What was I thinking?

What would motivate a age 50-something woman to re-enroll in college? Fully-employed, making a good wage, free of family obligations and a ready to enjoy travel among other life's pleasures woman? These are questions I often ask of myself, especially on weekends when I am studying for an exam or writing a paper. Quitting college as a junior years ago, that's another topic all together so lets discuss todays motivations. My initial motivation to re-enter school was to change my career choice but remain in the same field. Clerical work in a hospital settingan get redundant so I looked into other options. Love working with children so my goal is to get a certification in Child Life Therapy. What could I do with a 3/4 degree in Sociology?, Not much with a BA, so lets try a degree in Psychology. Adding my credits to the Psychology field, I could get a degree in 2 years. Oh, yea.. I forgot, have to work full-time so will be taking on-line and evening classes. Make it 3 1/2 years..



My motivation sequence began with the goal of career change and the instumental behavior to reach that goal was to re-enroll in Stockton. The sequence is ongoing but sometimes the incentives change. Initially, my incentive was to finish an asignment within the alloted time frame. A good grade for the assignment was also important but not so much. Grades are much more of an incentive now that I am taking my final classes, I have struck a deal with myself to maintain my average. My psychological motives to get my degree are by far much stronger than any other. The degree will not change my life financialy or socially in any way. Continuing on through and acheiving the sense of accomplishment and pride at finishing, now that's another incentive. While writing, I have come to realize that incentives and goals are always changing. My advice as an older woman blogging (never blogged before; virgin blogger??), on goals and motivation; Never stop striving for new goals and look for incentives to help reach those goals.