The cuckoo clock hung in my family’s den, and it served our family well.

The clock told us the time and provided many hours of enjoyment with its music and “cu-ckoo” sound.

However, the clock was also a sensitive timepiece that regularly needed maintenance to keep working.

So, every year, we took the clock down, and it went to the shop. After a week or two, the clock returned, and we once again enjoyed the clock’s timekeeping and entertainment.

For financial aid professionals preparing for the new rules, any down time in the near future may seem unlikely what with all the work during this critical time for higher education.

But if we are to serve our students and families well, a break away or a plan for a future getaway from work is critical.

Isn’t it time?

– By Catherine Mueller