OT: thinking of going back to school - anyone else?

[moopdog]

I am 30 and have always regretted the fact that I put 2 years into Penn State and then quit. Now that I've been out of work to raise my kids, I've really been thinking hard about going back to college, but obviously my choices are very limited now and I need to go somewhere within driving distance, etc.

Naturally I have fears of failure due to the first time around, and also am not convinced that I "need" to go to school. Quitting my $45,000/year job to stay at home has put an enormous burden on our finances, but we felt it was worth it. Now I wonder if it's smart to incur more burden for me to go back to school and then not make enough money at my "new" job to justify the costs. My first job was with P&G, whose policy is once you quit there you can never come back - bummer - I won't make that kind of money again in this rural area without a degree.

Okay... so has anyone else out there wrestled with this? What are the hot jobs out there right now that actually bring home a good paycheck? I thought about computer technology, but not sure it's for me (although I DO enjoy it). I can really see myself working in a lab in a hospital - but not actually working with patients... what job is that... are in the demand...what's the pay?

I'm nervous, but very excited at the prospects of this! Thanks for any info/advice/support you might have for me.

 

[wen774]

Do it!!! I am a SAHM who is back in school as well. I take classes at night to be a paralegal and then I just need to finish a few credits to get my bachelors and I plan to go to law school. I love school and find that I am so much more interested and motivated this time around. I am also 30 and I admit that it freaks me out a bit that I will probably be 36 by the time I finish law school, but its worth it for me. Good luck to you!

 

[moopdog]

Since we're both in Pa, I'm curious... where do you go? I'm not sure where Greensburg is so it can't be in our area. I was also considering paralegal, but don't know much about the profession/pay/job description. Can you offer some insight?

Thanks!!

 

[striker3636]

Hey me too! I am also looking to "re-invent" myself after being at home (I'm 37). After 13 years in banking I don't want to go back. I've been home with my kids for 3 years now and I am starting night school this fall in a 2 year program. Once I am done I'll be starting back to work the year both my kids are in school full time. I have struggled too over all this. I have always wanted to work in education, but life has never worked out that way for me. Now is my chance! I've decided not to go back into the business world, even though it would be an easier route for me. I have a university degree already and feel a bit wierd taking a community college program for something that will pay me less money. However, it is something I want to do and I know I will be much happier at work. As well, it fits a little better with my family (no late hours etc) so I think it will be best all around. It took me a while to get my head around all this, especially spending more $$ on schooling to change directions. But, in the end I think this is the best route for me and my family. Think of the big picture - if you have the chance to do something that you will enjoy and still works with your family's needs - go for it!

 

[wen774]

Since we're both in Pa, I'm curious... where do you go? I'm not sure where Greensburg is so it can't be in our area. I was also considering paralegal, but don't know much about the profession/pay/job description. Can you offer some insight?

Thanks!!

Im in SW Pa...near Pittsburgh. My ultimate goal in being a paralegal is just so I can make some decent money while i finish my bachelors and go to law school. I imagine salaries are different everywhere but I have heard around 30 here to start. Again, the job description is going to be different depending on where you work. Some places a paralegal will write up all the briefs and legal documents, interviews clients, etc, but other places a paralegal may not be much more than a specializes secretary. I kinda just picked paralegal out of a hat, so to speak, I needed to do something, but found out I have a real passion for law. If you are interested in law I think its great, but I think could be very boring for someone who doesnt have the interest.

 

[crisi]

I went back last fall.

I have most of a degree in Art History. Been working for about 20 years in IT. Last summer we went through ANOTHER round of lay offs. I kept my job, but I don't think there is a lot of future in it. I started back part time nights going for an accounting degree. I take two classes a semester, and try to take one of them over the internet or Independant Study, so I'm only away from home one night a week. It will take just over three years.

 

[Octoberbeauty]

I just filled out my all the financial aid info because I plan to go back this fall, too! I'm 32, got divorced last year and just need to head in a new direction. I did all 5 yrs of college and only needed 6 more hours to graduate, but I got married and moved across the country instead. I won't be doing the same major, so those classes won't transfer, but I will have all my basics. I'm working on a novel and want to be a writer, so I'm going to get my English/creative writing degree. Mainly, I want to go because I qualify for the single parent grants, I need to brush up on my English skills and I need it to keep me focused and pointed in the right direction. I would also like the satisfaction of having my degree!

So, I say Go for It!

 

[bobcat]

Careers in Heath care are hot right now. I suggest you contact a local college or tech school to see what they offer.

I went back to school after staying home with my kids for 5 years and it was the best thing I ever did.

 

[Tinkerbellmom33]

I give you girls credit! I've been struggling with this too. I worked for 14 years in a bakery and quit two years ago with the birth of my 3rd child. I have an associates in Liberal arts and I've been thinking about going back now at 34. It's a little scary to think about and of course which field to go into. After reading this, it's another little nudge to go back. Good luck to all of you!

 

[Ibelieveinfairies]

I did it and it's one of the best decisions I ever made for myself. Went back and finished my Elementary Education degree once my oldest DD was in kindergarten. It was a challenge with a part-time job, kids, and the regular old housework stuff. I'm very lucky that I have a wonderful DH who supported me all the way and now I am a teacher!! I, too, found my work for school so much more fulfilling than I did when I was younger. Plus, my life experiences only helped me out! I say GO FOR IT!!

 

[krystyana]

I have a bachelor's degree in art and also live in nepa so i'm sure you know how useful that choice was....So skip forward a few years....got married, had my son, and decided to go back to school for a different degree. Awesome choice....it has been a totally wonderful experience...I'm definately more in tune with learning this time around and I love my new choice. I say go for it...most of the people in my class are my age or older (i'm 31), I take all of my classes at night and the college accepted all of my core courses from my previous degree so I could jump right into the program. It has definately been a good decision for me!

 

[crisi]

You guys are young. I'm .... not 40. The woman sitting next to me in Econ has five years on me, easy. There are a lot of "non-traditional" students out there (the University I go to teaches 70% of their courses at night and almost everyone works 30+ hours a week).

 

[MOMO2DK]

Knowing that health care jobs are hot...
I am a pharmacist in a hospital. Which, for me has a LOT of benfits over retail pharmacy(working in a drugstore). In the hospital I'm in at 7 and out at 3:30, work 1 weekend a month and an occasional holiday. I also work full time.
Depending on the region of the country, a pharmacists, right out of pharmacy school, depending on the type of job (retail vs hospital) can make up to $100,000 a year! There are also management, and teaching opportunities also.
Good luck with your quest.

 

[HappyLawyer]

hey some of us are late educational bloomers there is nothing wrong with that, i have a lot of friends going back, i'll tell u what i tell them, it does not matter when you finish, just finish good luck and as long as you don;t have questions on math and economics ask me anything

 

[toystorymom]

I think it's a great idea, and I don't think you would ever regret it! I earned my Bachelor's when I went to college right out of high school. Well, like most of you, got married and decided to stay home when I had my kids. They are still young (8, 5, 4) but I knew I had to do something for myself, felt like I would have no direction when they all started school full time. Anyway, next month I will be receiving my Bachelor's in Nursing. On Friday, I received a job offer at one of the best known hospitals in the country!

It was not always easy balancing everything but I loved it. I think it's really important to do something for yourself. I learned so much, made great friends, and have this whole new career ahead of me. Can't even imagine what it will be like to get my first paycheck after almost 9 years. It's very exciting, and if it's something you want to do, then you should go for it.

I'm 33, and I would say at least half of my class is older than I am, many in their 40s. 30 is young these days!! Good luck!

 

[KAG Mom]

DO IT! I was in the same position as you! I had two years of college and quit when I had my first child. It took me 18 years to go back, but I did it! I graduated with my degree in Early Childhood Education last year, and am now a third grade teacher. I tell everyone, if I can do it, you can do it. I qualified for some grants and took the rest out on loans. I will be paying on the loans for quite a while, but the payment is very minimal. After my children and my marriage, it has been my greatest accomplishment. Good luck to you!

 

[Marseeya]

I went back to school when I was 29 and got my first bachelors degree (in English... useful, eh?) at the age of 33. I've been toying around with my masters ever since. I'm currently working on my masters degree in secondary ed in language arts. I'm most of the way through, and now I'm considering going straight through for my PhD! LOL... my friends and family are always on me about when I'm going to finish. Maybe never.

I'm from PA too I'm from SW PA and my hubby is from NE PA.

 

[nana_b]

I am almost fifty and will finish my master's degree this May. It is never too late to go back to school. As an adult learner you will get so much more out of the coursework. You will also find ways to apply the new knowledge to your everyday life. Everyone has 24 hours per day and you get to decide how to use yours. I recommend education because it is the only thing in the world (except for your faith) that can never be taken away from you. Once you have it - you've got it forever. It's a great feeling!

Go OU

 

[elastigirlfan]

I think you should go for it!! You can do it. My husband and I got married in college with the intent we would both finish at the same time but life doesn't always work out the way you plan it. Anyway, my husband finished first but I had to drop out. We had our two girls and I really wanted to go back and finish my degree. I looked into some of the schools in my area and ended up finishing at Immaculata in their degree completion program with a Bachelor's degree in Business management. I waited until my youngest was in school full time and then I got a job as a real estate asst. then I got my real estate license and now I am a Realtor with Century 21 Alliance. I am so glad I went back to finish. A degree is something no one can take away from you. It has increased my confidence and made me feel better about myself - so I say go for it! You can do anything you set your mind to!

Alyssa

 

[disneyjunkie]

I just filled out my all the financial aid info because I plan to go back this fall, too! I'm 32, got divorced last year and just need to head in a new direction. I did all 5 yrs of college and only needed 6 more hours to graduate, but I got married and moved across the country instead. I won't be doing the same major, so those classes won't transfer, but I will have all my basics. I'm working on a novel and want to be a writer, so I'm going to get my English/creative writing degree. Mainly, I want to go because I qualify for the single parent grants, I need to brush up on my English skills and I need it to keep me focused and pointed in the right direction. I would also like the satisfaction of having my degree!

So, I say Go for It!

Where can I find info about the single parent grants?

I'm going back to school in June, decided to start in summer school instead of waiting to the fall.

I can't believe how nervous and excited I am about doing this.

Oh, I'm 37.