Are you going back to work?

I get asked if I'm going to return to teaching quite often.  My answer is never consistent.  It depends on the audience.  There are no set plans in my future.  Can you believe that?  There are a bunch of ideas, though:

1. I could go back to teaching.  My time in the classroom was rewarding, challenging, and something I'm very thankful for.
By the way, if you don't think teachers have earned every second of that summer break, think again. 

2. I could use my master's degree to lecture at a local college.

3. I could use my master's degree to become a consultant.

4. I could substitute.  Spending time in the classroom, without all the headaches, sounds pretty appealing.

5. I could completely change directions and open up a bridal boutique.  Mate and I have talked frequently about this little dream of mine.  It would be a consignment shop that doesn't look or feel like one.  Weddings are expensive but don't have to be.  Plus, all my friends should have somewhere to unload those bridesmaid dresses crowding their closets! 

6. I could be a career housewife/volunteer.

I realize that I'm incredibly fortunate to have all these possibilities.

Here is why I'm not sure what is in my future:
Choosing #1 would mean sacrificing something.  I know I couldn't give as much time and energy to teaching with a family of my own.

I have to do either #1 for two more years or #4 for 198 more days in order to fully benefit from my state teacher's retirement account.

I paid for a graduate degree that I haven't put to use in the workforce.  #2 or #3 would solve that problem. 

#6 I don't imagine myself ever being able to tell my children I can't be there for them.  Field trips, sick days, plays, concerts, games...I don't want to miss any of it.  I think our family benefits from having all the chores and errands done during regular work hours.  It gives us freedom in the evenings and on weekends.  When I was working, making dinner wasn't quite as enjoyable, grocery shopping was a hassle, and Saturday mornings were spent cleaning the house.

#6 would also give me the opportunity to spend time volunteering.  Sure, extra income would make paying for our children's college a little easier, afford us a few more of our wants, secure our future retirement a little sooner, but wouldn't volunteering be a better choice?  I think sometimes the more people have, the more they want.  I don't ever want to become that type of person.

#5 makes me the most excited.  I love weddings.  I love the challenge of making consignment more appealing.  I love the idea of taking an empty space and turning it into a boutique.  I love the idea of being my own boss.  I'm really not cut-out to work for other people (I think that's what happens when you grow up with parents who own their own businesses).  On the other hand, #5 is risky and I tend to err on the side of caution. 

So much to consider...

One thing is for sure, I have job security for at least the next few years.