Did anyone go back to school after having kids? (Long...could use advice/help)

I feel like this is one of the hardest decisions I have to make. I knew after undergrad I eventually wanted to go back and get my Masters but was offered a great job out of college and took it. Shortly after...I met DH, got married, bought a house and had a baby with a 2nd on the way. Needless to say going back to school was put off.

I would love to go back to school for my Masters in Elem. Ed/Literacy Studies but I am so afraid to make that investmet and not know if I am going to have a job after. I have looked into it and it will cost at least $40k+. With a house and kids that is a big decision.

I know getting a teaching job on LI is almost impossible. I have a handful of friends that got jobs right out of college and know people who have been trying for years to get a steady job. It's seems like it is the luck of the draw. I know getting good grades won't be a problem for me. I am more nervous that being 29 now, I wouldnt complete my Masters until I am in my early 30's and that would "push me out" of the job market. I feel teachers today being hired are all in their early-mid 20's.

At the same time, I know what I am doing now is not what I want to do forever. I am only working p/t b/c I always wanted to be home with my kids. But working p/t gives me a little "me" time. I have always said once my kids are old enough to go to school f/t, I would go back to work f/t. I just want it to be my career and what I will be doing for the next 25 yrs, not just a job, KWIM?

Uggghhh...anyone make this decision? Was it the right decision in the end?

Re: Did anyone go back to school after having kids? (Long...could use advice/help)

I went to college on and off thru the years after high school, but never finished my undergrad bc I got a great job as a mortgage underwriter. I was making great money and loved my job. I got married, had a son and loved my job even more bc my boss let me work 2 days a week from home and 3 days in the office allowing me more time with DS. Then the mortgage crisis hit and I was laid off twice in 3 mos. I decided it was time to return to school and follow my dream of becoming a teacher. Of course my decision was a little easier to make bc DH works at a local college and I get free tuition, but I know when the time comes I will find a job and I will be doing what I love. The best way to a teaching job on LI is sub, sub, sub and I am prepared to do that. I just try to keep positive about it and remember what an asset I will be bc I'm so great haha ;o). I will be done with my undergrad in the spring (although that will now be pushed back to fall b/c I'm pregnant and due early April)

I think if you want to do it and have the means then do it. You are never to old and I love being there and learning. Its great for stimulating the brain of a SAHM or PTSAHM. Good luck!

Re: Did anyone go back to school after having kids? (Long...could use advice/help)

I can't tell you if it was the right decision in the end because I'm not at the end but I'm going back to school now. My kids are 9 and almost 8. I am 33.

The cost is what scared the hell out of me too..but we're taking it a couple of classes at a time. Look into financial aid, look into scholarships.

We actually didn't qualify for financial aid as we "make too much money" (haha). As DH said, if we're not getting it now, we're not going to get it when the kids need it. Go to school now, make more money by the time they're ready for college. And then they're off and on their own and I'm not stuck in a "job" rather than a career. It really made a lot of sense.

That's the plan anyway..

Good luck!

Re: Did anyone go back to school after having kids? (Long...could use advice/help)

Re: Did anyone go back to school after having kids? (Long...could use advice/help)

i have the same problem. but i'm older. i already have a masters in educational computing (but not the ed clsses i need to teach)

my plan, since i have a ton of grad credits... apply to NYS for the teaching cert. (they will eval your credits and tell you what else you need) then i plan to go nonmatric at the cheapest schools i can manage, which will probably be queens college. fnish the classes i need, and get provisional certification. find someplace to student teach, and hopfully get a job on LI afterward.

of course i have a ton of grad credits which do help save me alot of money.

but the big thing, is look for a school that is cheap. you don't need a degree out of NYU to be a teacher.

also if you are willing to work in "impoverished" districts there is a fast track program through empire college that gets you teaching while you do your classes. but they have restrictions on where you can work, and lots of hte schools are in the city. (I won't commute)

and keep in mind, CUNY schools will be cheaper than SUNY and SUNY is of course cheaper than private colleges.

there are ways to cut the cost of getting the teaching certification.

believe me i have done the reasearch on it. i am hoping to start taking classes when my DD is around 4 so that when she is in school full day i can be student teaching, and i will hopefully have a real job before she's in 2nd grade.

Re: Did anyone go back to school after having kids? (Long...could use advice/help)

I am not sure about the education field, but 29 is NOT old to finish/go back to school.

It was before DS but I went back to school to change career in my ealy/mid 30's.

I think it's never too late to do what you want to do.

Re: Did anyone go back to school after having kids? (Long...could use advice/help)

im still goign to school and working F/T. i go P/T b/c i want to do well and i cant be away from my kids that much. the only time i stop going is if im going to have a baby (i have 3) im starting again in september.

Re: Did anyone go back to school after having kids? (Long...could use advice/help)

I definitely don't think 29 is too old, but it's nearly impossible to get a job in el. ed. on LI, even after subbing and doing leave replacement positions.

Five years ago the ed. market wasn't as flooded with recent grads, but right now there are just a TON of applicants for every position, many with a great deal of experience and more degrees. Honestly everyone I know who got teaching positions lately knew someone in high administration who helped.

Re: Did anyone go back to school after having kids? (Long...could use advice/help)

You sound like me! I am 31 and am changing careers. I already have my bachelors, but there are some science classes that the Masters program I am looking at require that I didn't take, so I am taking them at a community college (only $83/credit!). Plus DS goes to daycare there and I will qualify for the student rate now, which will pretty much pay for those classes.

But the Masters program is $30K and I am freaking out!!!! DH is so supportive. I will most likely get a higher salary in this new career, but the bottom line is that I just cannot picture myself in my current career for another 30 years. And I believe that a happy mommy is a better mommy.

I don't know who decided that it was a good idea to let 18-21 year olds choose a career. I didn't know anything back then!

Re: Did anyone go back to school after having kids? (Long...could use advice/help)