Ginger Snap Cookie

 

On February 4th I posted that I had made a major decision regarding my career.  I didn't want to post anything until I told my boss as I didn't want her to somehow find out on her own.

Well, I can finally tell you.  

I made the decision to change careers.  I am taking a Distance Education in AutoCad through SAIT.  Hopefully, after I take the 3 courses, I'll be able to move into a department within the company.

Why would I make this leap?  Well, there's no where I can go in Admin.  I've had my certificate since 1993 and I am still in the same place career wise.  There's nowhere I can go.  I don't want to be a secretary...which is basically the only place that I can "advance" to.  

Another reason is for financial reasons.  You don't make that much in Administration.  Not at all.  And the "raises" you get aren't enough to keep pace with the rising costs of living.  When my rent goes up here, I'm hooped.  I really, really, really don't want to have to get another evening job.  I've also been thinking a lot of when I am old enough to retire and so far, it's looking like I'll be working as a Walmart Greeter when I'm 65.  I'm not saying that being a Greeter is a bad thing, I'm just saying that I want to retire instead of working until I'm dead.

Yet another reason is for mental health.  Not only do I feel I have much more to offer than I am permitted to do, but I can't take the crap people in Admin take.  Don't get me wrong, I understand that there's crap you have to take in every job, but I need the change.  I also feel that I need a challenge.  I can do my job in my sleep.  I need something to keep my enthusiasm going and my attitude good.

Anyway, it's a complete change for me.  I'm a bit intimidated but I know that I will be able to do this.  I am very lucky as I am able to use the computer at work as my little laptop isn't able to handle the program.  I started this week and have spent each evening at work, studying.  My plan is to study 3 hours, 4 evenings a week.  In addition to that, I have been given permission to do training with the Piping Department on Saturdays.  I don't get paid for it (nobody who attends does), but I feel that it will be beneficial.  As long as there is coffee :)

At any rate that is The Plan.  And I believe The Plan is good.