I debated writing this post. After all, how much “behind the scenes” stuff am I supposed to share on my blog? I finally decided that yes, I needed to post this. One, because some of the friendships I have formed through this blog are more encouraging and supportive than some of my IRL relationships. I like for you guys to know these things about me. Also, because this blog is how I record events in my life. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
All of that babbling to say: School starts tomorrow, and I will not be in attendance. I know. All of the challenges that took place last semester, only to lead to this. Here’s the thing: Having two parts of a married couple in grad school is difficult beyond what you can imagine. It’s difficult in a lot of ways, but financially is sticking out to me the most.
I don’t feel like this announcement needs a lot of fuss or explanation. I’m not going back to school this semester, but I will be going back. Michael graduates in May (!!), and we’ll reevaluate the situation then. Until that time, I’ll be working a lot and focusing on other aspects of my life, all the while keeping grad school on the back burner of my brain. Just because something doesn’t happen in the correct order of the originally planned timeline doesn’t mean it won’t happen. It will, and when it does, it will be great. Now is simply not that time, and I’m okay with that.
Comments on Back to School…or not.
From San:
Good for you, Lauren. You do what’s right for you and Michael. Nobody’s business but yours! All the best!!
From Katie:
You are doing what’s right for you guys and that’s what is important. best of luck with everything you have going on!
From jimaie.marie:
Good for you, only you know what’s best for you guys and if this is it then so be it! It’s really nobody’s business what you decide or why so no explanation is needed if you ask me! :) I was originally only taking 1 semester off from school after having Moriah since she would be so wee but December got here SO fast and all of the sudden it was time to register for 2nd semester and going back just didn’t sit well with me. Right now in the place that we’re in as a family it just wasn’t right for me to return and I am 100% ok with that. As it turns out it wasn’t 100% with some OTHER people when they found out which was somewhat funny to me because, who’s life is this again?!
People be crazy yo. <3
From Sarah:
If it’s the right decision for you, rock it. I know first hand how difficult it is to have two people in a relationship both in graduate school!!
From Elizabeth:
That had to be such a difficult decision, but it’s so great that you’re doing what’s right for both of you right now. School can always wait, but your contentment can’t.
From Beth:
I have a Masters degree in Community Counseling and I can tell you that it was the most emotionally, physically and financially draining process. I CANNOT imagine how I would have done it had I been married, especially with a hubby who is also in grad school! It seems like your decision to postpone your next semester is completely understandable in my opinion. Best of luck!
From Michelle:
Good for you. Sometimes certain things have to take a back burner to your life and putting education on hold is okay. I’m doing that right now (for two years) and I am actually enjoying it. There were times before that I took school breaks, but I always returned.
Enjoy your time off!
From Grace:
This sounds like a very wise decision. I wish you and your husband luck as he finishes up his degree. From reading your tweets about school last semester I have no doubt that you’ll be back when the time is right!
From Cio:
You’re my hero. Truly. I don’t say that enough to you.
I admire your tenacity {and Miguel’s} to continue on to higher education. I love that you’re willing to be patient and be so supportive of your husband. I’m praying that God opens doors where they need to be opened, and for wisdom and discernment to know which path to take.
love you.
From Chrissy (The New Me):
This is precisely why Nathan and I take turns getting degrees. I have no doubt that you’ll finish that degree, and in the mean time – more time for blogging! :)
From Brandi:
Good for you! I definitely understand about the making your own timeline; you just have to do what is best for you and your life.
From Kathleen:
No worries, Lauren! It’s smart to get one of you out of school first, and May is so close. You’ll get there. :)
From Liz:
You’re so smart & as you know, I truly believe you and Michael are making the right decision. You’re just ONE person, you know? As humans we can only take so much. Love you.
From mandy:
Good for you for knowing what you need to do and when you needed to do it. Taking a break, stepping back, and re-evaluating the situation later sounds like exactly what you need.
From Jena Roach:
New to your blog… love your “About me” section. Ya just gotta love the Oxford comma!
I think it’s really selfless of you to take a semester off for the hubs/marriage. Very awesome. Hope it’s a productive and restful next couple of months for you!
From sarah:
You need to do what’s best for you guys!
From Laura:
May is just around the corner! I admire you for having the strength to wait for better timing.