WHAT DO WOMEN WANT? HMMM…
There’s something weird happening with the working woman debate that’s starting to worry me.
I was having dinner with an old friend last night and mentioned to her that I’m thinking of studying law next year. Returning to study is a big decision and obviously it’s not one I’ve taken lightly.
I wasn’t expecting her to get out the balloons, strike up the band and hire a sky-writer, but I also wasn’t expecting her first reaction to be this:
“Why would you want to be a lawyer? Don’t you want to have children and a husband?”
I was stunned. I wanted a change of career. It hadn’t occurred to me to weigh up whether it was a decision a man would find attractive or not. Why should it?
A decade since the movie and Mel Gibson’s still not sure.
I’d like to say I questioned her politely but that would be a lie. What I actually said was, “What the f#% has that got to do with it?”
Her answer only made things worse. She declared, with great certainty, that the only reason men can have successful careers is because they have a wife at home. Therefore, because I’m a woman I have to find a partner, then get him to marry me, then have his children, then look after his house and offspring and it simply isn’t possible to do all that and have a full-time demanding, high pressure job as well.
If I attempt it, I’ll wind up over-worked, sad, alone and probably crying myself to sleep on the polyester chest of a giant stuffed teddybear.
Why were we talking about my theoretical never-to-be-born children and tragically empty womb? Why weren’t we weighing up the merits of my attending the toga party during O Week and having a crack at a beer bong?
Personally, I thought the idea of returning to uni and being a mature-age student was a far more entertaining topic of discussion. I remember the mature-age students from when I did my Bachelor Degree, and from what I can gather, to do it properly now I have to find myself a pair of brightly coloured reading glasses, an array of wacky woollen scarves and a hand-made beret.
Obviously I’m also meant to turn up to my first class having belted through the entire semester’s reading list and then pull out a page of completely irrelevant questions I’d like to ask about what I’ve read. I should then declare myself a newly-converted ‘veganatarian’ and pass out from anaemia.
That is the discussion I wanted to have. That is not the discussion I got.
Instead I spent the night being lectured on my impending childless, husbandless, career-based doom.
I really wanted to say it was a stupid theory but I couldn’t get a word in. So convinced was my girlfriend that her worldview was right, there was no point telling her that some successful women do have children and partners, some even have stay-at-home husbands and some, heaven forbid, are childless and quite alright with that.
Our sense of adventure has been obliterated by this hand-wringing fixation on a ‘work-life balance’ and trying to ‘have it all’.
I genuinely have no frickin’ idea what either phrase means.
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77 Responses to this article
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Kathryn September 13, 2012
You go girl….. this “having it all” is complete bollocks…. you may be able to have it all just not at the same time ….I am a lawyer, work part time and have 1 child (because quite frankly that is all I wanted and all I can cope with) and I still get asked ….”aren’t you having another child” ……. “why do you only work 4 days”…… “don’t you feel guilty working so much ?” Ahhhhh ! they can all get stuffed !! ………… If you want to go back to uni and study law and pash hot boys go for it!!!
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Kate September 13, 2012
I returned to study at 33 and got pregnant in the same year. Had no idea my life would go that way. 10yrs later can honestly say it was the best thing I ever did. I’m having it all my way. I just love what you have written here, totally respect your view!!
P.S. I imagine the 19 yr olds would line up for a pash with you!
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Ross H September 13, 2012
Go for it, Corinne. Apart from anything else, I found as a mature age student (mid-20s when I first went back to uni made me somehow ‘mature’) that I was better able to actually study properly. And still manage to drink heaps of beer when I wanted to.
Your friend is entitled to her opinion but equally so are you, so good luck to you!
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alicia September 13, 2012
some of my most beloved friends are lawyers (or insert other demanding, challenging, exhilirating and at times utterly mind numbingly boring career here) and mothers. At the same time even. Imagine. I lost out on the child side of life, and really wish very much I hadn’t, but of all the myriad reasons as to why this came to pass, my career does not register on the list (and denial is not at play here). Honestly, take time out from planning for career change for the moment, email this piece to your so called friend and tell her it’s over. Then go back to wondering what it’s going to be like pashing a 19 y o at O Week. Enjoy every moment heading your way soon. With or without wacky scarves at the ready.
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JacH September 13, 2012
Corrine, sounds like your gf was projecting her issues onto you. That conversation was about her choices, not yours.
Go for it. Who wants to wait around for some bloke to turn up!! They only get in the way, anyway ;0)
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Wendy68 September 13, 2012
very very true.
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JacH September 13, 2012
Sorry – spelled you name wrong! Corinne.
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Gwen September 13, 2012
Good for you! I went back to uni at 33 to start a Master’s degree, but put it on hold when I had my first child. A divorce, new husband and another baby saw me finishing the course at 45! Much more juggling of work, children and trying to hold on to a bit of “me” by then! I don’t think doing what you really want to do should preclude you from having relationships with men, women or animals and if it does that says more a bit more about them than you. Ditch your “friend”. Mature age students usually have a few other strengths apart from a leave pass from the student fashion grunge stakes. Life experience really does count!
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Jenny September 13, 2012
I wish I had had your opportunities back when I was young enough to contemplate all this! Grab it with both hands, and never look back. The world has opened up for all women and anyone who didn’t take advantage to get where they want to be is wasting life. I opted into the husband and children thing when I was only 20, and although I would never wish my children away I recognize that there were other avenues I could have followed had I waited and dared to have ambitions for myself.
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Jenny September 13, 2012
By the way. I am in my 70s now, so you may be aware that very few young women of my era had any aspirations regarding career options.
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Calloway Luddington September 13, 2012
Here’s the take from a 20 year veteran Law lecturer – have a blast Corinne!
The life of a mature-aged student is a very happy one. The young ones will look up to you, even as you trot out the whackiest of highfallutin theories. From an academic perspective, you’ll absorb everything more thoroughly and quickly than the kids straight out of school. You’ll extrapolate concepts to the nth degree in minutes. A lot of what you will learn took place during your adult years, so you’ll have a foundation of knowledge that will put you ahead before you even begin.
Everyone will fight to work with you in group assignments, so you’ll be able to pick and choose the brainiest group and then cruise towards high distinctions. Your lecturers will love you. You won’t get carded at the pub. You’ll learn a lot about new music. And best of all, you’ll get to start a gazillion sentences with “20 years ago…”-
KylieJ September 13, 2012
Wow Calloway, that has nearly inspired ME to take up law. I’d love to study full time with an anonymous benefactor paying the bills while I have fun on campus…
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Megan September 13, 2012
That is terribly depressing. I’m a single professional and I have lost count of how often people keep asking me if I’ve got a man yet. There’s nothing wrong with that in itself, but I think behind that is an assumption that until I get married and have kids I am somehow incomplete. Sad indeed.
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Elizabeth September 20, 2012
I am asked by everyone I know except my mother when I’ll be meeting a man and settling down. I’ve just re-enrolled at Uni, too…after dropping out of undergraduate Law. I have hysterical fits of feeling like a failure…but that article put it all in perspective. A great place to be and a well-written and heartfelt piece. (Ta, also, Jenny, for the voice of social conscience!)
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Misha September 13, 2012
Behind you 100%, I’m 43, changed my career this year and now I’m a personal trainer. Went from being a stay at home mum for the last 7 years to my twins to studying. It was the best thing I did, I love it. Yes I only work a few hours a week but it’s what I want to do. I’m not stuck in an office like I was for the 20 years prior to my children but enjoying what I’m doing. So tell everyone to mind their business. You can have whatever you want.
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Adriana Glass September 13, 2012
Beautifully put. I wonder if we can ever move on from the reductive family v career paradigm.
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Libby September 13, 2012
Heck! What do your enemies say??? Don’t take onboard anything your friend said. I’m 44, childless (or is that barren?), AND have gone back to uni while working full time. Im getting the best of both worlds, and most importantly, doing what I want. If this is what you want then grab it with both hands and embrace it all. And yeah, you’ll make new friends who think like you…
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Kevin September 13, 2012
*Does Not even know where to begin*.
All of the above.
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Cate P September 13, 2012
There is no such thing as a perfect lady-life, only a perfect YOUR-life, which includes doing whatever and whoever (unless that 19yo old is my son) you want.
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Lydia September 13, 2012
I returned to uni in my early thirties, studied law, and did so bloody well I was awarded the ‘law medal’ as well numerous prizes. I thought I had found my calling. Seriously! But then I got pregnant unexpectedly in my final year, and gave birth to my beautiful daughter three days after I handed my honours thesis in for marking. I always say: at least she waited!!
Well, what’s a star law student with child supposed to do then??? I can say that my career has gone NOWHERE compared to so many of my mediocre classmates. Why? The legal profession is sexist and hidebound and the ‘ideal’ lawyer remains a young bloke without children, who can work 12+ hour days and bill like crazy to make the partners even richer than they already are. It’s got a quaint term: ‘leverage’. Look it up. And this delightful scenario pervades the early years of practice (which are onerous in themselves).
The firm in which I initially got a job (before I even got pregnant – as these things have an enormous lead time), would have been absolutely nightmarish for a mother with a young child – they expected at least a 10-12 hour day as ‘normal’ working hours. One of the young, arrogant law graduates there told me he thought I was ‘brave’ to even consider it. The managing partner and HR were very nice, and tried to be accommodating – they wanted to ‘prove’ that it (having a mother working there!) could ‘be done’! But in the end I just had to say to them, “look, guys, this ain’t going anywhere”. They agreed. To give credit where it’s due, they did try at least.
My daughter is now 6, and I have discussed legal practice with many lawyers, of both genders and working in different areas – they agree that I would be discriminated against, and that there’s little to be done because it’s so hidden. Corinne, I don’t even get interviewed for many jobs, mainly because of my age (over 40 now) and the fact I’ve got a child.
Corinne, Law School might be a ‘blast’ – indeed, I found it was like heaven (no kidding) – but working in the profession afterwards? Well, that’s another situation entirely. I would say, frankly, don’t do it. Or think carefully about what you want to do with the degree – your halcyon days in Law School will end. Believe me. (Or, like me, you could consider having them never end – I have taught law a lot over the past few years, in various universities, and am now trying to get a ‘proper’ job back in academia – not easy either).
I just feel you are such a gorgeous gal, Corinne, you’d be wasted fighting the sort of crap that the legal profession dishes out – and I’m sure, like me, you won’t suffer fools lightly either (also never a good move, in law, to rattle their chains).
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Janet Georgouras September 13, 2012
At 49, I am a mature age student and I think I might fit your stereotype. I wear colourful reading glasses, wear wacky scarves and a beret. I also love reading all my texts and asking lots of questions, hopefully some are relevant. If you want to chat with me about studying for a law degree I would love to, as that is what I intend to do with my philosophy/ ancient history degree when I finish. It was having to fight for my family’s rights that made me want to do law. I am happy to work in a community legal centre or in some such other capacity to help others when I finish. Call me an idealist but I would like to take on some of those ethical challenges and call the justice system to account.
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Zellan September 13, 2012
Hidden envy me thinks, her life of nappies vs your life of broadening the mind and building a career you are fascinatied by and interested in …easy choice – do BOTH.
I did both at the same time, 8 months pregnant in a uni exam, and got a HD for that subject.
That academic who commented up there was right, you’ll find yourself and your passion if you do well at uni.
I met some unbelievable women too, even met one whose closed minded hubby had kicked her out for doing well at uni (truth – did better than him), so she lived in her car, and sofa surfed with the kids, for about 10 days until she got emergency respite care, and kept up the same high marks, a tough life can be a huge motivator – she was not going back to “that” life (or him)!!!
Then again you might be crap at it, many have dropped out of uni before today!
You won’t know how well you’ll do until you go, but you will know what you will regret later…
One other thing – as far as having it all goes, the reality is that you CAN have it ALL, but usually not all at the same time, you need to be a bit strategic about what you really want at each stage. -
Monica September 13, 2012
As a law academic (with kids), I love my mature age students, who just get it do much faster. And what crap, that whole choosing between partner/kids and a life in the law. I have managed both and have plenty of friends who have too. Good luck and enjoy! (oh, and the other cohort it’s a pleasure to teach, for different reasons, are the 19 y o boys…).
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Suxzanne September 13, 2012
You won’t regret it! I returned to external study and I’m finishing my degree next year. I’ll be leaving this desk job and going into my new life as a Primary School teacher at the age of 49.
I LOVE IT. I’m taking a drop in pay but the benefits are huge, including doing something ‘real’ and getting out and about. I get to be creative, my teaching days go so quickly and there is something new every day.
I have a family, and I’ll be able to spend more time with my daughter when I’m teaching. The degree will have taken me seven years to do, but I’m nearly there now. it is never too late.
Anyone who is considering making a change, if you are breathing, there is time to do it. You won’t get anywhere if you don’t even make a start. Yes, you can balance work/family/study although I admit to some late nights and procrastination issues! Although I really envy Corinne going back as an internal student, us externals don’t get the O Week buzz.
I might try the fries and sundae option, though.
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emma September 13, 2012
nice, Corinne! you say it for all us women out there who don’t play nicely by the rules. enjoy uni, hope you’re coming to my uni, we’d be honoured to have you
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Suzanne September 13, 2012
…also my name doesn’t have an x in it. I don’t actually ‘sux’.
I think I need coffee.
:):) -
Wendy68 September 13, 2012
both my parents did law as mature age students and as a teenager (mum started out by first completing her HSC not long after I started school), got so sick of people saying “are you going to do law like your parents”?? One had a 20+ year career as a highly successful lawyer and the other fulfilled a life long dream by completing the study, was never admitted, but used the law degree in his professional practice for the next 20 years.
as others have said – you never know where life will lead you.
the other comment was from a fanastic article I read some years ago about a woman who was discussing her mature age (law) studies aspirations with her own mother, and in particular.. “but I’ll be 45 by the time I’ve finished”. Her mothers sage reply “you’ll be 45 some day anyway, so don’t let that stop you!”
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mark September 13, 2012
you go for Corinne im a male and im all for woman having a career mature age students have better study habits kids are great but aren’t the end be end all
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Caity O'Connor September 13, 2012
Good on you for going back to study, and I hope you have a fabulous time doing it. How dare anyone else think they have the right to decide what YOU want to do with your life? Wasn’t that the entire point of women’s lib?
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muttering housewife September 13, 2012
I think you have it the wrong way round. You’re supposed to start off as a lawyer then chuck it in to be a stand up comedian.
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Melanie September 13, 2012
Yes, that’s usually the way it goes isn’t it muttering housewife!
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Brendan September 13, 2012
He’d be a lucky 19 year old!
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Pinky September 13, 2012
Ahhh I hear you lady! Some people are so tied up with fear…I’m also looking at doing study again…not sure it would be for a career change but because I’m very interested! Life is an adventure and yes, go hard or…shut up because I can’t hear your doubt in amongst my beautiful chaos!
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Melanie September 13, 2012
“Then again, maybe I’ll walk out of a law degree, have some kind of weird epiphany and decide to climb Mount Kilimanjaro wearing nothing but a mohair petticoat.” So glad I dropped out of my law degree before it got to that point! But you’re entirely right Corinne – and damn amusing as usual
Not every woman – or man for that matter – wants to get married and have kids and the assumption that that is all we should strive for is ludicrous. I look forward to more rants from you in the future, particularly about all those young whipper snappers in your law lectures. Best of luck whatever you choose to do (even if that includes pashing a 19-year-old during an O Week induced drunkfest).
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Gabriele Niklaus September 13, 2012
It is wonderful to see you writing down what I have been thinking (in a more intelligent and humorous way). What a relief, it is actually okay to do whatever feels right for you and you can change your mind too! Surprise, surprise. Thank you.
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The Huntress September 13, 2012
Gosh, if I had some friend try to feed me such crap about fulfillment I don’t think I’d consider them my friend. Being a fulfilled woman (or person for that matter) means following your dreams, whatever they may be.
Besides in her version, sounds like she’s aiming to be a martyr, sacrificing her own life to satisfy a man. Personally I’d rather live, than be a martyr.
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Jules September 13, 2012
Corrine, I think you are exactly the kind of person the law profession needs! Go for it. I think you’d be great as a divorce lawyer or along those lines where women need a sense of humor as much as some guidance! Don’t go into corporate law practice, you’ll lead a soulless existence. I’d hate to see your talents wasted!
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Miranda Muer September 13, 2012
marriage = slavery
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AK September 13, 2012
Corrine, I am very much a supporter of career change at whatever stage of your life. I also don’t happen to believe that we are defined by our relationship status.
BUT (yes, there had to be one somewhere!) … mother nature is a misogynist. If you don’t want children, live your life and have adventures (and yep, you can continue to have adventures with children, just bring lots of wipes). If you do or are unsure, just don’t leave it till too late. Unfortunately we have a biological window of opportunity, and the later we leave it, the harder it gets.
So don’t write off your friend’s advice just yet. Perhaps she is trying to save you from regret when the baby option is no longer available to you. There’s no right or wrong choice here, just what’s right or wrong for you.
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Ro. Watson September 13, 2012
Values clash with your friend~ if you have sensitivity about vales you may be feeling a whole lot of conflicting stuff entering law….My years at law school 100 men, and 10 women(70′s). Thankfully times have changed… check out the work by women at Harvard Law School, or maybe it was psychology area a Harvard University~ on values clash for women and the law. Good luck. How great to have some sense of ambition … and yes, so much of legal practice is around time and money~unless you go towards community sector.
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annie September 13, 2012
I have to say and this is a true story I had seven children in 9.5 yrs, no twins. Am a nurse and when my youngest child was 2 found myself a single parent. I could have folded but I went back to uni part time got a masters with 7 children and half the neighbourhood in my house and worked full time. I think not having a husband saw me achieve more than if I had stayed married. My kids are well adjusted and are following their own dreams. Yes you can have a lot not all but never be told that man can be your lifeline in the mix.
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Tracy September 13, 2012
Great story Annie!
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Ro. Watson September 13, 2012
Whoops on typos~meanwhile I feel there is a slight dissonance between your approach to misuse of immediate on line stuff and you bagging your friend on line~ is the way you reconcile this through the hurt you feel~ and/or wider “issues” of freedom, women and work etc.or what??..
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Roz September 13, 2012
Corinne I love the anger, just go for it, no looking back.
What a strange idea your friend has!Changed career path 10 years ago at 52! The oldest on the block. Shock to the system, used to be the “young one”. Suddenly was mother hen to the kids. Loved working with them doing group studies and presentations. All of it was fun and added two, not just one, degrees to my name and felt absolutely fab.
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Kylie September 13, 2012
Why do you have a friend who holds that view? The “rule” for younger men is generally “Half your age plus 8″ … So the youngest for you is 27, sorry!
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Shiralee September 13, 2012
Do what ever you want Corrine.
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Ro. Watson September 13, 2012
As much as I like to think of myself as on the border or frontiers of change/making old into better~ “doing whatever you want” is not how the law works~ which is often at snail pace change eg land rights….So if you have emphatic ideas~ the law will not necessarily support such visions~but,it is good to know what rules of law are,and what arguments are around about changes by law reform etc… to make this place a better place for us all to live….so engagement with this legal system is a push and pull affair…
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Alice Shaw September 13, 2012
I think you should go for it Corrine, I loved being a mature aged student. Funnily enough, I returned to uni after getting divorced and whilst raising 2 young children. I managed to graduate with honours, get a job I loved and then I went back and got a masters. You can at least try it all, but you can’t have it all at the same time. Not possible. As for husbands, well I hear there are some good ones around but i’ve done so much better, and I am so much happier without one. Just sayin’!
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Ruth September 13, 2012
After having been a mother for 22 years, I have come to the conclusion that it is not possible fro me at least to have, or do it all. Its hard to say this without sounding mean to my children, and yes I do love them and I wouldn’t send them back, but having a challenging and interesting career would have been a great second choice for me, and in the process I would have saved myself pegging out about 980,000 socks.
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Linda September 13, 2012
Incredible so many women of your age are thinking the same – to reinvent and live and be truly happy! You go girl.
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Daisy September 13, 2012
Wow.. I can’t believe people still think/say that kind of thing. Do what makes you happy!
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Me September 13, 2012
I think your friend hit a nerve! I believe your friend was well meaning – read what Lydia has to say. She’s just trying to tell you the realities of the world today (I have friends who are lawyers and they have said much the same as Lydia).
That said, I am a student at uni at the age of 53 and loving it. (I studied while my child was doing secondary school, but she is now finished and sometimes I think I’d like to just keep studying forever – this is where I am being repaid for being a full time mother; while my husband keeps working and building our retirement funds, I am doing exactly what I want to do).
Have been at uni since 2007 – the younger students have been wonderful, very welcoming and I often forget I am 30 years older than they are. I LOVE hearing their refreshing perspectives on things. The teachers have also been great.
There are few other older students in my classes which worried me at first, but now I know there is no issue.
Aaaand – I have been getting first class honors – far better than what I achieved for my first degree in my twenties, even with my murky menopausal memory!
I don’t wear glasses or berets but I do have a few striped cashmere scarves. And I try not to talk too much, or let it be known that I have often finished my assignments way before the due dates : )
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Merc Goldstein September 13, 2012
Yay, go you! One never hears of debates about whether men can ‘have it all’…
…But, but, but…could you still possibly fit in the occasional comedy gala appearance in your busy lawyering schedule…pweeeeeeeease??? *sniff* *sigh*
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Anon September 13, 2012
Do it!
I have been married 2 years and had a baby 15 months ago and I am also starting law next year as a career change. Hey, we need to work for the next 25-30 years or so, so I think it’s a great time in our life to do it. I love my son incredibly, but it’s not enough. Who’s to say if you waited and went down the ‘happy families’ path that it would be enough for you?
See you at O week! -
Ro. Watson September 13, 2012
Oh yeah and about that teddy bear~ I don’t have one but if I did it would be made from natural fibres~ polyester can be so stinking hot in the summer time…
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Jenifa September 14, 2012
Choice is what it’s all about! Careers a
Can be changed at any time but motherhood is one job you can’t change your mind about. Pressure should NOT be put on people to have children. As a teacher I see too many of the results of people being half hearted about parenting. It’s a tough gig and contrary to popular belief it ain’t for everyone! -
JayRo September 14, 2012
Corrine, there are two main points in this piece I’d like to address… Firstly, I love the fact that you’ve not made up your mind what you want to do with the rest of your life. Most people I know around our age are locked into careers that they either love or hate. Most have a vision for the future. Not me! I’m happily working away in a fairly successful career, and I don’t have a clue what I’m going to be doing in five years, let alone the rest of my life. I sort of enjoy the freedom that gives me.
The other point I wanted to raise is the whole french fries in the sundaee business…. I thought that was something gen-Ys did…. My kids do it, and it looks disgusting to me… I guess I should try it before I complain…
Also, you should tell your friend that there are plenty of other equally fantastic options to creating a great family other than making babies… There’s plenty of great single dads out there. I recon being a step-parent would be just as rewarding. -
Matt September 14, 2012
Good on you Corrinne. That’s a very brave thing to do. I too would prefer we discussed your upcoming antics at O’Camp. Are the kids still getting up to the same shenanigans we did in the early 90′s at Uni or is it all much more PC now? If you want to pash a 19 year old that’s your right. What else are student union fees for?
As for the real point of your article I wouldn’t worry about all that for one minute if I was you. Life has a funny way of all working out in the end whichever way you want it to go. Who knows you may meet a nice young man at Uni who will happily punch a hole in the wall for you? Stranger things have happened. -
issycody September 14, 2012
I hope Im not doubling up on what someone else has said…
One of my favourite quotes is from one of Australia’s most well known female lawyers and a grandmother, Quentin Bryce“Yes, you can have it all, but not all at the same time. Set your own priorities, trust your gut and follow your heart.”
Im not sure what your friend would make of me. I am 27, I am a chef, a mother to a 6 year old, a relative newly wed, pregnant, and write this while avoiding my law assignment. I am a top student but Im terrible at house work… my husband is not successful because he has a housewife at home thats for sure!
I love my life as it is now and I feel like I have my all. I know what ‘all’ means to me will change in my 30s as I want so much more for that period of my life and I look forward to all the challenges and choices as difficult as they may be that lay ahead of me.I truly believe women can have it ‘all’ whatever that word means to each of us individually. Though surely it includes whatever makes us happy, fulfilled and keeps us growing.
Law is one of the best things I have done and during exam season when Im pulling all nighters my son couldn’t be any prouder.
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Rasa September 14, 2012
Brava! I was having this conversation at 20, and again at 40, and now I’m 60 and it’s STILL going on?! Bloody spare me! Rock on Corinne, I think you’re great
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amd September 15, 2012
The woman is an idiot, clearly has an agenda and issues of her own. Do what you damn well please, whether that is kids and husband, or job, or both or any combination of this, or none. The great thing is, at least we get to make these choices now without having to fight every step of the way. Best thing is just to laugh at nutters who try to control us, not engage with them.
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Freya September 16, 2012
“perfect lady-life” – ROFL
The law needs you! -
Samantha September 16, 2012
I’d say hand your friend a calendar so she knows it’s 2012!!!
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sue bell September 16, 2012
Twice I gave up great chances to advance my career, including an invitation to do higher studies and get a phd. Both times it was so my husband could advance his. Then I gave it all up for the children, I think I was a good mother and spent ten years on the comedy circuit with shows about motherhood but I always hungered for academia. Now at 64, my husband has left me for a much younger woman and the children have grown. I now intend to go back to study and get a new degree in History. So go for it Corrine, I’m going to enjoy the learning experience and am excite at the thought of debate and argument and learning new things and ways of thinking, I hope you enjoy it as well and good luck. What ever you do don’t wait along as I have size the chance now.
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Matt September 18, 2012
I’ve just been informed by Corrine via twitter that she no longer wants me ‘stalking her columns’. She finds it kind of weird apparently.
No probs Corrine. All the best! -
Bec September 18, 2012
I’ve returned to study law…turned 30 yesterday (not as scary as I once thought), work two jobs to keep my head above water and still manage to have an amazing relationship with a man I hope to marry someday. I know that going back to study probably means that children/marriage will come along later but that didn’t stop me! I’m one of the “mature age” students in my class and we rule the school!! We study the hardest, drink the most, juggle everything and love every minute. So get out your knitting needles, your craziest pants and pash that 19 year old during O week!
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Rachel September 20, 2012
I am a lecturer in a Law School and I would just love to have you in my classes Corinne!!
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Bronwyn September 23, 2012
Good work, Corrine. Following our dream is the only way way to become happy in life; not agonising over where those dreams will or wont take us!
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Ella September 28, 2012
Congratulations Corinne. I hope you have the time of your life.
Children are great – but they grow up and live their own lives.
Husbands, well, they just don’t seem to have the staying power these days.
Living an authentic life – “yours” – priceless!
Hope you still have the time to make us laugh sometimes.
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knowerzark October 25, 2012
i think the key point is, you’re too funny to be a lawyer. they’re a dreary lot. a mad as a cut snake law student on the other hand…but seriously, juggling work and family isn’t easy, for men or women…but that doesn’t mean you should give up, not try, or listen to pessimistic friends…not that i need to tell you that. that was your point, after all.
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knowerzark October 25, 2012
follow up point…isn’t it great to have choices? in many countries, women, children (and even men), don’t have any thing of the sort…life is merely struggling to survive. i think we should all remember and be grateful for this every day.
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Sharlene November 17, 2012
You’re so normal! Love it, love it, love it.
I’ll be your friend!
