The decision to return to school

A decision has been made. I've pondered it for years, but previously didn't commit to act on my thoughts.

So why, as I approach my 5th decade of life, have I decided to return to school to get another degree?

Maybe it's the fact that I'm reflecting on what I want to accomplish with the last 1/3rd of my life, and it's time to act so that I don't waste any more time.

Maybe it's that the programs have changed, and there are now options available for a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) that focuses on my goals and career rather than trying to move everyone into a research-type program.

Life is good now. I've been professionally successful, have accomplished many new and innovative things, enjoy my job and like the people I work with. This isn't a degree being sought in anticipation of changing to another organization. This degree, while it will impact my professional credentials, is the first that is as much for my psyche as well as my career.

I have espoused the value of life-long learning my entire career....returning to school is a good reminder to demonstrate that I am willing to live up to what I advocate to others as a "good thing."

I also think that I'm ready to learn more. A career that doesn't require life-long learning can become boring eventually. I'm not bored. I still get up and like going to work. I just know in my gut, though, that the time is right for me to go back to school.

The final thing that plays into this is the ability it provides me to role-model for my children. The twins start their senior year of High School next fall; my youngest son will begin his freshman year in High School. They've seen me go to conferences and seminars in the past, but those tend to be in "fun" places. Other than the fact that Dad goes off for a few hours while they're at the beach, they've not seen the reading or papers or real work that goes into staying current in a career. Most learning doesn't happen at the beach. I expect them to buckle down and study next year, and in exchange for that I'll be writing those tuition checks. I want them to see that I can put in that work, too.