A Year Later…

The last year has brought so many eye opening experiences and learning’s I honestly don’t know where to start again. When I began school in the fall I realized that focusing on school and my career, while still balancing time with my family and friends that other hobbies had to drop on the priority list and the blog was one of them.

I find the schooling very interesting; there isn’t a single subject that I don’t enjoy. Just to recap, for my program the courses are online and I only attend sessions and exams at certain times during the school year with my fellow peers. The courses range from embalming to microbiology, the psychology of grief, world religions, communications etc. The coursework isn’t necessarily challenging, but you have to be disciplined to get it all done every week and on time, or you’re penalized. Also, the exams are tough! Thanks to my focus on the schooling and the support from my place of employment, I did very well at school and am in the top percentile. Never before in my other college studies or high school was I a “top percentile” student – it feels awesome! So here I am, towards the end of summer, about to start a new year and my final year of schooling and I have become lazy. Sure, I’m working at the funeral home and it is extremely busy, but other than that  I have to excuse why I haven’t updated my blog, and so my loyal readers, I am sorry. It has absolutely amazed me the amount of emails I have received from you though. I would say about 95% of the emails are about the interest in going into the funeral profession. So some advice…

1.)    You are never too old to enter this profession. My classmates range from right out of high school all the way to previously retired people from all walks of life.

2.)    You do not go into this profession for the money. People have this perception that since funerals cost so much these days that funeral professionals must make lots of money – so not the case! There are a lot of expenses and staff to pay!

3.)    Every country, state, province, etc. will have different requirements, school programs and laws for apprentices getting into this profession. The best thing you can do is contact local funeral homes in your area and ask owners/managers how to go about getting started in this business.

4.)    Like I said above, every area is different but to answer a common question… I personally get paid as an apprentice and I’m fortunate enough to have my employer pay for my schooling.

5.)    If you’re not sure if you’re going to like the profession and want to “try it out”, keep in mind that a manager/owner of a funeral home is probably thinking the same thing. It’s very common that they will hire you (usually for something like office work) before you officially start an apprenticeship so you can both make sure it’s the right “fit” before they invest all the time, money and energy
into you. If your area allows volunteers, offer to volunteer and help out on services to get a taste of what it’s all about, besides it would also get your foot in the door!

6.)    Be patient. Sometimes it takes time for the door to open. Keep at it and let everyone know how interested you are.

Like I said, the new school year is about to begin so the blog may drop by the wayside again, but I appreciate you stickin’ by me. Stories and experiences will be written about eventually! I love writing, I love hearing from you, and I love this profession so much that I want everyone to know about it – I just need to keep my priorities in check! So stick around. To those pursuing a job in funeral service… I wish you nothing but the best on your journey, I hope you find the passion I did.