Hey guys, would you think I lost it if...

Wow, guys. Thanks! I'm humbled. I really appreciate all of this positive feedback. I requested some information from the school, and waiting to hear back from them.

I like the idea of being a "country doctor" or up in the mountains, maybe a rez. My wife will stay with me, but is a little nervous about it. But, she's a survivor and a bit of a risk taker like I am. So, we are write it all down on paper and look at the pro's and con's. Living in the woods would be like making a million to me. :-)

Thanks again. It's not too many places where you can have this kind of positive thinking and support. I really appreciate it.

BTW- the young one's are doing OK. My little boy is 5 now. He's into cars, ball and Power Rangers. My little girl is 8 now and still loves the woods like her father and does ballet.
 
I think it's a lot more than just 4 years. The internships are brutal. But after you've emerged from the trials, you'll have about 20 years to give back with your new skills. That's OK. That's good. My mom went back to school at age 43 and became a probation officer and then a counselor.

The question is; can your family make it through the process? They won't see you much, will they?
There are intermediate career choices, btw, like Nurse Practioner and Physicians Assistant. Or even just a RN with a degree. Lot's of PA's and NP's in the boonies. Not a bad living.

munk
 
Hmm.

I have a 67 year old friend. He's getting his Doctorate in Theoretical Mathematics.

His current job: mechanic.

It ain't never too late! :D
 
As long as you have the support of your wife, I'd say go for it. I'm partway through a LONG distance job contract (over in Kuwait right now), and may change industries when I get home. As said, don't regret what you might ahve done. Do it. :)
 
I'm with Semper Fi, at 38 I decided to go back to school.

Best or worst decision ever? I won't know, but trying has to be better than regretting.
 
Thanks, Y'all. I might be posting more than usual now because...
I lost my job on Friday. 70 hour workweeks were about to kill me anyway. I had to have my asthma meds increased 6x just to cope with that job.

So.. my wife and I have had a lot of time to talk. Munk, you are right, there are some serious family considerations. My wife is prepared for them if this is the path we choose. Heck, it might actually let her leave the workforce early if it works out well. There are still some other options, but this is a real option now.

I'm going to that Osteopathic school on Friday to get some more information. Thanks very much for being a sounding board. I still feel young enough to do it and I would rather spend the last 20 or so years of my life in service to helping people, rather trying to fit in in the business world. I'm just not greedy enough for corporate America.
 
I visited the Osteopathic school. It would take 1 year of coursework to qualify, and the program takes 7 years. I'm gonna put this one on hold, just don't know if I've got the energy for all that right now. But, thank you all very much for your support.

I am looking at possibly becoming a schoolteacher. Not a great salary, but it would be a great life. Thanks y'all!
 
Good luck with whatever, bro.

I should have my MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching, for those who had a 4 year degree, but not a teaching degree) before December at the latest. If I can't finish before the fall*, I'm considering getting back into our ROTC program and commissioning. :rolleyes:

John



*If I can finish before fall, I'm planning on moving to Taiwan for a year to teach English, learn Mandarin in an immersive environment, and learn Tai Chi!
 
I say follow whatever dream that makes sense for you and your family. I am 40 and wishing I was doing something different than I am.

God Bless and God Speed in your adventures!
 
I think you should give it a shot. I'm a pharmaceuticals salesman and noticed where someone posted about the D.O. school in Lewisburg, W.V. Great place, I go there about twice a month; beautiful town and great mountains, awesome bakeries, too. But enough of that...What I wanted to say was that I see alot of doctors that made career switches mid life after figuring out they really wanted to be in medicine. They are now alot happier, in well respected/paying jobs, and helping people. My wife is looking to go back to school to become a nurse anesthetist and she's over 30 as well.
 
Thanks, guys. Just when you think your horse is out of the race...

My wife told me that I should go for it, in fact she was determined. My mother, who never tells me what to do, for the first time in her life told me that I should. It's going to mean a year of chemistry just to qualify, but what the heck. I have a calling and I want to make a positive contribution with my life.

Clintg, that's encouraging. I'll turn 39 this year. I don't think that I want to grow old and look back thinking that I never gave this a shot.

John, get in touch with me before you go to Taiwan. I'm decently networked with the Chinese boxing community over there, particularly Nejia arts. Don't overlook some high quality Taji teachers in the states. There are some that still have the martial applications intact.

Thanks,

David
 
David,

I don't think I have your email addy. Would you email me at your leisure?

JRShirley(at) Gmail.com

Thanks,

John
 
great to hear you decided to pursue a dream.

good luck and keep us informed!
 
I'm late at posting... but I totally agree with the others to go for it (like I said, late... you already came to the same conclusion).

I've been a non-trad student since I got out of the Air Force back in '92 (started classes the Fall of '93). My problem is I've never figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up... so I've changed course a couple of times. I'm 46 now and still in school... phase III. But I'll be finished soon and will have 2 associates and a BS in my pocket when I'm done (about a year total if I don't get lazy and all my classes fall into place). I'm getting tried of being a 'starving student' but I don't think I'd change it all if I had the chance.

Do what you love and what you are called to do. You'll be infinitely happier in your life. Good luck in your studies :)

Alan
 
IF theres one thing i've learned in my 44 years, it's that, "Old Dogs" CAN learn new tricks.

YOure NEVER Too Old to learn,to better yourself or to make yourself and your family happy.

Go for it with all you got and never look back!!!!
 
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