Having "planned" 3 funerals in my family, I truly appreciate the professionalism of a funeral director. We use the same funeral home for all of our family and they have always been courteous, professional, compassionate, empathetic, and have never tried to steer us in a more expensive direction. Truth be told, all 3 funerals have been "pre-paid" arrangements which really makes the experience smoother. Burial plots have been in our family for decades so perhaps my experience is the exception and not the rule. The deceased had already made the plans that THEY wished for and paid for. Fortunately, the deaths were "expected" vs a tragedy death so that helps too. Emotional? sure, they all were but by the time you sit down with a funeral director to finalize plans, you've had some time to grieve and get your thoughts together for the most part. The toughest part for me is always that first, private family viewing. Not the arrangements.
I don't see funeral directors, funeral homes,etc as "morbid". Just a part of life. I think I could do your job and I applaud you achieving your goal and gaining employment for having done so. I have not followed your journey but I will do a search to read about it.
The best of success to you for 2012!!
sandy