I've struggled with this for years. What do I want to do as a career? I thought I had figured it out and then life happened. I'm back to where I just don't know and it seems more complicated now. I'm writing this to share my struggles and see if anyone has any advise or insight.
In order to understand the present, I'll start with the past. I graduated from Ball State University in 2002 with a BA in Finance. I really enjoyed my accounting classes but the idea of being in school for 6 years nauseated me. The path my career took with a degree in Finance didn't lead in the direction I hoped it would go. In 2005 I obtained my MBA through a reputable online university. I learned quickly that having an MBA with non-applicable experience yields nothing. After a lot of thought and discussion, I went back to school in 2008 to complete the necessary coursework in Accounting so that I could sit for the CPA exam.
I've taken the entire CPA exam twice now and have not passed a single section (there's 4). The last time I attempted an exam was August 8, 2011. I was pregnant at the time and found it difficult to take the test. You can only take breaks at certain times and between needing to go to the bathroom and Corbin deciding the middle of the test was a good time to practice his ninja skills it was torture. After that test I decided I was going to take a break for a bit.
When I first found out I was pregnant, my thought process was that I was going to continue to work. It's just who I am. A few months into the pregnancy, my husband and I sat down and decided (at the time against my better wishes) that I would continue to work until Corbin was at the age where he was moving around to much (crawling etc.). I work from home so it seemed to make sense. Then, at that point, I would quit working and focus on raising Corbin and studying for the CPA exam. I honestly struggled with this idea until the moment he was born. In that moment I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life, quit work and be a mommy. I'd never felt such clarity in my entire life. I looked forward to quitting my job.
Then my world came crashing down. I was still on maternity leave at the time so I was still off of work. I took a little time off and went back to work on January 3rd. The original plan was January 23. It was a struggle to return to work at a job I've been at for almost 8 years and haven't enjoyed for probably 6.
So now I struggle with what to do. I'd love to be a mommy. I know I will forever be but I no longer get to take care of my child the way most mommies do. I just don't think my heart is into the whole CPA thing anymore. I lack the focus to study and if we're chosen to be the parents to another child, I'd like to be a stay at home mommy for a while or at least have a job flexible enough to allow me to both work and raise my child. I just don't know what that career is. If anyone has any ideas, please share.
You will find your way. Jesi you are the bravest person I know. I think about you and Corbin often. I will continue to pray that you find your way. You are very courageous to share your story. Maybe that is what you are meant to do with your life. No matter what you do or where you go you will always have Corbin as your angel. God chose you to be his mommy because there was no one more perfect for the job. Sending love and prayers to you, Chris and Corbin always. Paula
ReplyDeleteJess,
ReplyDeleteAs impossible as it may seem I know that the day will come when you simply rejoice in knowing you were given Corbin. Although it has come with struggles,pain, and loss I believe that your journey will be filled with such wisdom and love that comfort will have found its way to you. Time doesn't heal all wounds but I believe that when we surrender our pain and struggle to God that he does heal all wounds. We may not understand the journey were on but I know that with an open heart and mind that the answer is found. May God continue to Bless you and your family!
Kelley