So now that life's finally getting on the right track...

[MomToTwoBoys]

what should I do?

I have been waiting nine and a half years to get my life back in order, so this decision doesn't come lightly, nor should it.

I have two school-aged children, one with autism and one without. I have been wanting a direction in my life aside from my kids because when they get old enough to be on their own, I don't want to be left standing alone with nothing to look forward to.

On one hand, there is work. I can go back to work and start making money again. Trouble with that is that I haven't worked since I came to Canada, so my skills are very rusty and in need of updating. I also have issues with day care for at least the 13 year old (the one with ASD).

Then, there's school. I can do school at my own pace, with funding, as long as it doesn't interfere with the kids. The diploma program I'm seeking would take six months to complete with a good set of job prospects on the other end. I can go to school on the weekends and during the few hours that they're at school. Then, when summer comes, I can go for at least three hours a night (15 hours total during the week) and flush out the other ten on the weekend.

I would really like to get back on the right track and make this beneficial not just for myself, but for my family as well. School feels so right, but so does work.

If you were in my situation, what would you do?

[dancemommy]

Which job/career do you think you'd enjoy more in the long run? The one that requires the schooling or one that you can get with skills you have now?

Six months is not very long to invest if you would prefer the one with schooling. I'd go that route if you think it is something you'd enjoy more and that has good job prospects.

Good luck!!

[MomToTwoBoys]

Which job/career do you think you'd enjoy more in the long run? The one that requires the schooling or one that you can get with skills you have now?

Six months is not very long to invest if you would prefer the one with schooling. I'd go that route if you think it is something you'd enjoy more and that has good job prospects.

Good luck!!

The program that I'm looking to get into really stood out to me as something I would love to do. Jobs in the industry that I have experience in are good, but I'd be limited to customer service since the requirements for shipping/receiving usually require you to lift a certain amount of weight. That is something I just cannot do, especially after I was discharged from the military with shoulder problems.

[Spirit Deer]

I think you just answered your own question.

[MomToTwoBoys]

Oh I think I did too, but I'm just wondering if going back to work for a while would also be beneficial.

The whole situation gives me a huge anxiety attack but I know it's something I have to get through.

It would be really, really nice to have some more income, but I don't want to work part-time if all of the money I make is just going to day care costs. Minimum wage here, even for fourty hours a week, would only net me $1200 at maximum and day care would probably end up costing me $400 a month at the least (that depends on whether I can get my 13 year old into a day care that doesn't charge me $50 a day).

I'm actually thinking that 5 hours a day of school during the week and then working Saturdays and Sundays would be cool, but even then, I don't know.

I would work nights, but with no car and the buses not running between midnight and 6am, I'd have to get a job that starts at at least 11pm and work until 7am. But then, I'd have no day life at all.

So you see how I'm stuck with wondering what's right for me?

[mombottoo]

Life changing decisions are always tough to make and they are even tougher because we tend to second guess ourselves.

I think you already know what you would like to do...money is nice but, an education would probably enable you to make more money down the road. I tried raising kids, working fulltime and going to college fulltime and that was in the late 70s & early 80s....I'm still 6 credits shy of my degree...kwim?

[lotsadebt]

Is there government funding for daycare expenses for the child with ASD? Search around and apply.

[nessarowdy]

I say go to school! It will benefit you greatly in setting you up to work at something you want to do later.

I'm working part time right now as an accounting tech, and it's not my dream job. I told dh yesterday that I was quitting this summer and taking a year for me. I have been juggling our 3 kids, their schedules, my work, and the house by myself for the past 2 years. It's my turn, I'm being selfish. THEN I'm going back to school. If he expects me to work, then I'm going to do something that not only will I enjoy, but it will be better than the $12/hr. I'm currently making.

Good luck, and keep us posted!
-Vanessa

[Libby]

To those that have struggled and juggled the whole thing on their own (home, children, job and hubby etc) great job and THANK YOU for being the super moms that you have become

[MomToTwoBoys]

Is there government funding for daycare expenses for the child with ASD? Search around and apply.

There is respite care that I can check into. I know there is a subsidy program I can apply for as far as my 8 year old's concerned, but I'm not entirely sure it would still apply to my 13 year old. The cutoff for that is at 12 years old. I'll call them sometime today and find out if there's an exception.

I was going to talk to the advisor at school today, but my 8 year old's at home and we're waiting for the bus right now to take him to the doctor. The poor thing coughed so hard last night that he threw up, so we're heading to the walk-in clinic in the mall.

I did sit down and write down the job vs school thing with the pros and cons. Overall, there are a lot more pros to going back to school than going back to work. I'm still going to explore the day care option in case, but for now, I'm still on the fence. Unless something jumps out at me in one of those lightbulbs moments and makes the decision today, I might want to give this a few more days and some more input from friends and family.

[Emjo]

It sounds like going back to school is the way to go...it will be so exciting getting back out there and learning new things!

I'm planning to go back to school in the fall, but very part time and through distance learning. It's going to take about 3 years to finish but I'm going to pay my way through. I found a job just on Saturdays, which gets me out of the house but isn't too overwhelming with 2 little kids at home.

Good luck and make sure you let us know what you're going to do!

[MomToTwoBoys]

It sounds like going back to school is the way to go...it will be so exciting getting back out there and learning new things!

I'm planning to go back to school in the fall, but very part time and through distance learning. It's going to take about 3 years to finish but I'm going to pay my way through. I found a job just on Saturdays, which gets me out of the house but isn't too overwhelming with 2 little kids at home.

Good luck and make sure you let us know what you're going to do!

I would be stoked if I could work weekends. But DH told me the other night "I would never get to see you, ever." if I went to school a few hours a night and then worked on the weekends once summer break rolled around.

I'm going to go talk to the advisor this morning and see what she can recommend.

[MTS04]

I would be stoked if I could work weekends. But DH told me the other night "I would never get to see you, ever." if I went to school a few hours a night and then worked on the weekends once summer break rolled around.

yes, but it would only be temporary. Good luck with your decision

[MomToTwoBoys]

I made the decision yesterday and went in today to take care of things.

I decided to go back to school after all.

I filled out the paperwork yesterday and went in today to talk to the admissions counselor. She then informed me that my school would be completely paid for by Alberta Works, which is a program designed to help unemployed or underemployed people obtain post-secondary education.

Alberta Works

They also provide income support, help with child support, health benefits, etc.

In a nutshell, my entire schooling will be paid for. I start on March 12th.

So yay for no student loans!

[mombottoo]

That is just awesome ! Doing the happy dance for you!!! You won't regret your decision and I knew you wanted to go back to school....best wishes to you in your new endeavor and may you achieve everything you hope too.