The Certification Question

Over the past few years, I’ve considered becoming a certified genealogist more often. About six months ago, I decided to go “on the clock” and start the actual process this summer.

In pursuit of this goal, I took the BU (Boston University) genealogy course this past fall. I also took other classes, watched webinars, read articles, and listened to podcasts. Although I would have participated in many of these learning experiences anyway, I took part in some of these specifically with the goal of certification in mind.

Since I’ve started this journey, genealogy has become more of a job and less of a passion for me. Although I often enjoy it, it’s become a part of my day I feel I “have” to do instead of something I want to do.

I recently realized how much stress this is causing me and joy it is stealing from me. So, I have decided not to pursue certification at this time.

A few things I’ve learned in the process:

• • I prefer helping others informally with their research then doing it formally and writing a research report
  • I enjoy blogging and want to do it more consistently
  • I LOVE teaching through presentations and want to pursue more of these opportunities

I still hope to become certified in the future. But, for now, I am happy to concentrate on the parts of genealogy I love: researching, blogging, and teaching!