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.