[CurtisTH]

Hunnysan,

I can understand your dilemma, but, just remember, Kendo will still be there later.

Seriously, when I left a small rural community to go to uni in the city, I wanted to do it all, activities as well as class- in my case, archery and kendo- in that order. I started in an archery class at the uni, but found with pressures of classwork and lab pracs and earning money to live on I just couldn't do it, also I was too broke to afford the kit. The only real choice I had was to focus 100% on my work.

Ten years on, established in my work/home life, I started to pick up the broader aspects of life where I left off. I joined a local archery club first, and now I'm established in that I've joined the local Kendo dojo.

Although it was very disappointing at the time, looking back, coming to the activities a bit older, I find it easier to focus on the archery/kendo when appropriate, and also remember to meet my obligations to my family and work colleagues.

Even now I have to prioritise. I've recently had to decide whether to get a better bow to take me on to the next level in archery (in which I compete seriously), or to get bogu in a month or so. In the end, I got the bow- I only started Kendo in January and am not in bogu yet, so it really is less of a priority. Fortunately, our dojo leader is happy for new students to use club gear for a few months first, rather than rushing out any buying bogu the moment they are ready to wear it- in fact that is preferred. BUT- before I established that, I had to recognise in my mind where my priorities were... and I'm afraid it couldn't be the Kendo on this occasion.

So the lessons I learnt?

I think you have to reflect on where your priorities really lie. Deep in your heart I mean, although that sounds a bit corny. If you really truly prefer the kendo- then you may have to accept that you're going to have to run your career/work life another way. No shame in that, just you'll have to accept the limitations of income etc. which that choice imposes. Nothing to stop you going to school later on in life when you're ready for it.

On the other hand, if you really want the education- then go get it, and give it 100, no 110% and get the most out of it. Don't see it as "giving up" kendo- just putting it on hold for a year or two. You can still keep in contact with it, and it'll be there when you're ready.

I cannot suggest which priority is better, as I'm not in your shoes. BUT- unless you want to live as "might have been" I suggst that you will have to make the decision of where your priorities lie FOR THE MOMENT... and then accept the consequences. By all means ask for advice- but the decision must be yours.

I hope that is of some help, as someone who has a tendency to jump head-first into everything and wants to it all NOW, I have learned the things about patience and prioritisation the hard way... maybe I'm just mellowing as I get older?

Good luck, whatever path you choose to walk.