Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Exciting big plans

We might be looking at some really big changes in our life soon. It started with Kenny having some time home over the holidays and us realizing not only how much we love having him around but also how much HE loves being somewhere where he is appreciated. His job satisfaction is a bit low right now (don't get me started on his district's passing rate on the most recent finals). So anyways, that got us thinking- maybe now would be a good time for him to take time off to get his masters. In Texas, having a masters would up his salary a whopping 500 bucks a year (*eyeroll*) but if we ever want to move to the NW (which we very much do) then he practically can't teach without one. So we thought maybe he'd take two years off, get his masters online, and I'd work full time (remotely) for a short while while Kenny was home to help with the kids. And since we won't be geographically tied anywhere, it would also be a great time to move.
So I put a few feelers out into my industry (For those who don't know, I'm a web analytics consultant- kind of a cross between javascript programmer and online marketer) and was very pleasantly surprised that not only is there a good job market for me, but I've got a lot more earning potential than we ever thought. So for now it may just be kenny is a stay-at-home dad (though still getting his masters- you never know what will happen in today's market) and I may be the breadwinner for a long while.
So it's pretty much official, Kenny won't be returning to his school next year (hallelujah) nor does he need to apply at other local schools. We'll probably put our house on the market in June and as soon as it sells, we'll most likely move to somewhere in the northwest... no idea where, yet, though one of the jobs I would love to have is located in redmond (I swear I don't MEAN to follow my sister Lori around, it just happens).

And since every post needs a pic, here's Daniel the helper- we went to the store just for strawberries we were supposed to bring to a playgroup activity, and we got one of the mini-karts that Daniel loves to push. I figured I'd just carry Camille the whole time, but Daniel was adamant about her belonging in the cart, just like when we go real shopping, even if her carrier is about the same size as the mini-kart. Daniel was thrilled to be so grown-up and did a good job of driving gently.

13 comments:

DarbyM said...

Wow Jen, those are some big changes but change as scary as it can be is always exciting! How fun for you to be closer to Lori! I know I'm jealous! :) Good luck.

Mbeth said...

that is pretty huge, but exciting. Good luck with the changes.

Erin and Corey said...

Jen, that's exciting! It's been awhile since we've talked, yeah?! I've been reading your posts on heading back into work. Good luck! I work part-time free-lancing, too. It's a great gig. I don't know how far into the process you are but just make sure you don't sell yourself short! There is so much demand for our skill set and since I've been in the market again, I get job offers left and right. You will experience the same thing when you go back in if you haven't already. Again, DON'T sell yourself short and remember you have options. If you don't like the first option you choose, don't be scared to find something else. There is always something out there. And with that, I'm off my soapbox :) Good luck and send me an IM if you ever need to bounce an idea off of someone... PS - your babies are adorable!

Alan and Kiersten said...

that's so exciting! i LOVE change! love it! how fun to be in the NW again! i wish we could get there. oh and i'm loving that pic at the end. PRICELESS. what a good big brother!

Anonymous said...

So exciting! I think it's totally great! Good luck with everything! Keep us all updated.

Kris and Megan said...

That picture is ADORABLE!!! I love it! Wow, such big changes ahead for you, but it all sounds smart and the right timing for me. 500 dollars more with a masters??? Are you kidding me?!!!! Ridiculous. Yes, the NW does seem to appreciate teachers and expect more of them so why not make the change if that's where you want to go, even if it looks like you're following Lori, haha! If job opportunities are coming up for you, why not? Everything will fall into place too. I'm excited to hear how things happen for you guys.

Lori said...

Free babysitting for us!!! Oh wait, i mean... Hooray for new plans and new horizons. Super cute unrelated pic at the end for sure.

Lori said...

two periods in the camille intro on the right, btw

Lori said...

erase these when i'm done... but daniel's also has a typo "meet"

Danielle said...

How exciting for you guys! Best of luck on the new adventures!

Hannah S said...

Good luck! Thta sounds like a great plan. Being a student has its perks right now! You are skilled in the right area which is wonderful in this market. I hope it all works out better than now for you :)

Lisa said...

Yay for moving to the NW! What exciting changes for you guys!

Rachey said...

That is all very exciting! There is a possibility we will be heading to the Portland area for residency, how close is that to where you might be?