Happy to be piled higher and deeper

Yep, I did it. I jumped in with two feet, dragging my loving husband and children with me, and started back to grad school full-time, this time in pursuit of a PhD. I plan to start writing tidbits about experience here, so look out for the highs and lows coming at ya.

So far, I love it. I love having space to think the big thoughts. I love meeting amazing thinkers. I love being on campus. I love our home in student housing. But we took a major financial hit to do this, since I was previously the primary breadwinner. Being poor, poor, poor is painful after living sort of comfortably. The hopeful plan is for my hubby to get a full-time job. It's not working out so far, but we are hopeful. I worry I may be crossing the line between hopeful/faithful and foolish, but we're not there yet. In the meantime I'm taking joy in the wonderfulness of academia.

And after that last post, something more cheery...

I can believe I left my personal blog for so long. And I can't believe I left it on such a dour note. Oh well. What a difference a year and some make, right? I'm starting my second year as a middle school librarian. Well, maybe not such a difference, as I notice most of the posts seem to be about me being stressed. I still sign up for way too much fun in my life. Including a second job teaching an occasional class at the university level. But I love being able to teach graduate students. It's such a lovely contrast from my daily clientele.

I'm done! And yet...

I officially finished up my classes on March 15th. I have earned my Master's degree in Library and Information Science. I even got my Washington State Librarian Certificate in the mail.

The funny thing? I feel more stressed than ever!!

The stress comes from the job hunt. Or really the idea of the job hunt stresses me out. I've been able to cut myself some slack because I happily accepted a temporary assignment in the collection development department of my library system. It's a blast, but the job ends all too soon. It all comes down to knowing that I need to nab a job with a great income and benefits, yet feeling at sea on exactly which kind of LIS job I want to do.

In my heart of hearts, I really, really, really, really want to start a PhD program, researching children, teens, information behavior and/or librarian behavior. But we (my family and I) can't afford for me to not work full time right now. So, I need to work. But what to do? Stay in the public library world, which has been great for me? Move to a corporate or other special setting, which sound like fun? Finally utilize my teaching certificate and be a school librarian?

I'm sure it'll become clear for me soon. After I finish reading a manga.