Almost everyone growing up their life has their goals completely mapped out. They know what college they are going to, the career that they are striving for, and a vision board of how they are going to execute this vision. Naturally, I had that too growing up. I originally wanted to pursue schooling in the medical field but decided to go a different route. I enrolled in cosmetology school instead.
But something was always missing in my life.
As a hairstylist, I absolutely loved being behind the chair. I loved being with people, being their listening board, and making women feel gorgeous. I loved expressing my passion for art. But after years of doing hair, I wanted more. I started seeking out what I originally wanted to do with my life. I really longed to help people beyond looking good; I had that desire to want to help people feel better- saving a person’s life?!
But I often thought that it was too late for me to change my career and go back to school. Especially being a mom, I started making excuses for myself. I would tell myself ridiculous things like “Your choice, your career, now you have to live with your designs ” and “I’m being selfish, it will take too long to achieve my goals.” I thought it was unfair to my children to direct my attention to this. YES, all these did run through my mind!
I convinced myself for a long time that I didn’t deserve a career change.
On top of the negative thoughts, I started having self-pity. I would constantly tell myself that no one would support my decision. Especially not having family around to help with my kids was a big thing that halted me from pursuing my dreams. So, I stopped all of my daydreams of one day being in the medical field and went on with my life.
Until one day my dreams started revisiting me!
I already had my second child, and I stopped my career as a hairstylist to take care of both kids. But the desire was still so strong! I broke through my negative thoughts. Despite having no family help around, my husband has been so supportive of my choice to go to school. And I wanted to invest in myself!!
So, I took the scary but exciting plunge, and in the middle of a pandemic, in March 2020 I enrolled myself in nursing school! It was the craziest thing I have ever done. My first time in college as a 27-year-old mom of two! Yes, my schedule is crazy and full. I’m juggling being a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling one child, and now being a full-time college student. We decided to make it work for our family. I am telling you that it’s never too late to start a career that you have always dreamed of. As hard as it is, I always must remind myself that my kids are watching me. Being in school and completely changing my career is signaling to my kids that you can achieve your goals no matter how busy you are in life.
Yes, I might have extra bags under my eyes, or I might be drinking an extra cup of coffee. But investing in myself and changing my career to pursue a job that I have dreamed about for years has been a dream come true for me. Although I’m not finished yet, I’m enjoying the journey that I am on to complete this dream of mine in the hopes of one day adding RN to the end of my name.
This is to the women that have dreams of doing something that is completely different with their life, and stopped because they think it’s too late. Take this as a message to keep pursuing your goals. Whatever your goal is, don’t give up your daydream just because you think it might be selfish, or that you won’t have enough support! Just go for it! I promise you won’t EVER regret it. One day you will look back and it will be worth all the late nights, being tired, and years of trying to accomplish your goals. It’s never too late to pursue happiness.
