Sometimes Being Frugal Means Saying No

The last week I have been thinking about my online classes at the community college. Registration is open for next semester, and if I want to take a class I need to do it soon. I would like to, but... I just can't afford it right now.

The fact of the matter is, not making my $900 goal the last couple of months has put some strain on my bank account. It was expected, but nonetheless, it hurts a bit. Tuition for another class would be about $350 or so, and I just don't think it is money I can afford to spend right now. However on the bright side, my meeting at the Torch Club really fired me up more than ever about my chosen career. I met so many great people there. So... instead of formal classes, I think this winter I will concentrate on building those relationships and perhaps working on an archival project for myself - and doing some self education in the process. When I was at the meeting I talked with someone about doing an archival essay project about a famous city landmark. She was incredibly encouraging (and anyone can do these) so it would be a perfect project for me and at the same time will be yet another step in building that application resume' for when I am ready to tackle that Masters.

This doesn't mean I am giving up on school all together, however. I will reevaluate in the summer and see where I am then. If community college classes seem more feasible then I will sign up. If not, I'll put it off until next fall. Either way, I am confident this is the best decision for me at this time.

There was another opportunity that came up recently that I also had to turn down. I am on a nonprofit board and I was asked if I would be open to picking up a couple new responsibilities. It wasn't an official offer - more of a inquiry if it would be something I would be open to. I should say that this is all volunteer work, but it is for an organization that I love and support. I would love to help out any way I could, but... this time I had to say no. I am so, so busy right now just trying to keep afloat. I realized that I needed to be frugal with not only my money, but also my time. Part of the mission of this blog was to "keep from going insane" and to do that I need time. I need time to work on getting that $900 and I need time to myself to regroup and focus my energy. I knew turning them down was the right thing, not only for myself - but for them, for the same reason I don't want to tackle my master's degree right now - because I wouldn't be able to give it the full attention it deserves.

We'll see where I am in a few years...