that one of my former classmates is a professor. And I was so jealous.
But, then, I realized that she didn't have any kids while I have three. She was able to spend that time getting a higher degree and pursuing it, while I was at home with my kids.
Just different tracks.
I still don't really know what I want to be when I grow up.
I went through a period of time where I was going to go back to school to get a nursing degree. I'm glad I held off...I'm now moving into management at my current employer. It took many years to get where I'm headed (I graduated college in 2001), but I'm glad I persevered.
If it makes you feel better, I have a college degree and work in the IT field... something that has NOTHING to do with my degree and that I have to work hard to do well in.
My boyfriend just got a manual labor job that requires nothing in terms of education, earns commission, and will end up making a lot more money then me and owing nothing back in student loans. Sigh.
i often think that more money equals more problems
or i just tell myself that so i can feel better, lol
some of the truly happiest people i know make much less than me and make the best out of living and worry little about getting
though i would like to make a ton of money...i do think it comes with a price--and once you get caught comparing yourself to others...it's hard to stop...because someone always has "more" than you
my husband will sometimes comment about how much more people have than us (in the same salary range) and i always point out that we have no idea how much debt they have either
i would say if you are happy with the careers you are in...then that is worth a lot in itself
if more education would get you a job that is more satisfying (regardless of money) then i would think that's the right reason...
just my thoughts
less is usually more
ps--there are lots of things i would love to go back to school for...but i don't want the student loans...and i don't want to work and go to school... :)
I's always amazed when I go to someones home and it's so beautifully decorated with gorgeous furniture and finishings. I get jealous. I feel like the majority of my furniture required assembly....
When ever I complain about my job husband reminds me how much time I get to spend with my kids and says I can't have it both ways. I think he is right.
Those decisions are never easy. When I transistioned out of law enforcement, I worked day shift and attended a traditional MBA program with classes in the evening. When we moved to another state, it certainly helped me land a good job.
Best wishes to you both.
I would really love to go back in time and get my degrees in mathematics so that I could work as a statistician for a MLB team. That would be ideal. Unfortunately it's just a pipe dream, along with my desire to be a baseball analyst for ESPN :P
In reality, I'm happy with my degrees and I'm lucky to finally have a job that I love, even though I had to take a paycut to make it happen.
I do wish I had kept up with my PhD work a little better. I'm finally getting back in after being out for slightly over 2 years, and I know it's going to be a long road. I can't prevent those jealous pangs when I see someone announce their dissertation defense, just keep hoping that it will be me someday.
I agree with some of your previous posters. I think it's a grass is greener situation. Eric and I sometimes feel the same way as you and DH...being in the non-profit world and teaching in the public school system aren't exactly lucrative jobs. BUT...we're both happy, both home for dinner every night, b/c of hours Cate is only in someone else's care for 6 hours a day or less, and when we stick to our budget, can do the things we want to do anyway.
It's tempting sometimes to think we could do more when we hear of old friends doing great things. But more often than not our reaction is simply "good for them." They may have put careers ahead of having families. Or they may not get to see their families very often because of travel or a demanding work schedule. A big house, nicer cars, more family travel...those would all be nice things, but not if they come at the price of spending less time together as a family.
I just want to finish college...period! I refuse to get financial aid! I need 12 more classes to finish and I paid for all my classes CASH!! I can't wait!
I'd love to get my MBA some day too!
I'm starting to fill out applications for PhD programs, but I've still got the doubts in my mind, is this really what I want to do?? Its the smart thing to do, but seems insurmountable and foolish sometimes to even think I should. I come from an immigrant family, and it seems ostentatious to even SAY the words PhD programs. But I should, because I can- but do I want to?? *sigh*
I could be a professional student but lack the money for that career!!
I dream about not having a career at all and being able to spend time with my children, taking them and picking them up from school, being able to help with the homework and always having a clean house so when hubby is off we can enjoy our time together! Hopefully that will happen within the next year! Definitely trying to downgrade as much as possible, including the size of our house we are currently in!!
I don't daydream about a different career - I daydream about how my husband's hopes and goals of having the company he owns becoming super profitable will indeed become a reality, and I can be a stay-at-home Mom/help DH with his business. That's my dream.