Going back to school! It's been a long time.

[Dixieland Dancer]

As some of you know, I work in the computer field (mainframes) and have been doing this line of work for 18 years. I have seen lots of changes in that time and really to be honest - I'm getting to hate it. :p Everyday it is something different and rarely do I do the same thing. It's always problem solving too. So I've finally decided to take a plunge and go back to school!

I'm taking a 32 week course from home with a 14 week on the job training session as a Professional Dog Trainer!!! :D The course is offered by the Animal Behavior College for Dog trainers and will certify me to teach professionally on a national level. I have been involved with dog training for over 25 years and already teach non professionally. This will just make it more official. My goal is to quit computers and open a doggie daycare center that offers obedience training classes too!

My husband thinks I'm crazy. I am just thrilled!!! :D :D I will get to work with dogs instead of computers. What's so crazy about that? :rolleyes:

[AmylovesMisty]

How exciting!!! Do you know where you will open this doggie daycare? A great idea just popped into my head when i read this thread!! People who go to your business must love pets right? So to maybe some of them you could recommend pet talk? Just a thought...

[ParNone]

Crazy? Sounds like heaven to me. Now if you wanted to stay
in computers, then I might question your sanity.:)

I've been in the computer field for about 15 years and whenever
I stop and think about being stuck doing this for the next 25 yrs,
I wanna scream. I daydream all the time lately about leaving
this behind for a career that centered around dogs. Just haven't
figured out how to make enough money at it or how to scale my life
down enough where I don't need very much money.

So I say good on ya!!

Par...

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Oh Candy! How wonderful!! And ever so inspiring to me. I am in the computer field and am not as passionate about it as I used to be (Yikes! ANd I just got a Masters!). I am terrified of trying to change careers!

I applaude your courage and know that you will do great!! I would definetly send Draker to your day care! You are going to change the lives of many Dogs and thier owners with your new cetification!! Not like you haven't already!

[Karen]

Congratulstions, Dixie!

Now, for you others - perhaps you can combine both fields, after all, there must be a market for teaching computer skills to veterinarians, or pet treat stores or something? (bonuses in the form of biscuits for Drake?)

This reminds me of a friend of mine who went through all the training, school etc. to become a medical doctor. After all those years, (and $$$ down the drain said his folks) he realized he was completely uncomfortable making life-and-death decisions! So he quit that career, went into computers, and became a specialist at teaching future physicians to better use their computers!

[ChrisH]

Oh, Candy, that is wonderful!!:) What is crazy about it? Not one little thing!:D You will be doing something you really enjoy and at the same time helping people and pups, both with the daycare and training! Go for it girl!! Life is way too short to one day be looking back and saying "if only...." :)

[AmberLee]

Wow!! Congrats -- it sounds like something that will really bring you joy. Fingers and paws crossed for you here!

[tatsxxx11]

Way to go Candy!!! As someone who loves school and learning, I think it's a GREAT idea!! And I know you are going to be right there at the head of the class!! Congrats and good luck! I'm sure you'll love every minute of it!:)

[Cincy'sMom]

Good Luck Candy! It takes a lot of courage to switch careers. How awesome that you will get to do what you love!!!

[primabella]

before i found out there were dogs involved, i was about to tell you you were insane :p i'm in school now and can't wait to get out!! anyways, good luck with your school :) i am so jealous ;)

[lizbud]

CONGRATULATIONS CANDY !!!!


I think that's great:D I just know you will do Great & love
it too. I am so happy for you... You get to live a dream :)

Just think of all the lucky doggies & their people you can help.

AWESOME :D Hugs of joy from Liz & Moki. :)

[Logan]

I am so proud of you!!!! I dream of one day being able to "reeducate" myself in something I really enjoy, not so much for a change of career, but to keep my mind sharp and give me more knowledge!!

I don't think you're crazy at all!!!! I am beaming, just thinking of what a wonderful environment you could provide for all those dogs out there!!! :D

[Cookiebaker]

That sounds great!! I would definitely bring my Malone there!!! That sounds like a really exciting plan...keep us posted as to how it is going!! :D

[Dixieland Dancer]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I must say I am ready to take the plunge but my hubby is very scared. Since I pull in a good part of our family income he is worried that I am putting our family in financial jeapordy. I tried to tell him that I will start out part time after getting certified before quitting my computer job. He said I worry him though because he knows when I get passionate about something I jump in head first and full steam ahead and tend to have tunnel vision. I tried to tell him that is a good thing if I really want to be successful at it. He is not convinced.

He is behind me getting certified though so that is a beginning. I will have time during the schooling to help ease his mind. Unfortanately if I can't get him to understand that this will work, I will have to forget the idea. I don't want this to cause a strain on our marriage. I am convinced it will work. Now to convince him!!

[Crikit]

All right Candy, good for you. It's important to do something you love rather then sticking with a job you hate. You'll be a great trainer as well I can just feel it.

[anna_66]

I think it takes alot of guts going back to school again, I can't even imagine it...I hated school! I know this is something you really want, so I'm convinced that you will do great!
You will show your husband and it will all work out for the best!
GOOD LUCK!

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Dixie, good for you, just stick to your plans, since you will be working while you are taking these classes he will mellow out.
Let him see that you can be a success at it and I think he will change his mind. You only have one life, live it to the fullest. Years from now you would be saying I wish I had done that, but it's too late now. Your a natural with dogs and I know you will be successful. Good Luck.
Jackie, Miss Daisy and Perry

[Dakota's Mommy]

Congrats! Wow, good luck with the new adventure!

[K9karen]

You GO Girl! Even though every new venture can be scary, it's challenging, and with your expertise and reputation, I don't think hubby has a thing to worry about!!! Here I am, so near, yet so far...for sure I'd be your 1st customer!!! There can never be enough qualified dog trainers. Folks will be knocking down your door.."Candy, Help! Help! " And doggie-day care???? What I wouldn't do for one in my area Big {hugs} of support and love!!

[Albea]

Hats off to you Candy! What a great idea!
Since you'll be learning something you already know a lot about, going back to school won't be so hard. As Jackie said: "You only have one life to live," and you'll be doing something you love and are good at. It beats being locked up with main frame computers any day.
Doggie day care places are becoming very popular with people who work long hours and I'm sure you'll be very successful.
Good luck.

[Cisco's Mom]

Sounds like a dream come true!! Good Luck!!:eek:

[wolf_Q]

Congrats!! Wow, I would LOVE to do something like that! Working with animals...what better job could you ask for? I hope everything goes well!