A Big Annoucement + Monday Madness Link Up



It might sound cliche, but it's the truth. When I turned 30 this past summer I really started to take stock of my life and see where I was vs. where I wanted to be. What were some of my goals for the next 30 years? What did I find fulfilling in my life and what did I want to improve on? I feel like I've accomplished a lot of big goals that I had set for myself early in my life. I always wanted to get married, own a home, and have a pet. Another major goal of mine was the build a career that I'm passionate about.

I haven't felt passion for any of the work I've done since I graduated college about 8 1/2 years ago,and it's really left me in a major slump. It's also led to depression and anxiety. After so many years you can get really stuck. You end up with job with great hours and that gives enough money to contribute to the household, but is that really living? We spend more time at work than we do at home!


Sorry, it's not a baby, but this news is just as exciting for me as that. I will quitting my job and going back to school full time to get my Medical Assisting certificate.

I came to the decision after a lot of thinking, praying, and support from my husband. I've had a bit of exposure working in the medical field and have always found it super fascinating. My doctor in Pennsylvania was awesome. He would always explain exactly what he was doing and why, and I just remember leaving the office and wanting to know more. Thanks for inspiring me, Dr. B!

It was so tough to make this dream a reality. Nick and I have to give up something now to be better in the future. We're giving up my income for the time being and that is HUGE. We have been blessed to be able to live comfortably since we got married (with both of us working). Having one income when you have two potential earners can be a really scary thing! We've had to and will continue to cut back on entertainment, shopping, vacations, and eating out. I am thankful for such an amazing husband who supports me 100% and is ready to take this leap with me!



I also had a little bit of guilt. First, I came out of college $20,000 in debt. That debt will be paid off in June this year. Had I wasted that money on a Bachelor's degree, and worse yet, was I wasting my degree to get a certificate from some community college? I had to get over myself. I also had to convince myself that is was okay not to stick with my original plan. I made it when I was 18. Who knows anything when they are 18?

It came down to following my heart and feeling passion for this profession. I felt every other industry I worked in never mattered. It didn't make a difference in the world. I have a heart for helping. As nuts as people make me, I just want to help. I thought I would achieve that with working in HR. Really, I was just enabling people who didn't want to help themselves. Helping people do things that they are able to themselves is not the same as serving those who are truly in need.



My first day of classes will be next Monday - January 26. The plan is to complete the program and become a Registered Medical Assistant by the beginning of July and be back in the workforce shortly after that. As many of you have read, I was lucky enough to get a part time job while I am in school.

My current co-workers have been so supportive and I believe that some of them are telling the truth when they say they are going to miss me. I had a member of upper level management e-mailed me this: 

"I'm happy for you!!!! Sad for us:-( As I mentioned you were the first person
I talked to when I walked in the door for the first time and the
impression you gave me of yourself and the company sold
me on the company in the first 5 minutes!!! You will be great at whatever you
do in life and I wish you all the best Ashley!"    



So, here goes! There's some nerves, but mostly excitement. Make sure to follow my journey! I'm ready.


21 comments

  1. I am so proud of you. Your an awesome, beautiful person inside and out. Keep in touch! God bless you as you follow your dream!!

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  2. Congrats! That's really exciting and I can totally identify with you on not being passionate about something that takes up so much of your time. Kudos to you and hubs for making the difficult decisions that will better your life in the future. And what a blessing that this will only take you 6 months to get the certificate. I'm cheering you on from over here!!

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  3. Congratulations, girl!! That is SO exciting! And how great that it's a relatively short program and you'll be back to work later this year :) Doing something you love this time!! Good for you!

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  4. I'm so proud of you soul sister! You're going to do AWESOME! =]

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  5. Wow, how exciting! Congratulations! xx

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  6. That is so exciting, Ashley! Congratulations! I completely understand the intimidation of surviving on a single income, but it is so worth it! :)

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  7. Congratulations!! Good for you for following your heart! Good luck with your program!

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  8. I am so happy for you! I think it's awesome that you took a leap of faith and know it will pay off in the end!

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  9. Congrats on this big move to better yourself!!!!! Such an exciting next step!!

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  10. So exciting! Congrats on the big move and proud of you for taking that leap of faith!

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  11. Congratulations on making that decision!! Even though it wasn't easy to make - you are going to be happy and getting prepared to do something you love!! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  12. That is so awesome! Congrats on taking the first big step towards your dream! :)

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  13. You go girl! As someone who works in the healthcare field, it can be extremely stressful, but also very rewarding.

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  14. Awesome!!! Do what makes you happy, that is what is important. Tough decisions sometimes lead to the greatest results!

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  15. Congratulations!!! That is such a huge and brave step! I also love that Steve Jobs quote. I have felt unsatisfied with my career since graduating as well and it really does suck the life out of you sometimes. I've found starting my own Etsy shop has really helped me personally. I'm so happy for you that you've made the decision to make a change!

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  16. Wonderful news!! Congrats!! Doing what makes you happy is so important. Best of luck.

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  17. SO exciting!!!! Just as exciting as a baby! (:

    Congrats and what a brave move!!

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  18. Good for you!! That is a huge leap but it's so worth it for the opportunity to pursue something that you can be passionate about. That's awesome that you will be able to go full time without work and focus on your education. Best of luck!!!

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