Should I go back to school...

**Thevail** · 04-24-2010, 06:42 AM

Or try and dive right into the workplace?

I think I might be able to get a job, but my resume' is "stale" to say the least after over a decade of Stay-at-home-momming.

And to be honest, I have no idea what I want to do...

How important is that when you re-enter the workforce?

I've had jobs because they were the highest paying one I could get. I've had jobs because they worked around other people's schedule's, or really cruddy jobs because they were all that was available and rent had to be paid!

I've had jobs I absolutely could not STAND because I got promoted.. and who turns down more money?

But I don't think it ever even occurred to me to think of what I wanted to do.

What do you think?

**Linus** · 04-24-2010, 07:39 AM

When I switched careers many years ago (late 20s) I went back to school for an intensive training program (most of it was covered by Canadian Employment Insurance). Since doing that retraining, I've been constantly with work except for one two week break (by choice).

I would say what is it you want to do? If you don't have the training/skills for it, is there a program nearby that you could learn/get certified, etc. and could some of the costs be covered by Unemployment (I don't know what the US calls Employment Insurance -- when you're not working but getting the "dole") or some scholarships.

**Libby** · 04-24-2010, 08:13 AM

I'd suggest trying to get job now but more along the lines of what you think you want to be doing. Try it out and if you like it, nothing lost. If you can't get hired b/c of the gap in your resume but you think its what you want...go to school for it, or volunteer in that field to help you get some experience and foot in the door.

**Luckybustert** · 04-24-2010, 09:56 AM

It got my degree last year....at 48. Best thing I ever did (my salary has doubled). I worked full time and went to school full time, and it was hard, but I'm glad I did it. I looked at it like this....I have another 15 to 20 years to work, and I wanted to 1) spend that time doing something I liked better than what I was doing, and 2) increase my earning potential (little to no chance of income increasing doing what I was doing).

Good luck to you, whatever you decide. I'm happy with the choice I made, but I won't lie to you....it was very hard to go to school and work (and forget having a social life...lol...or sleep, for that matter!)

**monkeywrangler71** · 04-24-2010, 12:13 PM

I'm thinking of doing some online college classes that will give me a quick certificate in an area that has always interested me, but also complements my earlier experience. That way my rather outdated experience still has value, and there will be something a bit more recent on my resume. It's through the local college, not one that's specifically online, so if an employer looked at it maybe they will assume I've just been going to school all this time

**frugalfranny** · 04-25-2010, 01:09 AM

Originally Posted by Libby

I'd suggest trying to get job now but more along the lines of what you think you want to be doing. Try it out and if you like it, nothing lost. If you can't get hired b/c of the gap in your resume but you think its what you want...go to school for it, or volunteer in that field to help you get some experience and foot in the door.

This is a good approach that Libby mentions.

If you KNOW what you want to do......or can figure it out....and can afford to go to school without working.......go. It is tough but very doable to work and go to school........have to have real discipline and the 'want to'........been there, done that.

You didn't say if this is for a four year degree or what. Most colleges will give you tests that show your interests and etc. (they are fun to take---no right or wrong answers ---just your preferences)

LB --I too, did what you did. Went to school and worked full time....until my Sr. year......was close to burn out and the body was tired of living on caffeine!! It was tough......but I had a BALL!!

**Liane** · 04-25-2010, 01:56 AM

Life is short. Figure out what you love and go from there. I worked full time and went to school full time with a child to keep up with and little help. If you have support it is great, if you don't look into it because it is hard to get to class if there is no one to watch the kids. If you just want to earn some extra cash, look at what is available. Not everyone is hiring. Figure out what will work with your family and schedule and you should be a very happy camper.

**Thevail** · 04-25-2010, 02:08 AM

No child care issues.. she's 17 1/2 now and doesn't really need much but money, and to know we're there if she does need us.

Hubby is super supportive, which is awesome! But we're freaky broke. I think I'd like to be a financial adviser or planner and work into giving common sense seminars on a local level, maybe some classes at the local high school, woman's shelter, senior center that sort of stuff.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 04-25-2010, 03:25 AM

If you can swing it, go back to school! You only live once! Follow your dream (sounds like a great one - you'd sure make a big difference to a lot of people!)!!