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Where to from here?

January 23rd, 2010

I have finally called time on the last 10 years of my life. Somehow I knew it would come to this with the recent years' frustrations ensuring that to stay would not be possible. Can I say that I am disappointed? Well yes, I can because my expectations were, maybe unrealistically, much higher than the actual reality. Am I grateful? Yes I am. I am old and ugly enough to know that millions of people do not have the opportunity that presents itself to me now.

Maybe I should not have taken the step before knowing exactly what my next step would be, but in there lies the danger of falling into the 'rut' trap that steals many people's lives away. If anything, it has focussed my mind on what I am to do for the rest of my life and despite the huge risk I take, one of my long time ambitions to get a university degree is the path I find myself looking down.

Many of you who read this blog and my other related blogs will know that I have an interest in the human condition, particularly regarding well-being and happiness. You will also know that I do not really like using the word happiness because of the way it has come to mean something else in modern culture so I tend to use contentment, instead -see the About page, but bear with me for this post.

So what next?

I have decided to study Genetics, Sociology & Emotional Psychology - The scientific study of the genetic and social factors affecting human emotional psychology - with an emphasis on well-being and happiness. Don't look it up because no university that offers this degree, it covers a very wide spectre of sciences which are not normally taught together. My long held ambition was to physically attend a 'bricks and mortar' university to get the full benefit of interaction with those following the same course of study but this is not possible both in terms of the subjects I wish to cover and personal circumstances - being a married man with children.

My study therefore will be pursued as an Open degree with the Open University and no it is not more expensive than the 'bricks and mortar' option. I am not doing a part time degree but will be pursuing a full time equivalent degree - I do not want to wait 6 years for my degree especially since I am no longer a spring chicken. The Open University option does have some obvious benefits.

"The expected outcome from the successful completion of the degree is that I will have the credibility to write and talk about the factors that affect the human condition particularly related to well being and happiness. I will be in a position to relate to lay people what genetic and social factors affect their happiness, what they can do, on a personal level, to overcome any barriers to their own happiness. The emphasis is on personalisation - getting people to understand where they come from, who they are and what they can and cannot do for themselves."

As I learn and apply some of my learning to myself and how it relates to my 4 facets of contentment, I will blog about it here. Who knows you might find some nuggets that will help you get more satisfaction out of your life. I intend to start learning and blogging now so you won't have to wait for long.

May you find the balance.

[First published on my Talking2Myself blog on specified date]