So, over the past few years I've been going to college part time while working and have done exceptionally well. It's been slow going, but a great experience and confidence booster.
I've worked for my company for just about 20 years - took the job because "it paid the bills" and enabled me to go to meetings and in service. I could serve Jehovah and remain in the "truth" while making a decent living.
Had some good times, but it's mostly been rather unfulfilling and frustrating, especially because it wasn't something I really "chose." Also the prospects here now are not very good: as this business shrinks and becomes less prosperous, the work environment has become rather Draconian; and I am certainly not guaranteed anything (pension, medical) if I stay on another 10 miserable years.
I had been planning to stay on a couple more years, saving money to go to school FT, but trying to find courses that fit around my work schedule has become more difficult, and it is likely that changes in my work schedule will soon not allow me to take as many (or any) classes. Bummer.
However, a few weeks ago the company announced a separation package to encourage people to leave. I did the math, and it looked like I could actually make it for a few years and complete college!
Not completely sure of my abilities or the prospect for job placement after finishing my degree, I went to my professor (who is actually quite famous in her field and a super brilliant person) and told her my whole story. . . .
She said, "I've been waiting for you to come to office hours. I've been wondering who this person was in my class whose work looks like a graduate student's!" I almost fell over.
She told me that I have ability and drive that most people don't have. She recommended not only that I pursue my major "aggressively" if it was at all possible, but that it would be "criminal" not to use my mind in this way. With regards to work, the department regularly places their top students in industry jobs, and she saw no reason why this would be a problem for me.
So I did it. I signed the papers, and if I'm accepted for voluntary termination, I begin life as a full-time college student this Spring!
Money will be tight, but my wife is totally on board, and thinks it will help in my "healing." She has been a tremendous support through this whole thing and is a big part of the reason I could accomplish any of this.
I realize there are no guarantees here. I do hope that there is a decent paying job in my field on the other side of this, but we will see. . . .
However, I also realize that by staying in a miserable job and work environment, I am never going to get where I need to go.
So, I just wanted to thank everyone here for their comments, support, stories and REAL encouragement over the years.
Many of us here have had our dreams, lives and even families derailed by this sorry excuse of a "religion." I am hoping this big change will help get my life ( and my family's) back on track.
Best,
BOC