Monday, November 26, 2012

Of Life Changes and New Directions

Hello darlings, a lot has been going on with me lately, and I haven't been able to quite put it all into words, so my blogging has been neglected, but I would like to share some new revelations that I have had and how these are effecting the direction my life is apt to take.

I've dropped out of college.

I know this sounds horrible, but I've come to the conclusion that after six years of pursuing three different degrees, and still not achieving a diploma, that college is simply not for me at the moment; or at least, the programs I was in are not for me.

See, every one of the programs I had enrolled in had something to do with journalism or the media industry, and the more I understand about how these entities work, the less I like the degree. Quite frankly I don't want to be a journalist anymore. I still want to write, but in a different capacity.

So what am I doing now? What is my job title?

Poet.

I've decided to become a recluse of sorts for a couple of years and work on my poetry and on getting published. I'll probably end up with a minimal job to help pay the bills, but that will allow me to leave work at work and focus on my writing when I am at home.

As a sample of what I am doing, I'll give you a poem. I'm usually loath to post things on the internet because of the very real possibility of plagiarism, but I suppose one for the sake of example won't hurt.

Flowerbed

I don't
understand 
what they expected
to grow
when they planted
my body 
in this plot,
especially since
they've already stuck
some false flowers
in a plastic
vase 
and left. 

I think the reason I've been avoiding this post is because I wanted to include a poem in it, and I'm notoriously self-conscious about sharing my work. I'm my worst critic.

As far as my blog, I don't think things will change much. I'll be spending more time at home now, so I might be able to post more regularly.  

7 comments:

  1. That's very brave of you to make the decision to leave college after six years - sometimes, the more you learn about a profession, the less desirable it seems. I really like your poem - especially because I think I understand it - usually I don't ... I like the shape of it, too. Good luck on your new direction in life! :D

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  2. I undersand not liking a profession the more you learn about it--I hated journalism with a passion by the end of the year I was at college and the depression I'd developed didn't help anything.

    I really enjoyed the poem.

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  3. I saw your post on Facebook a few days ago that discussed leaving something, which I assumed might be your school. I totally understand your feelings because once I was out of school I never had any interest in returning. You've got to do what feels right for you and I applaud your decision. Keep in mind however, that poets rarely make much money from their work no matter how good it might be. Then again, neither do short story writers like me.

    I suppose we do what we do just for the love of it.

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    1. Amen to that.

      I have no delusions about fame and fortune, just concerned with trying to get my name out there at the moment, and maybe get some feedback. I've actually been writing poetry since I was 14, but only consider the stuff from this year worth printing.

      I'm thinking about taking a minimal job, something that I won't need to stress over so that I can leave work at work and focus on my writing.

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  4. I work at a university so what I'm going to say may sound strange. GOOD FOR YOU, for dropping out of college! Seriously--I've worked in a university environment for 30 years. I'm here to tell ya, most college degrees aren't worth the massive debt one must incur, not anymore. I'm very happy for you!

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  5. love the poem... follow your passion and keep writing.

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  6. I've been going through a similar process, trying to decide whether to follow my heart and write full time or to stay in a job I love but with a manager I hate and who drove me to be rather ill for 4 months this year. I kinda gave up blogging for a while and I'm trying to crank myself up to another post. I have nothing but admiration for you in making such a tough decision and following your dreams. Your poem is very good and well done for putting it out there - one of the things I struggle most with is letting people read my work.

    There's a UK based magazine called Mslexia which supports women across the globe who wish to write, whether it be prose or poetry. I find it really helpful in giving me workshops, competitions to focus on, etc. Even if you don't subscribe to the full thing you may find their website helpful: http://www.mslexia.co.uk/

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