Yes, even though I am losing all hope in spring ever arriving this year, I can see then end of third year nursing school. We have just over a week left to go. That is truly surreal.
I was recently talking with my mom, and she way saying how she couldn't believe how quickly this program is flying by (and she thought I was off my rocker leaving my first career). I chose to do the regular 4 year BScN program (as opposed to the accelerated program) for several reasons, mostly because doing the extended program allowed me to be mostly part-time for the first two years. At the time I started, my youngest was in half-day kindergarten, so it allowed me to spend precious time with her, and to volunteer in the kids' school. That was a gift to me (and them!) beyond measure -- something that I'm so grateful to have been able to do, and something that I can never go back to as time only goes forward.
So what I started this adventure, I was faced with four solid years until I graduated. The days have been full, there have certainly been stressful times and other times when I had to study and couldn't join my family/friends on certain activities, but its not forever. And honestly, even though some days and weeks are very long, in hindsight, it has flown by.
We just have 25 full weeks of classes/shifts left, and then they'll send us out into the real world, to be real nurses! (gulp!!!). I think I've mentioned this before (if I haven't written it, I've certainly thought of writing it down - lol), is how easily I could have STILL found myself sitting in my office, dreaming about going to nursing to school.
Time really does go by quickly. Something that may seem eternal and daunting initially, can easily go by faster than people realize. I am so incredibly grateful that I was able to gather up my courage and make that career change, even if went against the grain and seemed illogical at my current stage in life and career. I would be devastated if I were to look back now and realize, "If only I'd started nursing school when I wanted to, I'd be almost done by now."
But instead, here I really am, just 7 school/shift days short of finishing third year. I've just landed a dream contract with a leading national nurses association, where I'll have the opportunity to beautifully bring my first career and my future career together in a way I didn't envisage possible earlier, and basically, truly living the life of my dreams.
Take steps towards meeting some of your dreams and passions. It is so worth the effort and the initial doubt (and terror!) I can attest that I'm closer than I've ever been before to living the most authentic life and being most my true self, than I've ever been before.
I've never been more content and at peace with myself and my life.
That is a gift beyond measure, and something that I'm most grateful for.
Showing posts with label vocation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vocation. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Friday, June 8, 2012
Last day in my current career
Today will officially be my last day in my communications career that I have worked at since the late 1990s. I imagine I will always be doing communications work in some capacity, most probably medical communications, as I do love to write, plan and, simply, communicate! However, today is the official end of my current career.
That seems quite surreal to write. Despite the fact that I am thoroughly convinced that this is the right move to make, being fully aware of the reality that 'this is the last day' gives me mixed feelings. I have been extremely lucky and blessed in my work all these years. I've had the opportunity to work for the UN -- I've represented Canada at the UN in Geneva, NYC and New Delhi, and have worked at the Canadian Embassy in Paris. I've travelled on my coveted red, diplomatic passport, now safely tucked into a memory box for safe-keeping. It's been quite a ride...and I am so extremely grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I've had, and all the incredible people I've met along the way, who have helped me and encouraged me in my career.
However, the pull of the medical field as my calling, my vocation, has not diminished over the years, as I'd hoped it would as I settled into a communications career in the field of international diplomacy. Then came a family, and the pull towards a more balanced home-work career also appeared. What I ultimately need to do, is see and feel that my daily work actually has some tangible meaning, in a helpful way, to someone. I need to work in the medical field. And I must admit, I've already found the perfect job for me that I will be working towards -- my new long-term goal -- is being a nurse with the UN in Geneva. That is simply THE perfect job for me. So, soon-to-be former colleagues, our professional paths may yet cross, but in a somewhat different capacity!
It has not been an easy decision to make, and I didn't make it lightly. I truly believe this is the right decision to make at this stage in my life, and that it will all work out great.
But now it is simply time to move on. Here's to harmony, and happiness!
That seems quite surreal to write. Despite the fact that I am thoroughly convinced that this is the right move to make, being fully aware of the reality that 'this is the last day' gives me mixed feelings. I have been extremely lucky and blessed in my work all these years. I've had the opportunity to work for the UN -- I've represented Canada at the UN in Geneva, NYC and New Delhi, and have worked at the Canadian Embassy in Paris. I've travelled on my coveted red, diplomatic passport, now safely tucked into a memory box for safe-keeping. It's been quite a ride...and I am so extremely grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I've had, and all the incredible people I've met along the way, who have helped me and encouraged me in my career.
However, the pull of the medical field as my calling, my vocation, has not diminished over the years, as I'd hoped it would as I settled into a communications career in the field of international diplomacy. Then came a family, and the pull towards a more balanced home-work career also appeared. What I ultimately need to do, is see and feel that my daily work actually has some tangible meaning, in a helpful way, to someone. I need to work in the medical field. And I must admit, I've already found the perfect job for me that I will be working towards -- my new long-term goal -- is being a nurse with the UN in Geneva. That is simply THE perfect job for me. So, soon-to-be former colleagues, our professional paths may yet cross, but in a somewhat different capacity!
It has not been an easy decision to make, and I didn't make it lightly. I truly believe this is the right decision to make at this stage in my life, and that it will all work out great.
But now it is simply time to move on. Here's to harmony, and happiness!
"What is happiness except the simple harmony between a person and the life they lead."-- Albert Camus
Saturday, August 13, 2011
An antidote to my previous post!
I am sharing a link that my dear friend Trish sent me yesterday (thanks T!!!). Her email included a comment that accompanyed the link, that stated, "Here's an antidote to that lame article in the Globe... :-)"
I must say that I am very impressed with what the University of Western Ontario provides for its mature students. I wish my university offered such a service, but that is no longer the case (I looked into it already). There are several very inspirational stories, in (appropriately enough!) the "Inspiration" heading. http://success.uwo.ca/index.cfm/mature-students/inspiration-tips/
In particular, I found the results of a questionnaire they sent out, asking "What would you have wished to have known prior to beginning your university studies?" The results are below. The section did not indicate if this was the mature students' first attempt at university, or merely a career change with previous university degree(s) already completed. A few of the answers seem to indicate that it was the respondents first attempt at university. Nonetheless, some of the answers are interesting.
In particular, and what I can relate to the most, is the final answer in the list. "Acknowledged the importance of studying what you are interested in."
This is something I should have done way back when, but then again, I must admit that I've had an interesting, international career path that has taken me to places I wouldn't have otherwise gone, to UN meetings and conferences in NYC, Geneva and even New Delhi once, and working on huge files (like the Kosovo crisis) and many smaller files that I never dreamed I'd be working on. In a way, it is a bit of a shame to be leaving all this behind, but that type of career is all-encompassing and is perfect for either a workaholic or single person with no kids. (On the other hand, I have been granted a 'leave of absence' from my work, so if for some reason my attempt at a career change to nursing doesn't work out, back I go into my established career... I honestly cannot see that scenario happening, but, especially at my stage in life, it is a huge comfort to know that this 'fall back' plan exists.)
My priorities have changed enormously since I entered the workforce, and honestly, even though my career has been very interesting at times, there remains an emotional disconnect, that has increased over time, that makes me question what real value there is in what I do, spending full days, weekends and even some statutory holidays at work. Admittedly, the consular cases I worked on were rather interesting and somewhat satisfying, but they still lacked the direct, personal involvement I apparently crave in my job.
I'd so much rather spend my days with people rather than in front of a computer, doing hands-on work where I can see at least some small tangible result of the work I do. Who knows, I might even get a sincere 'thank you' once in awhile and know that I truly did something helpful. But I digress...
Back to the list of what mature students wished they'd known before their studies...results are as follows:
What would you have wished to have known prior to beginning your university studies?
During the summer of 2008, we asked mature students to tell us what they would have liked to have known prior to beginning university study. This is a summary of the 124 responses we received with the most mentioned on the top, and the least mentioned on the bottom.
I would have:
Onwards and upwards.
I must say that I am very impressed with what the University of Western Ontario provides for its mature students. I wish my university offered such a service, but that is no longer the case (I looked into it already). There are several very inspirational stories, in (appropriately enough!) the "Inspiration" heading. http://success.uwo.ca/index.cfm/mature-students/inspiration-tips/
In particular, I found the results of a questionnaire they sent out, asking "What would you have wished to have known prior to beginning your university studies?" The results are below. The section did not indicate if this was the mature students' first attempt at university, or merely a career change with previous university degree(s) already completed. A few of the answers seem to indicate that it was the respondents first attempt at university. Nonetheless, some of the answers are interesting.
In particular, and what I can relate to the most, is the final answer in the list. "Acknowledged the importance of studying what you are interested in."
This is something I should have done way back when, but then again, I must admit that I've had an interesting, international career path that has taken me to places I wouldn't have otherwise gone, to UN meetings and conferences in NYC, Geneva and even New Delhi once, and working on huge files (like the Kosovo crisis) and many smaller files that I never dreamed I'd be working on. In a way, it is a bit of a shame to be leaving all this behind, but that type of career is all-encompassing and is perfect for either a workaholic or single person with no kids. (On the other hand, I have been granted a 'leave of absence' from my work, so if for some reason my attempt at a career change to nursing doesn't work out, back I go into my established career... I honestly cannot see that scenario happening, but, especially at my stage in life, it is a huge comfort to know that this 'fall back' plan exists.)
My priorities have changed enormously since I entered the workforce, and honestly, even though my career has been very interesting at times, there remains an emotional disconnect, that has increased over time, that makes me question what real value there is in what I do, spending full days, weekends and even some statutory holidays at work. Admittedly, the consular cases I worked on were rather interesting and somewhat satisfying, but they still lacked the direct, personal involvement I apparently crave in my job.
I'd so much rather spend my days with people rather than in front of a computer, doing hands-on work where I can see at least some small tangible result of the work I do. Who knows, I might even get a sincere 'thank you' once in awhile and know that I truly did something helpful. But I digress...
Back to the list of what mature students wished they'd known before their studies...results are as follows:
What would you have wished to have known prior to beginning your university studies?
During the summer of 2008, we asked mature students to tell us what they would have liked to have known prior to beginning university study. This is a summary of the 124 responses we received with the most mentioned on the top, and the least mentioned on the bottom.
I would have:
- Sought out more guidance on program/course selection
- Realized that university takes more time than I expected
- Developed better reading skills
- Developed better note taking skills
- Realized the need for good computer skills
- Attended workshops on essay writing and research
- Found out where can I go for help
- Recognized that I’d need to adapt to university life
- Better understood the costs
- Found out if there was a mature student association
- Understood the teaching style of my Professor
- Looked into daycare
- Found out about scholarships and bursaries
- Researched options for buying books
- Looked into parking arrangements and costs
- Found out about financial assistance such as the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
- Learned that courses are marked differently
- Taken the Ready for University! modules
- Learned about how spring/summer courses work
- Recognized the importance of learning
- Acknowledged the generation gap among students
- Researched into the different services available
- Acknowledged the support available from professors
- Recognized the importance of balance between home and studies
- Learned about the importance of having the correct prerequisites for courses
- Looked up the course registration deadlines
- Acknowledged the importance of studying what you are interested in
Onwards and upwards.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Complete state of flux
I've posted it before (too often, perhaps), about how difficult and frustrating being in a state of transition is. One part of me is so keen to just get on with this career change and hit the books, while the other part wants time to come to a screeching halt, as school is starting too soon (just over 9 weeks from now).
In the meantime, work continues on as always. No paperwork has started yet for my leaving, honestly I don't even know yet what the procedure is. I've been told I'll likely get my leave approved, that various people and committees have discussed it, and they all think it is OK. I just don't have any closure on that front yet, so that's why I haven't started any formal proceedings with HR yet...because there is a big difference between paperwork for a leave of absence, and leaving permanently.
I'm also in total confusion about working part time. I've decided that teaching music is the way to go, and I'm pondering the pros/cons of going to work at a music school, or setting up a private music studio. Also, the fact that I've been out of school for a number of years has to be factored in. I think I've somewhat forgotten the realities of studying. My schedule may look empty enough on paper, compared to a full-time work week, but studying has to be included. Will I have time to even teach music??? I also have a 'mommy' and a 'wife' role to play, on top of everything else....and one of the main reasons I'm leaving my current job is so that we have a semblance of work/life balance. Am I taking on too much (theoretically)!?!?
However, all this is still thinking, and nothing is yet actual.
Get my drift, about why I'm feeling that everything is in a state of transition, yet everything is still exactly the way it's been for a long time???
A small part of me just wants this whole issue to go away, and simply stay on the known track. This won't happen, but it would just be so easy.
Another thing that would be so simple, is to forget nursing school, and set up my music studio and teach music full-time. I already have a second career ready to go -- it is there for the taking. I used to do it. Again, so, so simple on so many levels.
Yet, I just cannot shake off this crazy medical "thing". I use the word "thing" as I cannot quite describe it -- perhaps "vocation" is the most appropriate word. I know I will be so disappointed and let down and frustrated if I don't take this nursing school opportunity. Teaching music would be easy, rewarding (at times!) and fun. But in the long term, it isn't my 'passion', like the medical 'thing'.
Don't get me wrong -- music is a huge part of my life -- and I am very much looking forward to teaching children again. I will definitely teach again. It is just that it doesn't pull me in like medicine does. I guess as far as careers go, music is a love, a definite part of my life since forever, but not truly my vocation, not a "need".
I guess I'm just looking to finally have some clarity and some decisions made. To finally have something on paper and out of my head.
Yep, some clarity would be great and very appreciated about now. Hopefully it will come sooner than later. :-)
Happy Canada Day !!!!!
In the meantime, work continues on as always. No paperwork has started yet for my leaving, honestly I don't even know yet what the procedure is. I've been told I'll likely get my leave approved, that various people and committees have discussed it, and they all think it is OK. I just don't have any closure on that front yet, so that's why I haven't started any formal proceedings with HR yet...because there is a big difference between paperwork for a leave of absence, and leaving permanently.
I'm also in total confusion about working part time. I've decided that teaching music is the way to go, and I'm pondering the pros/cons of going to work at a music school, or setting up a private music studio. Also, the fact that I've been out of school for a number of years has to be factored in. I think I've somewhat forgotten the realities of studying. My schedule may look empty enough on paper, compared to a full-time work week, but studying has to be included. Will I have time to even teach music??? I also have a 'mommy' and a 'wife' role to play, on top of everything else....and one of the main reasons I'm leaving my current job is so that we have a semblance of work/life balance. Am I taking on too much (theoretically)!?!?
However, all this is still thinking, and nothing is yet actual.
Get my drift, about why I'm feeling that everything is in a state of transition, yet everything is still exactly the way it's been for a long time???
A small part of me just wants this whole issue to go away, and simply stay on the known track. This won't happen, but it would just be so easy.
Another thing that would be so simple, is to forget nursing school, and set up my music studio and teach music full-time. I already have a second career ready to go -- it is there for the taking. I used to do it. Again, so, so simple on so many levels.
Yet, I just cannot shake off this crazy medical "thing". I use the word "thing" as I cannot quite describe it -- perhaps "vocation" is the most appropriate word. I know I will be so disappointed and let down and frustrated if I don't take this nursing school opportunity. Teaching music would be easy, rewarding (at times!) and fun. But in the long term, it isn't my 'passion', like the medical 'thing'.
Don't get me wrong -- music is a huge part of my life -- and I am very much looking forward to teaching children again. I will definitely teach again. It is just that it doesn't pull me in like medicine does. I guess as far as careers go, music is a love, a definite part of my life since forever, but not truly my vocation, not a "need".
I guess I'm just looking to finally have some clarity and some decisions made. To finally have something on paper and out of my head.
Yep, some clarity would be great and very appreciated about now. Hopefully it will come sooner than later. :-)
Happy Canada Day !!!!!
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