Five years later.
by littlemissfuneral
They say if you make it past the first five years in the funeral business, you’re in it for life. I guess statistically, with those first five years you are at the highest risk for burnout. I know. I almost dropped out after two. But I made some changes and kept trudging through. And here I am. Five years later.
When I look back on my twenty year old self, fresh-faced right out of mortuary school, I feel mixed emotions. My first two years working in the business were some of the happiest and hardest times of my life. I learned more in my first two months than I could have ever hoped to learn in my two years at school. And I also experienced a lot of pain. Emotionally, I gave my entire self to the families I served and my co-workers, leaving nothing left for me. Physically, I pushed my five-foot-two frame to the max as I embalmed and transported bodies twice my size. My spirit and back both broke over time.
But no matter what, I would never change my journey. I am forever grateful to my colleagues for pushing me. If it were not for them, I would not have the knowledge that I do today. But maybe most importantly, I would not have the respect for myself that I do today. I am grateful to my parents, who became a net to catch me when I fell into a deep depression, questioning my career and choices. And I am forever grateful to my husband (or boyfriend, back then) for loving me unconditionally even when I was a miserable prick.
You see, the people we surround ourselves with shape who we become. And in my darkest of times, I had the lightest people by my side.
Today at work, a man approached me and asked how I got into this business. I politely laughed explaining it’s in the family. He seemed satisfied with that answer and as he turned away from me he said,”But you know, it is a calling.”
Whether it’s my calling or my curse, statistically, I guess I’m in it for the long run.
little miss funeral 
Ah yes, a “calling and a curse”….you have learned much in your five years, grasshopper. (You might not be old enough to get that reference)
I think it is a calling and a blessing, not a curse. I know this was what you were meant to do in your life, you bless sooooo many families by your caring, loving personality. I’m one of many who are so very proud of you.
I’m only in my first semester of college (Ivy Tech in Indiana) but this is the career I’ve wanted since I was thirteen (I’m turning thirty this year). I almost hate asking this but do you have any suggestions and tips for an aspiring embalmer/funeral director just starting out on this path?
Always remember why you wanted to become a funeral director. During some of my dark days, I would question if I made a mistake becoming a funeral director. And when I would think of what I would be doing if I wasn’t one, I would come up blank. It can be difficult but it is so rewarding! Also, if you can link up with a director/embalmer who has experience and loves their job, it helps too! I have worked with a few wonderful people who really inspired me and helped me become who I am today. Good luck with everything!