Oh No! What Do You Do When the Education Bug Starts Biting After You've Finished???

[marianne202]

So many of you old timers here know my initial goal was just to get an AS degree and check the box to keep my job. That was in 2009. I then decided no one would ever tell me I wasn't qualified due to a lack of "paper on the wall". I then continued on and finished multiple degrees to get a "terminal" degree of MHA and then the top credential in my field of an RHIA. So I made sure I was at the end and top of the ladder so to speak and I was satisfied. I was offered many great opportunities as a result of my additional education and am now in a Director position that I love...most days! Now, lately I feel the twinge of wanting more. I know I don't want to do a doctoral program, because a dissertation is not in me, but I feel like I want something else. Has this happened to anyone else? What have you done to scratch the itch?

Keep in mind I have one child finishing his bachelors and working on professional IT certifications and I have another one that will start this non-traditional path of testing out this year as she gets ready to graduate from high school and move on to her 4-yr degree. That said I certainly don't have money to spend on more education for me. I will finally pay off the last of my student loans in the next month. Any thoughts from those that have been in this spot?

I'm very busy in my new job, so I don't have a lot of time, so logically I don't need more on my plate, but I feel like something is telling me I'm not done yet. I will disclose that I always wanted to be a PA or MD, but at 50 those are no longer possible. I know there are others here that have crossed this bridge and I'm hoping for some sage advice to calm my cravings.

Is there an education addicts support group I can join???? LOL!

[soliloquy]

http://www.degreeforum.net/off-topic/223...ted-2.html

[toddsbiyj]

How about NP, but not sure if you want to tackle that much of a load? Or for that matter, start branching off in to a different specialty.

[UptonSinclair]

Have you considered research? Are there professional publications in your field for which you could write articles?

[cookderosa]

hey lady I have no advice, I'll just sit next to you for support in the addictions circle.

[KayV]

I just keep adding areas of certification to my teaching license.

[Devanna]

MOOC courses?

[marianne202]

I have been asked to write for some professional journals, but declined, due to lack of time when I was in school. I'm not big on writing and when I do write, I really write, so trimming down an interesting subject into just 1 or 2 pages would be hard. I wish I could find a project based DHA or DHSc instead of dissertation. I wish I had started A.T. Still's project based program before they changed it. I'm doing some speaking engagements and need to rework my PPT's so maybe that will quiet things for a little while. I will look at trying a couple articles and see what happens. Thanks!

[Johann]

...when I do write, I really write, so trimming down an interesting subject into just 1 or 2 pages would be hard.

Have you considered writing a full-length book? I'm sure you have the experience, knowledge and enthusiasm needed. And with all your work and family responsibilities, it would be easier than another academic program, to fit into whatever time is available.

There is a strong possibility you would become more widely-known in your field -- and there is a relatively remote possibility it might be a runaway best seller and bring in a lot of money. Something tells me -- good project for you! I wish you the best, whatever you decide.

Johann