As most of you know, we are moving to Utah. I am enrolled over there at SLCC (Salt Lake Community College) and I plan to become a teacher of English and writing, although, I am not sure what age group I would like to teach- maybe Eighth grade. The idea of leaving and starting fresh, sorta speak, didn't come easy, though. The thought of leaving the comfort of what we are used to and diving head first into something completely different is scary. It is a different state, first of all, and I will be quitting my job as a recycle truck driver and starting full-time as a student this fall. And, yes, we are able to do that and I will explain why and how later.
Ash and I had been talking about a career change for me for a little while and for a few reasons. One reason is the obvious fact that can't do the physical aspects of my job forever- I do get out of the truck at every house to operate a lever that lifts the can and tilts it into the hopper of the truck. A lot of the houses will have "extras" on the side and I collect from the glass bins, as well, and let me tell 'ya- southwest Portland-ers like to drink! I have anywhere from 600 to 730 homes to service in my ten hour day.
Another reason is politics. Waste Management is union and I don't want to get into all the reasons why I don't like the union- I didn't have a choice on whether to join the union or not, and while the pay may be great to some, it still boils down to the physical demands of the job. The third and biggest reason for needing a change is the unhappiness of doing the same thing over and over everyday without enjoying it. I can't really think of anything rewarding about the job besides the ability to put a roof over my family's head and food on the table. I think at some point it could take a toll on the relationship I have with my wife and others. To me, that makes the change worth making- to avoid jeopardizing what is most important in my life.
Some of you maybe wondering how we can afford it. Well, first, there is a need for teachers, especially good ones. Again, I won't get into politics. I could very well go to school for free for that reason... I hope. Second, Ashley's parents (Mom and step-dad, Ray) offered their 1,200 sq. ft. basement to us while I go to school- rent free! And we are so grateful for them to offer such an unbelievable opportunity. Third, we have no debt, or at least we won't by the time we move. We are fortunate and privileged to say that. We don't like owing money like most people but in truth, we couldn't afford to put ourselves in debt anyway. So we didn't. So, besides the necessities, we wouldn't have any bills and could work just part-time to pay for those. I'm thinking school bus driver... don't laugh.
At some point in our lives we have to think about where we are and where we are going. Naturally for males, it's in their late twenties or early thirties. I have the opportunities, wants and needs to do this so I am jumping off this island and taking the long swim for something more fulfilling. We all want that in life- something more fulfilling. I doubt anyone you or I know could say they didn't, so seize the opportunity, right? Some of us hear that knock from opportunity and don't answer, but why? Because we are afraid to open that door and let the wind in? I say open up and take a look. Maybe... just maybe... the wind is blowing the other direction to help push us along. The future for us can be great if we allow it to be. Mine will be great and I can feel it. I am excited for it and Ash is, too.
My brother, Devin, once said that there are two things that we can be selfish about in life: picking a spouse and a career. I believe that's true. We can't make others happy if we aren't happy. Why not be selfish for once when you can use it to do unselfish things, right? I'm not saying I am depressed or anything but you get the idea here. Someday I would like to say that I gave it my all and went for something that makes me happy... and I will succeed. I will.
Ash and I had been talking about a career change for me for a little while and for a few reasons. One reason is the obvious fact that can't do the physical aspects of my job forever- I do get out of the truck at every house to operate a lever that lifts the can and tilts it into the hopper of the truck. A lot of the houses will have "extras" on the side and I collect from the glass bins, as well, and let me tell 'ya- southwest Portland-ers like to drink! I have anywhere from 600 to 730 homes to service in my ten hour day.
Another reason is politics. Waste Management is union and I don't want to get into all the reasons why I don't like the union- I didn't have a choice on whether to join the union or not, and while the pay may be great to some, it still boils down to the physical demands of the job. The third and biggest reason for needing a change is the unhappiness of doing the same thing over and over everyday without enjoying it. I can't really think of anything rewarding about the job besides the ability to put a roof over my family's head and food on the table. I think at some point it could take a toll on the relationship I have with my wife and others. To me, that makes the change worth making- to avoid jeopardizing what is most important in my life.
Some of you maybe wondering how we can afford it. Well, first, there is a need for teachers, especially good ones. Again, I won't get into politics. I could very well go to school for free for that reason... I hope. Second, Ashley's parents (Mom and step-dad, Ray) offered their 1,200 sq. ft. basement to us while I go to school- rent free! And we are so grateful for them to offer such an unbelievable opportunity. Third, we have no debt, or at least we won't by the time we move. We are fortunate and privileged to say that. We don't like owing money like most people but in truth, we couldn't afford to put ourselves in debt anyway. So we didn't. So, besides the necessities, we wouldn't have any bills and could work just part-time to pay for those. I'm thinking school bus driver... don't laugh.
At some point in our lives we have to think about where we are and where we are going. Naturally for males, it's in their late twenties or early thirties. I have the opportunities, wants and needs to do this so I am jumping off this island and taking the long swim for something more fulfilling. We all want that in life- something more fulfilling. I doubt anyone you or I know could say they didn't, so seize the opportunity, right? Some of us hear that knock from opportunity and don't answer, but why? Because we are afraid to open that door and let the wind in? I say open up and take a look. Maybe... just maybe... the wind is blowing the other direction to help push us along. The future for us can be great if we allow it to be. Mine will be great and I can feel it. I am excited for it and Ash is, too.
My brother, Devin, once said that there are two things that we can be selfish about in life: picking a spouse and a career. I believe that's true. We can't make others happy if we aren't happy. Why not be selfish for once when you can use it to do unselfish things, right? I'm not saying I am depressed or anything but you get the idea here. Someday I would like to say that I gave it my all and went for something that makes me happy... and I will succeed. I will.
