Adult Student - changing careers??

**dwnloom** · 10-26-2009, 03:43 PM

If you had to make a career change, what would you do and why? I have been working in the it field for 16 years.....I'm not actively looking to change fields, but think about it once in a while. Just curious what you guys would do?

Dawn

**shoiji** · 10-26-2009, 03:51 PM

After working in the corporate world, I started taking art classes again. Ended up teaching art clases. Found it so much more healthier and rewarding than sitting in a cubicle waiting for the weekend.

If you enjoy taking classes, sign up for something you always wanted to do. Adult evening night school is also a great option since you can try a class to see if you like it with out spending as much for a college class.

**NcsstyBrdsIngnty** · 10-26-2009, 04:02 PM

I would like to be a school psychologist in our poorer neighborhoods but they make the same with a BA and an EdS (above masters - about 7 year schooling full time total) that I do without either to start - and the return on investment is small - the price of going back to school and missing those years of pay outweighs the difference in pay between the two jobs.

So I go to night school for what I do to make sure I can keep doing it!

**HisDaisy** · 10-26-2009, 04:40 PM

I would like to get my teaching certificate so that I could teach high school math or science. It would only take 15 months, but I need to be able get the money together first. No more student loans for me.

**Deprived4TooLong** · 10-26-2009, 04:46 PM

It depends on WHY your changing careers.

If its for health reasons, then you might have alot less choices if you have limitations.

If its for happiness, I'd do whatever I enjoy doing. NOTHING measures to happiness and considering the majority of ones (awake) time is at your job ...... I'd make sure I enjoyed it!

If it's for financial reasons, I'd pick nursing and work my way up. No computer of cheaper labor is going to replace those workers.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you need to be with a young child at home more (or less if they've grown up). Some jobs allow you to bring your child to work on occassion if necessary. .... say school was closed that day.

I know the career choice I did mention was very vague, but I hope the concept was still helpful in narrowing down your choices.

Sandi

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 10-26-2009, 04:57 PM

I was in aviation for nearly 10 years...not an easy road... I'm back in school now (year 2!). Honestly, I still don't know what I'm doing! I'm getting through all the basics while I try to figure it out.

**Siebrie** · 10-27-2009, 09:00 AM

I'm in the corporate world right now, and it's ... interesting. The pay is more than I ever had and it's good to see firsthand what this life is like. I worked in semi-gov and non-profits before, which I enjoyed more, but the pay was worse.

At some point I would love to work outdoors, creative, be my own boss, work with people (as opposed to work with corporate geeks). But then I question myself: is that daydreaming because I'm not really happy here and my dream is the complete opposite of what I do now? Being my own boss also brings a lot of responsibility, long working days, etc.

Conclusion: I'd like something else, but what?

**Pianolady** · 10-27-2009, 09:16 AM

It all depends on the why you want to change careers, whether it makes sense to go back to school. If you are wanting to make more money, just make sure you are changing to a career that actually makes you more, before spending the money on the education. Paying thousands in education for a job that pays $10 an hour never made sense to me (unless that is a career you are passionate about and don't care).

If you are changing careers for a health reason, or for something more meaningful to you, the cost of the education may be irrelevant. I went back and got my Masters in Piano Performance......why? Because I could and I wanted to do it. Did it help me advance my career? Absolutely not. Some would say it was a waste of money, but I don't think so. Granted, I'd probably make just as much money working at McDonald's, but it sure would be less rewarding.

**wwe11** · 10-27-2009, 09:18 AM

I'd like to be either a ped. nurse, arciologist(sp?) or crytozoologist.

**Inkstain82** · 10-27-2009, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Pianolady

It all depends on the why you want to change careers, whether it makes sense to go back to school. If you are wanting to make more money, just make sure you are changing to a career that actually makes you more, before spending the money on the education. Paying thousands in education for a job that pays $10 an hour never made sense to me (unless that is a career you are passionate about and don't care).

/signed

It's very tempting to want to reinvent ourselves every once in a while, but it's often not a frugal choice. If not done with care, it can be cripplingly expensive.

**cmdarlin** · 10-27-2009, 01:08 PM

I am currently working on my second year of school working on getting my associates degree in culinary arts. All my life I had worked in an office setting doing accounts receivable/payable. When I lost my job in 2008 it was almost a blessing as I was so stressed out. I applied for a pell grant and received a work study position at the school and have loved it. I was able to complete the culinary part of my degree in one year and now working at all the not so fun classes. I love to cook and figure everyone has to eat.

I also have a few other interest that I plan on pursuing to and who knows where else it may take me.

Best of Luck on your decision!

Debbie

**Minner77** · 10-27-2009, 07:13 PM

I completed a Master's in Adult and Higher Ed last year, and haven't done a thing with it. Had a wonderful opportunity this summer, but family circumstances kept me from pursuing it.

What I'd really like to do is teach (English/writing/business, perhaps) online, but it seems I have the wrong Master's for that; I've gotten some interest but they want me in person, and those schools are too far away. I've thought about going back for a second Master's, but I'd really need to go online again (given where I live and family circumstances), and I haven't yet found a program that offers what I want online. In the meantime, I am a substitute teacher, and it suits me.

**nodmicks** · 10-28-2009, 09:45 AM

I'd love to go back and be a CPA. I'm a hairstylist. However my children are a junior in H.S. and and 8th grader. We can't try to help them out with college and pay for mine. Heck we are not going to be able to pay for theirs, just help.

I'm not willing to go into big debt for it at almost 40 with the kids college coming.