Post Primaries Plans (try saying that 3 times fast)

This fool has plans for after the primaries. So far, I've coasted along in my unemployment so I could enjoy some free time after three years of 60 to 70 hour work weeks. I don't begrudge my employers the work load because I worked that much by choice. I loved running around between the store and the restaurants picking up and dropping off stuff, making sure everybody had what they needed to conduct business, and simply being an extension of the owners. I did it because it was challenging, fun, and I had some variety in my day.

 

About a year ago, things changed. Lines were drawn and I was stuck at one job, doing one thing day in and day out. I tried. I swear I really tried to hang in there longer than a year out of loyalty, but it drove me nuts. Monotony just kills me. So, as I announced, I quit my job. I've been looking for work, but not really.

 

I've always wanted to volunteer in a campaign, and I did. I wanted to meet new people, and I have. I've even run into old friends. I'm even thinking of going back to the Masonic Lodge in Mission to see my old friends there (yes, I'm a Mason). One thing that I've wanted to do for three years, is nothing. Let me tell you that I'm failing miserably at it. I keep doing things. Less than two weeks ago, closer to one, I created Spinrgv.com on a whim. I'm not a writer; it was never my forte. Yet, here I am putting out posts on a daily basis. I'm no good at doing nothing. I've got to do something.

 

After the primaries, I'm going to start looking for a job a little more seriously. I have yet to receive a call for any of the applications I've submitted. Not one. This is partially my own fault for shooting at something better. I don't know that I'm in the position to have a decent job. It may be a blessing in disguise. I don't know that a good job is right for me at this time. My priority should be graduating from UTPA. That way I can take my degree and move somewhere else that wants me. I'm joking, of course, but my priority should be finishing school.

 

My first option is to find a job that has flexible hours so that I can schedule work around my classes. This, of course, implies less than full-time employment. Given that I was overpaid in my last job, I will certainly be paid less than I was. In all likelihood, it will also be unchallenging and monotonous, which I'm willing to do to achieve my goal.

 

My second option is to go into business for myself. Given that I earned below the poverty level for the last ten years, I don't have a high bar to jump. I just need to figure out what products or services to offer that would allow me to earn some book and tuition money while allowing me a flexible schedule. I'm leaning towards computer and internet services, which you might have guessed. I'm also thinking about doing something more basic, odd jobs. I can print up some cards with my name and number. The description would be <b>Odd Jobs for Tuition Money</b>. Why be bashful? At least then I would have different challenges from day to day and could actually make use of my abilities rather than be held back.

 

Or, I could go to plan A and get an 8 to 5 job with classes whenever I can squeeze them into the evenings for 3 or 4 more years.

 

I actually met a guy who was going through the same thing I am, this weekend. He either worked and quit to go to school, or went to school and quit to go to work. He could never do both (people tell me personal stuff for some reason). Finally, he had a business out of his home that allowed him to work around his school schedule. He majored in philosophy and economics, both requiring plenty of research and writing. So, that's how he finally was able to graduate. Now he has a job he loves.

 

At the risk of losing credibility in job decision-making (some anonymous commenter says I lost credibility when I asked for help learning about candidates), what would you do if:

1. your priority is graduating

2. you have a choice amongst a flexible, low-paying job, a decent paying full-time job with a firmly set schedule, and the chance to succeed or fail in your own business

3. you have one month before the decision starts to become critical

 

What would you do? Even though this relates to me, I'm interested in what you would do in similar circumstances. Why would you make that choice?