Career Choices

Today in history: - Dec. 6

• Fifty years ago, on Dec. 6, 1957, America's first attempt at putting a satellite into orbit failed as Vanguard TV3 rose only about four feet off a Cape Canaveral launch pad before crashing back down and exploding.
• In 1790, Congress moved to Philadelphia from New York.
• In 1889, Jefferson Davis, the first and only president of the Confederate States of America, died in New Orleans.
• In 1947, Everglades National Park in Florida was dedicated by President Truman.
• Discovery Education made some drastic cuts and I was jobless.

The first event may have helped prompt people into going into technology. I believe so because we now have satellite TV and directional units such as my Garmin that keep us from getting lost. The second event may not have prompted too many career changes, but I wish I could prompt my friend Chris Marshall in running for Congress eventually. The next event caused a change of positions and career thoughts. The 1947 event I added only because it dealt with Florida. The last event is personal and had me thinking about what type of job I could do now that I was without.

I loved technology coaching. I really did. That's why I love to do the trainings as much as I can. Luckily I had two companies offer me a job before New Years, and now I'm with netTrekker. They're a small company with a HUGE heart and I'm happy to be apart of their family.

When others face this type of crisis, I wonder what they do? Do they turn to other similar companies and try to find a similar job? Do they turn to a new path? I hold a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Technology in Education. What am I qualified for? (Don't worrry- I'm not looking to change jobs - just curious.)

I found one great site with wonderful information about the different types of jobs based on your interests at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. I like to read, and would love to write, but nothing else really appealed to me. Maybe the librarian, however I'd have to be quiet. I worked at a bookstore once, really loved it - but Hernando County is missing a bookstore. They're building -but it's not here yet.

I found another great site about careers you never knew existed. They even have games to help "experience" the job. Now I love my CSI, and I would love to try my hand at the board game. I remember once as a child my friend Terri and I dusted for fingerprints the cafeteria window that was left open because we thought the person we saw on the third floor broke in. We were collecting evidence before we called the cops. Turned out, he was the janitor and we were out a bit later than we were suppose to be. However, I don't think I'd make a very good CSI in real life. Why? My knowledge of science is not very extensive for one. But the real reason - I hate blood. I could never look at the dead body or theblood and make it through the scene to solve the case. There'd be so many open cases, I'd be fired.

Another fun site was "Could This Be Your Life? " For $7.95 I can take this test and see which Career Key will open doors for me. I can find other tests by going to the Career One Stop.

As a former career teacher, I love the new items that are online for students to get a real grasp of what's out there and what they would be succesful. I know some think that elementary is still too young to talk careers, but in truth - that's the best time. They love to act things out and "play" different roles. Give them a reason to work hard in school.

Back to my sudden career change - I did love my job and I value all the DEN members and my fellow coworkers. I met some wonderful people and had some great times. The move to Florida was great for Joey. And while I'm sad that my run with them only last less than a year, I'm happy that the FL DEN picked up and continued so strong. I'm also very happy that I was able to link up with a wonderful company and I hope that all of the other former field managers were also able to pick up the pieces and move on. I have heard from Susan, Katherine, Kristen, Jan and Gerard. Every once in awhile I see Rachel, Linda, and Dawn online. I still keep in touch with Karen. And I'm lucky enough to still get to work with Chris. (RUN FOR AN OFFICE CHRIS! GO INTO POLITICS CHRIS!). I'm glad to still be in education and working with teachers and am thankful that I did not let go of the pulse with what's going on in educational techonology. I don't think I could ever truly leave the field of education and be happy. (Unless the city of Tampa hires me to be a Sports and Education Link Specialist for the teams to promote them in a positive way to help meet state standards. Oh wait, that would still be education.)

Enjoy the career links and have a great day of teaching!