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sunflowerjesss
Mommy to 3!
Member since 10/05 20369 total posts
Name:
Jesss, duh.
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A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
Sorry for my million posts but I need advice....
I am a SAHM to 3 kids (DS, almost 4 and 10 month old twin girls).
Prior to being a SAHM I was an administrative assistant for a growing ecommerce business. I was with the company for 8 years. I initially started answering general customer service lines and quickly moved up the later to eventually be working under the president/CEO. When I left (they were not willing to work with my hours after DS was born) I was making about 70K.
I will need to go back to work once the girls are in full time kindergarten. DH is the breadwinner and has set hours of M-Th 11am-10pm and Saturday 9-6. We do not foresee his hours changing any time soon. It is important to DH that I am available for any/all of the kids needs since he won't be. And I am completely ok with that.
But I am left scratching my head as to what I want to do when it is time for me to go back to work.
I do not have a college degree, at all. I would be willing to go back to school but I'd really need to be able to do majority (at least pre-req's) online since I am still home with the kids.
Just read recently online there is a projection of 3,300 teachers being laid off on Long Island over the next 2 years. So I think my dream of becoming an elementary school teacher is out the window since there are probably no jobs to be had.
So....any advice? Do I just opt for some kind of part time work and squash the opportunity to go back to school and get a degree? Or is there a field of study that could land me a position with schedule/hours that would leave me fairly available to my kids?
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Posted 2/22/12 8:14 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
What about working in the school, possibly as a school secretary? You'd be able to use the skill set you currently possess plus you'd have off when the kids have off, though I know they do work year round so you'd have to deal with some kind of daycare (though limited) during the summer vacations.
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| Posted 2/22/12 8:22 PM |
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Pumpkin
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3353 total posts
Name:
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
If being an elementary school teacher is you dream about then follow it. You said you do not have a degree so it will take you some time to complete. I am just finishing my masters in Education. It is a very tough time in education without a doubt but I left a very lucrative career to do this because it is my dream. I have no regrets even with the bleak out look. With that being said good luck to you.
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| Posted 2/22/12 8:22 PM |
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LL514
LIF Adult
Member since 4/10 1901 total posts
Name:
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
Posted by Pumpkin
If being an elementary school teacher is you dream about then follow it. You said you do not have a degree so it will take you some time to complete. I am just finishing my masters in Education. It is a very tough time in education without a doubt but I left a very lucrative career to do this because it is my dream. I have no regrets even with the bleak out look. With that being said good luck to you.
I'm sorry but i disagree with this advice.
OP, can you afford to go back to school for not only a BA but an MA as well?? with 3 children already and being out of school for so long, it most likely will take you MANY years and dollars to do so. hopefully by then teachers and the whole education system won't be as hated and shit on as they are now, however it may get worse (appr, tier 6?). and therefore harder to get a job.
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| Posted 2/22/12 8:39 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
I definitely think you should go back to school. A BA is becoming like a HS diploma. So many people are going to be ahead of you. I think you did VERY well without having a BA. I am not sure about the field you worked in but will you be able to go back and get that kind of $ without a degree? Personally, if I were you I would go to school for nursing. Mainly bc by time you finish the baby boomer generation will be getting older and the need will be there. There is NO way I would go for teaching the way things are looking. I think teaching is great but apparently society thinks stuffing 22+kids in one classroom is OK. 
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| Posted 2/22/12 8:50 PM |
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Pumpkin
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3353 total posts
Name:
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
Posted by PrincessP
I definitely think you should go back to school. A BA is becoming like a HS diploma. So many people are going to be ahead of you. I think you did VERY well without having a BA. I am not sure about the field you worked in but will you be able to go back and get that kind of $ without a degree? Personally, if I were you I would go to school for nursing. Mainly bc by time you finish the baby boomer generation will be getting older and the need will be there. There is NO way I would go for teaching the way things are looking. I think teaching is great but apparently society thinks stuffing 22+kids in one classroom is OK.
I agree maybe nursing would be better. Just do something that makes you happy.
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| Posted 2/22/12 8:52 PM |
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BigB
C & J are 10!
Member since 6/05 5914 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
When you find the answer, let me know! I will be retiring from teaching in 2 yrs and I have no idea what in the name of the Lord will I be doing! I am too young to really retire, but I want to do something different!
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| Posted 2/22/12 11:08 PM |
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MichLiz213
Life is Good!
Member since 7/07 7979 total posts
Name:
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
I would work toward getting your BA to start with. DH goes to Empire State College and it's a work at your own pace sort of system. It's ideal for working adults, but that sort of system sounds like it would be good in your situation as well. DH wasn't sure what to get his degree in. He meets with his advisor every couple of months to hand in papers and discuss the direction of his degree.
As far as becoming an elementary school teacher, it's my dream as well, but the job market is horrible. I got my master's 4 years ago and I'm still subbing with no end in sight. My district excessed 47 teachers two years ago, a bunch last year, and are planning 5 this year. These people stay on a list for 7 years and are called back if any positions open up. The teachers getting excessed are people who have been teaching for 10 years. But should the market open up by the time your daughters are in Kindergarten, you can go back and get your master's in ElEd (I have a BA in English and an MS in Elementary Education). Your BA doesn't need to be in education for you to go on to a Master's in Education.
Good luck to you!
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| Posted 2/22/12 11:34 PM |
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maybesoon
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 5981 total posts
Name:
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
I think you would be better off doing administrative work, part time while kids are in school.
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| Posted 2/22/12 11:37 PM |
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MrsG823
Just call me Mommy.
Member since 1/11 5570 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
I do not think having a BA will ever hurt you but that being said given your situation you should consider majors that will prepare you for a job. Majors like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and accounting come to mind. You should consider what subjects you enjoy. Many schools offer credits for life experience this is something you should look into. My cousin is working on her BA through the University of Maryland online. I do not know the details of the program but she does most of the work independently and her exams are mailed to her but proctored at local colleges.
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| Posted 2/22/12 11:44 PM |
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
As a social worker, knowing what I know now, I wish I went into something like nursing, OT, PT or speech.
I think the only obstacle you may be up against with nursing would be the experience thing. I work with a lot of nurses, and I think it's hard for them to find positions without having a certain # of years of experience. (Although to be fair, it's getting like that with most fields).
With anticipated changes in NYS Medicaid though over the next couple of years, I suspect that there are going to be a lot of opportunities for nurses on the "case management" side of things.
Rumor has it too that a lot of this is going to be telephonic and not face to face, so perhaps that would help with the experience thing too.
People who work in healthcare (especially on the homecare side) have really flexible schedules too. This is one of the major perks of my job on that end.
Another thought:
What about opening up your own daycare?
Either in-home or not.
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| Posted 2/23/12 7:57 AM |
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nov04libride
big brother <3
Member since 5/05 14672 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
Posted by Pumpkin
Posted by PrincessP
I definitely think you should go back to school. A BA is becoming like a HS diploma. So many people are going to be ahead of you. I think you did VERY well without having a BA. I am not sure about the field you worked in but will you be able to go back and get that kind of $ without a degree? Personally, if I were you I would go to school for nursing. Mainly bc by time you finish the baby boomer generation will be getting older and the need will be there. There is NO way I would go for teaching the way things are looking. I think teaching is great but apparently society thinks stuffing 22+kids in one classroom is OK.
I agree maybe nursing would be better. Just do something that makes you happy.
I agree--I'd do nursing or dental hygenist. I wouldn't waste the time and $$$ going into education when the job prospects are non-existant.
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| Posted 2/23/12 8:15 AM |
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sunflowerjesss
Mommy to 3!
Member since 10/05 20369 total posts
Name:
Jesss, duh.
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
Posted by LL514
OP, can you afford to go back to school for not only a BA but an MA as well?? with 3 children already and being out of school for so long, it most likely will take you MANY years and dollars to do so. hopefully by then teachers and the whole education system won't be as hated and shit on as they are now, however it may get worse (appr, tier 6?). and therefore harder to get a job.
It is safe to say that DH and I would be willing to commit the finances and time if it means I would be enriching our ultimate future.
I realize it may take me much longer since I am at home with 3 kids and would ultimately be doing all of my work part time.
I am scratching the teacher idea. DH and I both believe it just isn't a field worth getting into at this point.
But I am very open to all options right now. My only true desire is to find a field of study that will earn me a degree and a job at the end (with the schedule I need).
I don't need to come out of school making 70K. But I am also not an early 20's college graduate who can take entry level pay of $20.
Thanks for all the advice, keep it coming!!! 
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| Posted 2/23/12 10:41 AM |
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sultana
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 1455 total posts
Name:
Bridget
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
Consider an Ultra Sound tech?? might be about 2 years of school but I believe there is a demand
you do need some pre-reqs before entering
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| Posted 2/23/12 10:50 AM |
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drwifettc
LIF Adult
Member since 6/10 2348 total posts
Name:
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
I would definitely go back and get your BA. After that I would try nursing school. If I had to do it again that's exactly what I'd do. There is always a need for nurses and there are so many career options after you get your degree.
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| Posted 3/4/12 7:05 PM |
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SuzyQ
Mama to 3!?!?!?
Member since 7/06 8069 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
I would definitely do something in the healthcare field (either nursing, ultrsound tech, pharmacist). these are all fields I have considered. The things I wonder about nursing (& I would guess most other healthcare fields) is how would you do your clinical work? I think you can do most of your classwork online these days, but how would you be able to do the clinical part if you have kids at home all day? I've been considering going back to school too, but this made me wonder.
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| Posted 3/8/12 3:33 PM |
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Melmel821
Love being a mom!
Member since 5/08 2776 total posts
Name:
Melanie
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
If you did nursing you would be able to work nights around your husbands schedule to be available for your children. It's a very difficult job and school is competitive and intense! Most places are laying off not only LPNs but RNs as well so you need a bachelor's too! Good luck with your discussion.
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| Posted 3/31/12 6:17 PM |
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sultana
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 1455 total posts
Name:
Bridget
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
Posted by SuzyQ
I would definitely do something in the healthcare field (either nursing, ultrsound tech, pharmacist). these are all fields I have considered. The things I wonder about nursing (& I would guess most other healthcare fields) is how would you do your clinical work? I think you can do most of your classwork online these days, but how would you be able to do the clinical part if you have kids at home all day? I've been considering going back to school too, but this made me wonder.
YOu cannot do it online because even with the pre-reqs there are labs. And than yes, later the clinicals. If your considering maybe start off take some pre-reqs until you decide. A&P seem to be the stem for so many fields in healthcare
Good luck and start soon! It seems to me that more pre-reqs are being added
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| Posted 3/31/12 9:01 PM |
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betani
LIF Zygote
Member since 2/08 40 total posts
Name:
bethany
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Re: A WWYD/Need advice - career path to take
Posted by SuzyQ
I would definitely do something in the healthcare field (either nursing, ultrsound tech, pharmacist). these are all fields I have considered. The things I wonder about nursing (& I would guess most other healthcare fields) is how would you do your clinical work? I think you can do most of your classwork online these days, but how would you be able to do the clinical part if you have kids at home all day? I've been considering going back to school too, but this made me wonder.
pharmacists are doctorate programs (PharmD) followed by an optional residency. pharmacist technician is more of an immediate school-to-hire route, though i'm not sure what the course load for that looks like.
in terms of education, i would do what everyone here suggests and get a degree in something that's going to be immediately useful to you (medical assistant, nurse, ultrasound, etc.), but you can always go back later if the job market improves. the public system requires teacher certification) 1-2 years of classes/student teaching and then a masters completed within 5 years of being hired (meaning you'd get certified, hired, then your masters). private programs don't require certification, but take a dip in salary/benefits. either way you could still make it into that market at some point if you decide that's still really what you want to do.
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| Posted 4/16/12 12:14 AM |
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