back to school

Well, all the fun I mentioned previously had to eventually come to an end. I started school two weeks ago and probably never dreaded anything so much in my life.

My advice to anyone going to school while working full time -- do not take time off (from school.) If you're partway through your program (like I was) and decide to take a quarter off of school for good reason (such as having a baby) then be warned. Returning after that long break will be difficult.

You will get addicted to the freedom associated with not having a commitment like school. Over the summer, I relished my time after work. It felt so nice to simply come home from work and be able to spend time with Danielle and Luca. I had time to relax. I had time to make dinner. I had time to watch movies. I had time to do lots of stuff. It felt great!

But all of that is gone now. Although I'm only in class two nights a week, it still takes it's toll on my ability to relax. Because even on non-school nights, if I come home and decide to watch a movie, go out for dinner, play with Luca, or play Wii, in the back of my mind there is still this voice making me feel guilty because I'm not doing my homework or studying. Being in school ruins my ability to ever completely, totally relax.

So this is why I was dreading going back to my MBA program. And in fact, I seriously considered dropping out. But since I'm already done with 3 quarters, and the long term upside of an MBA is pretty high, I decided I might as well suck it up for another two years.

Perhaps during that time I'll find a way to quash that little voice making me feel guilty when I'm having fun.