New Direction

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about my long term direction.  I really enjoy my job.  It's fun, and I like being involved with scuba everyday.  But, I don't make nearly as much as I think the job should pay.  And, there is no real room for growth here.  This would be a great job if my life had a shared income, or if I was a bit younger and not as much else going on.  The reality is I'm almost 26.  I don't make enough to pay for my monthly living expenses.  And, I live with a roomie (who I love, but still...). 

I am finding myself in a place where I am craving independence and stability.  I would really like to feel like I can pay my bills every month.  I don't have a whole lot of them... No credit cards and no car payment. So, it shouldn't be this difficult to take care of my expenses.  Also, I would really love to have my very own place.  I love living with my brother.  He's fun and we get along great and I value the time I get to spend with him and the talks I have with him.  But, it's just time to fly from my little nest.  I would like to have my own place and that sense of independence.  I would like to feel like I can bring people over and not have to wonder about the status of my roomie.  Who knows.  If I end up in a consistent relationship with the possibility of more frequent sleepovers, it would be nice to not have the awkward "big bro in the next room" feeling.  I'm ready to be on my own and taking care of myself.

So, here's what I'm doing about it!  It's time to focus on getting into an actual "career." I've thought about teaching over and over again and I keep going back to it.  It's become quite clear to me that that is a good path for me.  So, I'm registering to take the CBEST and CSET in the next few months.  As soon as I get those done, I'll apply to some schools and get into a program that offers a Masters program along with Credentials.  About a year and a half after that, school will be done and I can get into an actual career and feel like I've really "grown up."  I'm so looking forward to that.  I know the getting out on my own won't happen over night.  I may have to keep the roommate thing up during school or go live on campus.  And, that's okay.  The point is... I feel like I'm setting goals for myself and working to achieve them and better myself and my life.  I'm really excited about it.  So, here is the list of new goals:

• Take/Pass CBEST and CSET before end of Spring
• Enroll in school before end of year.
• Finish school by the time I'm 28
• Have my *own* place, and feel some stability by the time I'm 30