Pursue Your Dream Career

Well over a decade ago, when my two sons were very young, I began to pursue my dream career. I have always wanted to be in the funeral home business, so I enrolled in the Funeral Services program at MATC's west campus. Three classes into the program, I gave up due to the lack of support I was receiving at home. Taking care of young children, holding down a full-time job and going to school is a lot for one person without help. Perhaps it just was not my time.

After quitting school, I continued on my way in the workforce, doing what I had to in order to get by. Many positions I held and companies I worked for were wonderful, and I learned a lot along the way. I was given great opportunities, and I learned many new things. I do not regret any of my work experiences.

It was only when I turned 40 years old this past November that I realized I have missed my calling. Since I was a young child, I wanted to be in the funeral home business, and I still do. My oldest son is on his way toward college, my oldest nephew is enrolling in the Air Force and many of my friends are pursuing their own dreams. They are doing what they have always wanted to. What about me? What about my dream career?

Although filled with fear and doubt, I decided to re-enroll at MATC in the same program I started many years ago, Funeral Services. It is never too late to pursue your passion and dreams, and I know this all too well. It is self-doubt and fear of the unknown that creeps its way into my head every so often. It sometimes seems to get the best of me.This is when I call on my friends who are supportive and encouraging. This is also when I lean on God, who ultimately called me to be a funeral director.

My friends have offered me some very profound feedback, both emotionally and spiritually, which I would like to share in the hopes of encouraging others. In some instances, I have paraphrased and in others I have taken verbatim. I thank them all for taking the time and consideration to come to my rescue and for "talking me off the ledge." It is just what I need to get back on the motivation train.

1. "Just listen to yourself because no one else knows you and what you can do!"
2. "The classes will change your schedule and take time and energy, but the main focus of a funeral director is to care for the living. The nuts-and-bolts part of the job--the part that needs the license--is just that: nuts and bolts. The hard part is to be sensitive, warm and caring for the living. That can't be taught. You have that already."
3. "Find a place where you can feel completely at ease, sit, and say to yourself, Only I can destroy my peace, and I choose not to do so. Throughout the day, when it seems as if others are making your life difficult, stop and remind yourself that you are the one who determines how you feel about what’s going on. You are the one experiencing the words and actions of those around you, and your perceptions are entirely up to you."
4. "You CAN DO IT!!! The enemy is always hard at work. You have to fully trust in our king and you'll see he will bring you through it all! I'm so proud of you and I have faith it will all work out! Be blessed!"
5. "Ask God for wisdom. Make sure you are rested, well fed, and not rushed. Then be quiet and listen to what God has to say. Remember Jesus loves you and I do too!"
6. "An investment in yourself is the best kind. You can do it!

Our dream careers are attainable, if we allow ourselves to hold the confidence and strength to reach them. It may take years, baby steps and lots of patience. The important thing is that we continue to work at it and remind ourselves that each day we spend not pursuing our dream career is a wasted day. There will always be a reason to hold off, a stumbling block of one sort or another. My bottom line is.....go for it!