Most of you know that I've been trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my life. A couple times I've actually made the decision to stay where I am. Afterall, I've got a good thing going for me right now. I live close to my family, my ward is excellent, I have good friends, and I love my job/boss/coworker. Every time I decide to stay, though, it doesn't seem like a permanant decision - more like "this is what I'll do for now". I applied at numerous jobs around the country hoping that I'd get some overwhelming confirmation that I was going in the right direction. Nada. One evening a couple weeks ago I told my friend N that I couldn't figure out what I want to do, career-wise. She was astonished that I wasn't staying at my current job (I hadn't seen her since graduation). Then she said something that impacted me. She commiserated with me then expressed her certainty that once I figured it out I wouldn't let anything get in my way and would do whatever I needed in order to do it. It staggered me because in that instant I realized that I didn't have that attitude. I had been searching for an easy path. After we parted I thought for hours about what she had said, then figured something out. I still don't have an exact idea of what I want to do, but I know that I want to be involved in economics. Economics fascinates me and I want to be better versed and more knowledgeable in it. Teaching econ at the university level sounds fun but so does working for the government or a big corporation or a nonprofit organization. To that end, I've decided to go back to school and get a Master's of Economics.
Whew. It's a relief, really. Finally a decision that I feel really good about. Yes, it's not an "end" but at least I feel like I'm taking a step in the right direction. I looked online and only two schools in Utah have Master's of Econ programs, the University of Utah and Utah State University. Of the two I'm leaning towards the U, of course. I'd finally graduate from the school I started with! The program seems more challenging at the U, too. And, I would rather live in SLC than Logan; more jobs and closer to my cousins who live/will live in the area. Now I'm gearing up to take the GRE, an entrance exam for many graduate programs, including mine. I'm planning on taking it in a few months (no later than November) then applying to the two schools at the beginning of the year. Next fall I'll hopefully be starting classes! In the meantime, I'm going to try to keep up with my econ and finance studies. I don't want to get there and not remember anything! One evening a week devoted to reviewing econ and finance should be plenty. I also want to keep in the habit of studying! I'll stay at my current job until I move. I dread telling my boss. I know I'll cry. I also know that he'll be disappointed but that he will be happy for me too.
In other news, and I hope she doesn't mind me sharing, my roommate is moving out in the next few weeks! (I won't say why, in case she hasn't told someone who may be reading this and she wants to be the one to tell her news, understandably. If she hasn't told you yet, call her. If you don't know her and want to know why she's moving, email me.) Anyway, she told me this morning that she's thinking she'll move out the end of August at the earliest and mid-Sept at the latest. I'll miss her but I'm excited for her! She, too, has been contemplating what to do with her life and I'm thrilled with what she's decided to do for the next year or so. I've decided not to get another roommate; I've had two really good roommates in this apartment and I don't dare try my luck again. Plus, it may be kind of nice living alone. Maybe I'll turn her room into a sitting room/study. The money situation kind of worries me, but I may be getting a raise soon (cross your fingers) so that will help. Really, I'll be okay finacially until I start having to repay my student loan in November or December. At that time, if I need to, I can get another job to help out. We'll see. I'd rather get a 2nd job than a new roommate.
So, there's my news. I'll keep you updated on the process of taking the GRE, applying for a program, etc. Wish me luck!
12 comments:
Good for you. That churning, undecided feeling can be so uncomfortable at times, probably because there's growing spurts taking place. And now the peace of a decision made and confirmed by spirit. Hooray. You 3 girls are going to have fun together.
Good luck with your studies and entrance applications. I'm excited for you.
Wow! Congrats on this decision! I think you'll do smashingly well, which you usually do with anything you apply your talents to.
You'll have to let me know how tough the GRE really is, as that is in my future as well.
Good luck!
wow, I hope everything works out! When I was thinking of grad school, it was only the 'easy' thing to do, like you were saying before. When I only applied to that one school and didn't get in despite my grades and test scores (really, those aren't that important in fine arts fields!) I realised my heart wasn't into it and I was doing it because others thought it would be best for me.
When I moved out here, it was the scariest thing ever! And it took a couple of years to really be on my own, but obviously it was the right thing to do.
I hope everything works out for you too!
I, of course, have mixed feelings about this. I am visualizing the end of my social life altogether here when you move, but I am happy for you!
Message to Julie's roommate: call me!!!
Julie's roommate has asked that I write and notify those who are now thinking she is moving in a few weeks that she may not be moving quite so soon, but you're still welcome to contact her about it all.
I want to add that I'm glad my roommate may not be moving as soon as she initially told me. I'm going to miss her, so the longer she stays the better!!
Yeah! I am so excited. I know it may not be for another year but still that is something to look forward to. I am constantly thinking about going to get a Master's but I don't know. I don't like to think about it too much.
I'm glad you have a decision made. I wish I was the same. I still don't know what I'm going to do, but at least for today, it looks like I'll be staying in Vernal a little longer. Hopefully I'll be out on the Wasatch front by next Fall at the latest. It will be great being so close too!!
Aly, we'll be out there at the same time, then! You, Cassie, and I will have so much fun! Maybe we could even hang out with Frog sometimes! Hey, call me sometime! I tried calling you a couple nights ago and just left a message. It's been so long since we've chatted!
Congratulations.
That sounds like a big
and good decision.
Yes, we will miss you,
But I guess there's a time a place for change too.
Hey you may see my brother at the GRE!
He's taking it this week,
But I think he's planning a retake for about that time.
That would amuse me.
Anyway, you sound really happy with the decision.
So I am glad for you.
Good luck with the GRE and grad school. I'm kind of surprised you don't have to take the GMAT to get in to an Economics program. I just know that my spouse had to for his MAcc and my mom had to for her MBA.
I've thought about grad school, but I've had too much on my plate this past year to try and integrate that into my life.
I found you from "Cardine". :-)
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