Career Changes...

This past May, I received my master's degree in Music Theory from Indiana University. The typical course of study for theory is to continue to a Ph.D, but I decided not to pursue it, at least for the time being, for many reasons. My main reasons were that I wanted to return to Chicago to be closer to my family and my fiance, and if I committed to several more years of grad school, we would most likely have to postpone our wedding (heaven forbid)!

So this Summer found me living with my parents in the suburbs, looking for work. Music theory is a subject taught primarily at the college level, though it can also be taught in high school or through community music schools. Of course, because of the economic downturn, not only had the area univiersities issued hiring freezes, but the community schools were also struggling to retain students, as many families were trying to cut back on expenses in these hard times. I sent out resume after resume, contacting schools, institutions and everyone I could think of, to no avail. The lingering question in my brain was: Was it really the right decision to leave grad school? I couldn't help but think that I would be more marketable as a teacher if I had my Ph.D, and of course, I would remain in school a few more years, giving the economy a chance to recover. This summer was a summer of frustration and doubt, but there was always plenty to be thankful for, because I was home with my parents, who graciously let me stay with them rent-free, and being unemployed, I had copious amounts of free time to chat with friends, spend time with my fiance, or help my parents.

My decision not to pursue a Ph.D. was made primarily because of my desire to become a wife, and someday a mother. You don't need a doctorate to do that, right? Of course, I currently am neither a wife, nor a mother, nor am I a student, and technically, I have no "career," either. I felt an intense lack of purpose, like I was in limbo, waiting for something to happen: a teaching position, my wedding, children, something.

A job finally did come along, but not the kind I was expecting. We had brand new neighbors move in next door to us: a husband, wife, 15-month-old baby, and a dog. The wife was preparing to return to work for the first time since the baby was born, and they were looking for childcare. Of course I jumped at the opportunity: I love children, I needed a job, and they were right next door--you can't get more convenient than that! So now I am a full-time nanny, taking care of a 15-month-old boy, and a sweet dog. 10 hours a day, 5 days a week I get to pretend to be a mommy, with a baby to take care of, a dog to look after, meals to cook, and a house to keep clean. And, I'm getting paid for it!

Of course, it can still seem like a bit of a disappointment to tell people that I just got my master's degree, have two years of teaching experience at the college level, and am currently a nanny. The other day, after telling a woman about how much I enjoyed spending my days playing with this sweet little boy, she wished me luck on my job search and said she sincerely hoped things would look up for me very soon. I guess it all comes down to personal priorities: I chose marriage over further schooling, and now I am thankful for the chance to learn and prepare a little bit before the big day comes! I sometimes feel shy telling people, because I know they will think I was hoping for something better. But really, what could be better than to spend my days playing with, caring for, and yes, teaching such a sweet little boy, all while gaining valuable experience and life lessons? And boy, am I learning a lot from this guy! But that's another post! Right now I have a little boy who is waking up from his nap...