A Degree for the Work-at-Home Mom

When I first entered college, at age 18, I was extremely naive. I thought I would go to school for four years and when I graduated I would have a career handed to me. I never thought twice about taking out school loans, after all as soon as I graduated I would be making lots of money. Boy was I wrong.

I actually attended college 10 years; of course taking breaks in between. I worked full time, lost interest, switched directions, switched colleges, and started a family. When I entered Syracuse University I wanted to graduate with a degree in Hospitality Management and a minor in International Relations.

My dream job was to be manager of a huge resort, think along the lines of Disney World. I envisioned myself going to work everyday and having something new to do. I always wanted to go to work and have the comforts of an office, the security of going to the same place everyday, but I wanted to have a variety of jobs to do. I never wanted to get stuck in "Ground Hogs Day."

As the years progressed and my personal life grew my plans and priorities drastically changed. Once my family started to form I knew I could no longer dedicate the hours I had originally planned into a hotel career. Previous to having children I took an intensive 6-week internship at a local hotel; a live in internship. I knew the time and dedication required to become a successful manager and I no longer had the time.

For awhile I really went back and forth about my decision. I now knew I wanted to stay at home and raise a family, yet at the same time I wanted to feel like I had a purpose. I loved being a mother, but I wanted to feel like I was more than just a mom. For some time I was lost. I did not want to give up my dreams but I had new dreams now. After much debate I decided to continue on with my current path of Hospitality Management. My love of travel and the hotel industry was not something that was going to change.

I completed my degree within two years after starting a family. I graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management/Tourism, BA from Excelsior College. I decided to use my degree and start a work from home travel agency. Now I can stay home with my children and make an income. I book all travel trips, but I especially like to focus on the trips geared toward family and children. I spend a lot of time booking Disney, Atlantis, Universal Studios, and of course cruises.

Did I need a degree to work at home? For me the answer was simple, yes. It was important for me to finish what I had started. Furthering my own education has always been importation to me and I wanted to teach my children that. Those two things were something that I had valued and I wanted to pass that down to my boys. Furthermore, when we decided to have children we did not want other people to raise them. Yes, we make sacrifices just like the next family. I am not working full time as a travel agent. First and foremost I am a mom. Perhaps when I send the little monsters off to school I will grow my business and go full time with it. For right now this works for us and I could not be happier.

Believe me the education I obtained helps me in running a household; from financial planning all the way down to conflict management. I only wished that they would of offered "Negotiation With a Toddler" at school. A degree was a good option for me and I am excited about the unlimited opportunities that are out there waiting.