First Week's Out Of The Way!

So I'm done with the first week of school, and I am rather encouraged by the way it went. My classes are pretty small, and my professors are pretty receptive and open. I am thinking English (101) is going to be kind of a breeze; I have read the book we are assigned before, and I know the format she wants our essays in like the back of my hand. If I just do the damn work, I should pass with flying colors.

Pre-Calc may be a different story. We are through the first chapter of the book, which reviews algebra, and I'm already a little confused. I did this stuff like 16 years ago, and, even then, I sucked at it. Luckily, I'm older and less ADD, and therefore have the discipline to sit and do problem after problem after problem until I get it right. If the weather holds up today, I may go sit at the pool and study for a little while.

The best part of this whole thing is riding my bike to school along Kelly Drive every day. I did it three times this week (Thursday called for rain, and I'm off Fridays). It's like eight miles each way, and the terrain varies from rocky forest trails, to boardwalk-style walkways, to gravel paths, to roads and sidewalks. It's all part of the Schuylkill (SKOOL-kill) River Trail system that runs along the river in PA. It's mostly flat, which is good for me, and it even passes through my favorite sections of Philly, Boathouse Row and the art museum area (think Rocky running the steps). It's been a little tough, and my legs and butt are really sore, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Settling In

I am getting used to the "no job" thing. Not that I am enjoying it, but I'm not going stir crazy anymore. I am finding stuff to do regularly, mostly for other people, some around the house here. I've also done a little gaming (which I think I may be growing out of), and even tried lying around watching TV. The latter does not work too well for me...I get really bored.

I will say that I seem to be in pretty good shape physically. My body fat percentage is lower than it has ever been. I've always worked out, and I haven't consciously increased my activity at all, so I think it may be attributed to a combination of less stress, more sleep, and obsessive frugality at the grocery store. Whaddaya know...lose a job, find your abs.

I start classes the 13th of July, and, until then, will be focusing on some projects I've put off. I start work on the bathroom next week.

Butterflies

So I turned down an offer today. I had spoken to this firm a few times, and decided, along with my wife, that getting back into the same old stuff would be stupid. I registered for classes, and start mid-summer. There is some weird stuff going on with my unemployment at the moment, but I think that will get worked out soon. If not, I just get a part time job close to school that will work with my schedule...easier said than done, I know. I'm quite nervous, hence the title.

I did have my resume submitted, by a friend, to a firm not too far from me for an internal recruiting position, and I am going to follow through with it. I can't turn anything down at the moment, and it might be a great opportunity.

I Guess I Passed.

I got a letter in the mail today which stated, "...your placement test scores were sufficiently high enough to earn you an invitation to discuss entering the Honors Curriculum." It looks like it is designed for Liberal Arts majors, but it's worth looking into. I don't think this can hurt my chances of getting into the Nursing program, but I hope it HELPS. I still have to wait until next week to schedule my follow up with an Academic Advisor, so I'll find out then.

This weekend will be spent watching hockey (go Flyers!) and filling out financial aid forms.

Small Pipe in the Spokes

Last week, before I made the big "Back to School" desicion, I scheduled and interview for this morning. The interview, I feel, went pretty well. The woman I met with was very nice, and seems to have the same work ethic and communication tactics as I. I go sometime late next week for a second interview with one of the higher-ups.

I am concerned because the possibility of getting hired is definitely there, and, if the salary and bonus package is good, I am going to be VERY tempted. I've never not had a job, and I may not be able to resist.

I have a lot to consider...

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

I went to take the embarrassing placement test yesterday. I say "embarrassing" not because I got a bad score, but because it was pretty remedial. An essay, which was a little challenging, and English and math portions that were multiple choice, brought me back to high school. I hope to hell I got a good score...no, wait- I hope to hell i got EVERY QUESTION RIGHT, because this is basic stuff I should know.

The only things that may have given me trouble were the pre-algebra questions (you know, x+a-k=0, x=?). Those got confusing for a second, but I believe I recovered.

So now I wait.

I have to fill out my FAFSA application, and schedule an appointment with an advisor at the school to go over my career goals, test scores, and other stupid shit I could probably take care of on my own. I have, however, vowed to do this by the books, and so I shall. Aptitude tests and meeting with student advisers that are younger than me, and being placed in study groups where everyone is WAY younger than me is going to be my life for a while.

I guess its better than work.

So, Here we go

Here's the deal: I found out on March 31st that my cushy corporate job was gone. After some panic, serious stress, gin, hard labor, and, finally, simple math, I decided it was time for a career change...scratch that, career do-over.

I am going back to complete a two year R.N. program starting this summer. My wife (herein referred to as "Wifey") is a nurse, and she thinks its a great idea. Whenever I tell anyone else, they agree, even if they do throw in a few "murse" jokes.

I know there are a ton of people just like me heading back to school and changing careers because of the crappy economic climate, and I want to share my experiences with them. In all honesty, while I look forward to the prospect of waking up and going to school rather than work, I'm terrified with the reality of collecting unemployment, having student loans to pay off at 35 years old, looking for odd jobs here and there, and getting back into learning mode, which I was never really that good at anyway. Its scary, and maybe someone will find comfort in knowing someone else is going through the same shit.

So that's why I'm here. And even if no one ever reads my posts, it still serves as a cathartic outlet for my stresses. I look forward to sharing.