Kids almost grown. Need help discerning what next

[MJJean]

The title pretty much says it all.

I became pregnant at 17 and left high school because I needed to work to care for myself and my baby. Civilly married my baby’s father, who was irresponsible in the extreme and tended to job hop. Of course, my job through most of the pregnancy was fast food. Then I got a customer service job for a major corporation, but it only lasted two years as it was a temporary position. Worked as a nurses aid for a couple of months, but had to quit before the certification test due to issues with childcare.

I decided to go back to school. I hoped to complete high school through the local adult ed ( free daycare on site) and then go to community college for nursing (low cost daycare on site). But I became pregnant again and had terrible morning sickness. Can’t move or think for about half the day kind of terrible. So, I left school and decided to get a GED instead.

I had another baby, got divorced, had my last baby, got remarried, got busy with life, and never went back to work or school.

The youngest is 14 now and it’s time to think of what I want to do with the next phase of my life. I’ve kicked around going to college for nursing or perhaps to become a counselor. I’m not sure because maybe I’m too old and mentally out of shape. I’ll be 40 in a week, after all. And I’m not sure about those career options, anyways.

I’m looking for something that takes 1-2 years to earn certification, is useful in a variety of locations/economies (we could move out of state once the youngest graduates, possibly sooner) and is helpful to society in general.

So, I need some direction. Ideas. Thoughts. Opinions. Websites with decent career match programs. Anything.

 

[Xantippe]

The title pretty much says it all.

I became pregnant at 17 and left high school because I needed to work to care for myself and my baby. Civilly married my baby’s father, who was irresponsible in the extreme and tended to job hop. Of course, my job through most of the pregnancy was fast food. Then I got a customer service job for a major corporation, but it only lasted two years as it was a temporary position. Worked as a nurses aid for a couple of months, but had to quit before the certification test due to issues with childcare.

I decided to go back to school. I hoped to complete high school through the local adult ed ( free daycare on site) and then go to community college for nursing (low cost daycare on site). But I became pregnant again and had terrible morning sickness. Can’t move or think for about half the day kind of terrible. So, I left school and decided to get a GED instead.

I had another baby, got divorced, had my last baby, got remarried, got busy with life, and never went back to work or school.

The youngest is 14 now and it’s time to think of what I want to do with the next phase of my life. I’ve kicked around going to college for nursing or perhaps to become a counselor. I’m not sure because maybe I’m too old and mentally out of shape. I’ll be 40 in a week, after all. And I’m not sure about those career options, anyways.

I’m looking for something that takes 1-2 years to earn certification, is useful in a variety of locations/economies (we could move out of state once the youngest graduates, possibly sooner) and is helpful to society in general.

So, I need some direction. Ideas. Thoughts. Opinions. Websites with decent career match programs. Anything.

I’ll tell you what I’m planning on doing.

I’m almost 40 and I’ve got three kids (almost 13, 10 and 2.5). I’ve been home for the past 13 years and it’s been good, but I’ve been-there-done-that and we need school tuition and college money in a couple of years. My husband makes a good income, but even so, there are a lot of sacrifices.

My current plan is to, in the next year or so, coordinate for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Around the time my youngest is in pre-K, I would like to start doing tax work (H & R Block or similar). That would keep me very busy about half the year, which is likely a good fit for our growing family. If I like that, it’s possible I may go for a CPA or something like that.

I’d also suggest just taking one community college course a term until you hit something promising.

Best wishes!

 

[tawny]

Praying to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance, direction, strength, fortitude & wisdom in your time of need.

 

[MaryT777]

If you had considered nursing, respiratory therapy is something to consider. I have a nursing degree and my sister worked as a RT. She went to a 2 year community college program.

Just a thought…

Mary.

 

[Kelfa28]

If you had considered nursing, respiratory therapy is something to consider. I have a nursing degree and my sister worked as a RT. She went to a 2 year community college program.

Just a thought…

Mary.

This is good advice.

Also, something like a diagnostic technician of some kind…like Cat Scanning, MRIs or Ultrasound techs.
Minimal degree requirements and available jobs.
There is also phlebotomy and Medical lab Technician to think about too.

I’m not sure what Michigan is like in terms of competitiveness when it comes to the medical field.
In my state…it’s insanely competitive.
Getting accepted into a community college level nursing program is the equivalent of getting accepted into Harvard.
Something like 700 or so applicants and only 70 slots.
Its even worse for the technician and dental hygienist slots.

I wanted to go to nursing school but opted for Medical Lab Technology. It’s a 4 year degree.

Another thing to consider is the finance world…something like accounting can be earned in a 2 year time slot and there seems to be jobs.

I’m from Massachusetts…which is huge with white collar industries. If you have a degree in business, education or the health care industry…you’ll have better luck at finding a job.

 

[UbiCaritas]

Although we’re at the start of our childbearing years, DH and I have already begun to discuss this. I don’t think I’m going to be happy being solely SAH for the rest of my life.

Medical jobs are always going to be both in high demand and very flexible in terms of hours and location. Long-term, we’re planning on my taking a couple of science courses at the community college and then going to nursing school.

You might consider going to the local CC and asking to speak with an advisor. Explain what your background is and interests are, and see if an advisor can offer suggestions about job fields. There are more out there than you might think of yourself, plus an advisor will be better familiar with the academic demands of each program, as well as job opportunities for those completing them.

 

[LSK]

I will share with you what my mother said to me when, at the age of 45, I asked her if she thought I should go back to college and get another degree. It would take, I told her, around 18 to 24 months.

She said, “That time is going to pass anyway. Why not do something productive!”.

I say, GO FOR IT and become a NURSE!!!

 

[taben]

If your kids attend or attended a local Catholic school you might be able to find a position there. I know of a woman who made a career as a substitute teacher once her kids were older school age. She said it was great as she got called to come in regularly and made money, but did not have to go in if she had other plans. Some months she worked almost daily, others just a day or two a week.

Aside from that path, I agree that medical field jobs are a good idea. I further agree that the time will pass regardless, so why not go for it?

T

 

[MJJean]

This is good advice.

Also, something like a diagnostic technician of some kind…like Cat Scanning, MRIs or Ultrasound techs.
Minimal degree requirements and available jobs.
There is also phlebotomy and Medical lab Technician to think about too.

I’m not sure what Michigan is like in terms of competitiveness when it comes to the medical field.
In my state…it’s insanely competitive.
Getting accepted into a community college level nursing program is the equivalent of getting accepted into Harvard.
Something like 700 or so applicants and only 70 slots.
Its even worse for the technician and dental hygienist slots.

I wanted to go to nursing school but opted for Medical Lab Technology. It’s a 4 year degree.

Another thing to consider is the finance world…something like accounting can be earned in a 2 year time slot and there seems to be jobs.

I’m from Massachusetts…which is huge with white collar industries. If you have a degree in business, education or the health care industry…you’ll have better luck at finding a job.

A few years ago I heard a major hospital network was offering $40 to nurses (LPN and RN) to interview with them. I’ve had friends do certifications for Medical Assistant and have a difficult time finding a job,the market seems saturated and then some, but nurses still do well. Worst case scenario, I could do the degree and work in a nursing home for the aged and infirm. Which, having done that as an aid, isn’t really a bad thing like some make it out to be. The pay is less than what one could make at a hospital, but it’s a less stressful environment and I had some elderly patients as an aid that were just loads of fun.

There is also the option of working as a home nurse through temp services if I need to do something in the “real world” to gain experience in order to move to a better job. Or maybe I’d like the flexible hours and the ever changing cast of characters.

I’ve checked into nursing programs at the 2 local community colleges that have programs with a good reputation. I’ve been told the best way to go about acceptance in my situation is to take the pre-reqs and general courses first under the guidance of the nursing program director, get decent grades, and then apply to the program officially. This will extend the time I’d be taking classes on the downside, but it would mean that I’d have all pre-reqs and other classes required for the degree, so all I would need to do is concentrate on the more difficult actual nursing related classes. In theory, they said that this approach would mean almost guaranteed acceptance into the program and a better chance at success because I would be able to devote all of my energy to the hard classes without the distraction and extra work of the general classes.

Considering this strongly.

Also, if I were to get my LPN and work as a nurse for a year I could go back for another year of classes and receive credit for work-life experience so that I could become an RN if I wanted.

I will share with you what my mother said to me when, at the age of 45, I asked her if she thought I should go back to college and get another degree. It would take, I told her, around 18 to 24 months.

She said, “That time is going to pass anyway. Why not do something productive!”.

I say, GO FOR IT and become a NURSE!!!

Yes, there is something to that! I can’t stop the time from passing, so I might as well be productive. Funny, I apply that all the time to various life situations and did not apply it to this. /facepalm

In other news, my husband left his job. It was dirty ( nothing wrong with good old fashioned dirt, but we’re talking inhalation of powdered metals here) dangerous (equipment problems the company refused to fix) and very stressful. He’s also had an injury that hasn’t fully healed and causes him a lot of pain. The reason it hasn’t healed? He couldn’t take time off (no benefits including no paid medical leave or vacation time) and the equipment he was operating was very much out of adjustment, so it put more stress on the injury.

So, he took a lower paying and much less dangerous and stressful job for the time being, He hopes his ankle will properly heal ( its hurting much less and he can get out of bed in the morning without it locking up, which is big) and that he can look for another job that is safer, saner, and that actually offers benefits. He made this decision the very day I made this post. I am worried, but I understand and agree with my DH.

So, since our income went down, I am looking for a job right now. Cashier, dog walker, stock person, messenger/parts delivery, security. You know, whoever will hire me. Once I’ve been working for a month or two and into the routine I think I will add a couple of classes until I can apply to the nursing program.

How do you eat a bear? One bit at a time, right?

 

[Allegra]

If your kids attend or attended a local Catholic school you might be able to find a position there. I know of a woman who made a career as a substitute teacher once her kids were older school age. She said it was great as she got called to come in regularly and made money, but did not have to go in if she had other plans. Some months she worked almost daily, others just a day or two a week.

Aside from that path, I agree that medical field jobs are a good idea. I further agree that the time will pass regardless, so why not go for it?

T

Substitute teaching is pretty good earnings. I was going to suggest it as well, but I understood that the OP had no college and most states require at least 60 credit hours. I figured if the OP was going to get that, she might as well go whole hog and get the full degree! In that case, you might consider a teaching aide position, as most states only require an associates degree for that.

 

[MJJean]

Hi, everyone!

I found a job working as an office cleaner for a local refinery. It’s only part time and minimum wage, but it’s a start. The shift I got is Mon-Fri, from 6pm to 10pm. I still have the days to take classes and do household things, I can still homeschool DD and drive DS to his brick and mortar school as well as run errands. Bonus,I still get weekends to spend a good amount of time with the DH and do deep cleaning

I’ve never worked for a janitorial service and am a bit nervous. Today is my first day. I’d really appreciate a few prayers if anyone wants to send them up!

 

[MaryT777]

Hi, everyone!

I found a job working as an office cleaner for a local refinery. It’s only part time and minimum wage, but it’s a start. The shift I got is Mon-Fri, from 6pm to 10pm. I still have the days to take classes and do household things, I can still homeschool DD and drive DS to his brick and mortar school as well as run errands. Bonus,I still get weekends to spend a good amount of time with the DH and do deep cleaning

I’ve never worked for a janitorial service and am a bit nervous. Today is my first day. I’d really appreciate a few prayers if anyone wants to send them up!

Congratulations on your new job. Prayers for you that this first day and all days go well and this job is a fit for you and your talents and needs, and that of your employer.

God bless,
Mary.

 

[E_7]

Hi MJJean,

I wish I have seen your thread when you started it. But it’s never too late. Here are my :twocents: :

Please visit the Occupational Handbook by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. And check any career for more info. Take Registered Nurse for example. It tells you what they do, work environment, how to become one, pay, and job outlook.

Also check here where I looked up Michigan. And you will see employment, employment rates, employment per 1,000 jobs, and annual/hourly mean wage per occupation. Just use the CTRL+F on your keyboard to search for your career of interest through that long list. For example, Registered Nurse.

 

[Xantippe]

Very good!

True story:

I was talking to a mom friend today. My mom friend is a Korean lady with two big school age children and naturally wanted a job that would allow her to be home to supervise after school stuff. She’s educated, but has language issues. She just got a job making sushi 3 days a week during the morning and early afternoon, for a total of 15 hours a week.

Hi, everyone!

I found a job working as an office cleaner for a local refinery. It’s only part time and minimum wage, but it’s a start. The shift I got is Mon-Fri, from 6pm to 10pm. I still have the days to take classes and do household things, I can still homeschool DD and drive DS to his brick and mortar school as well as run errands. Bonus,I still get weekends to spend a good amount of time with the DH and do deep cleaning

I’ve never worked for a janitorial service and am a bit nervous. Today is my first day. I’d really appreciate a few prayers if anyone wants to send them up!

 

[The_Old_Maid]

OP, you might look into studying gerontology medicine, which includes jobs treating older people. Those baby boomers will need lots of nurses and other caregivers.

Your husband might look into training as an auto mechanic or HVAC specialist; there is such a great need that he almost can choose his employer at will.

Prayers and good wishes!