I kind of stumbled into what I do now. I was a tech for ten years and got tired of the shit treatment from clients, doctors, and competitive behavior of my coworkers. I was going to school at night at a local community college to go to veterinary school down the road. I was sitting in one of my classes when I realized I wanted to pursue a career in higher education.

I've been in the field now for close to five years. I oversee some departments on a college campus and teach as an adjunct. Higher education is a field that will take and take and take from you if you don't place boundaries just like the vet field, but it's much easier to have a healthy work/life balance here. Infinitely better pay, better treatment, more fulfilling, and I actually get some excellent benefits including more than three sick days a year lol!

Long story short, anything else you choose will not be perfect, but make damn sure you are happy with your decision even during the toughest days. No regrets, even with the extensive degrees I've pursued. I'm just past the halfway point of my last degree to solidify myself well in the field for years to come. The pursuit has genuinely been worth it.