What is your degree in and what do you do? I know sometimes people are in a line of work different from what they studied, and I have also heard the "if I could go back, I would have gotten a degree in something else" Looking to go to back to school in the fall.
I am a "later in life" teacher. I LOVE every day. I teach Physical Education, so my degree was in Education.
Good luck to you in every possible way.
I have a Master's Degree in education. I'm a teacher. I do love my job... However, it's not an easy one when you have kids at home. When you leave work, you're not even close to done for the day. In fact, you're NEVER really "done". I have several friends that are nurses. My husband's in nursing school right now. They definitely have to work VERY hard, but the amount of money that my friends make in the amount of time they work makes me wonder how I would have liked nursing. The schedule would allow me to work more flexible hours and less days per week. Again, I love my job, but it's hard with a little one at home. I miss my girl...
My degree is a BS in Computer Science. I do work in the same field but I don't have to.
I know someone who received a BS in Ocean Engineering -- did oil field work (never did get out on an off-shore rig! [thank goodness!] ), then got work experience with computers and has become computer manager of a big department at a university (and that is managing a few labs of over 200 PCs).
I would not change what degree I took, if I wanted to go back in time. If I want to add to my education, I might choose accounting or teaching.
If you want to go back to school, make sure the costs in time (especially time away from the kids) are made worthwhile with the degree you pick. Treat going to school as a "job" in terms of committing yourself and your time.
A lot of employers look at a resume, see that you completed college, and don't much care which degree. This isn't true for specialized jobs, like a position for an RN, but mostly true for any "bottom of the ladder" job.
Best of luck to you!
My degree was in journalism and I'm a freelance public relations writer. I use the knowledge from that degree I earned 20 years ago every day in my work. I wouldn't advise anyone pursuing a journalism degree today to aim for newspaper/magazine writing because print journalism is fading (tons of layoffs right now). However, applying the degree to a growing field like public relations is a smart option. You really need to have a love of writing, an obsessive attention to detail and a rule-following mentality.
BS in Information Systems, BA in American Studies, AA in Biology/Chemistry, Masters in Human Factors/Ergonomics. Began my career as a programmer then moved into veterinary medicine as a vet nurse for 5 years, now I'm a freelance usability designer/developer (software designer). It's great to be able to have the flexibility of taking on clients/projects I like working with and setting my own hours! But, similar to Corie I've been looking into nursing as my next career move... 3-4 day weeks, miss being in healthcare, and great pay.
I have a degree in mechanical engineering. I worked in that field for about 12 years. Then I got a masters in Early Childhood Disorders and worked in that field for 2 years.
Then I started a Shaklee home business 15 years ago. I also teach exercise classes and do personal training. I am currently doing some art work.
I wish I could also do several other things!
I am going to go back into engineering since my boys are older now.
It's a long story of how I got into engineering. I really wanted to be an architect. So if I could have done things the way I wanted, that's what I would have done.
Sorry this probably isn't helpful!
Victoria
Hi M.-
I was all ready to become a teacher when I graduated from high school, but I watched some of my favorite (and new) teachers being laid off due to budget cuts, so I waited for college.
I became a Certifed Professional Nanny, was a Nanny for 10 years, and it was the best decision I made. I learned that I had a great ability to understand why kids do what they do and then help parents understand as well.
I now work as a Parent Coach, and I LOVE it. I think I am much happier than I would have been as a teacher. I did go back to school, but I am taking classes that help me with my coaching career, not necessary what will get me XYZ degree.
I encourage not only examining your career choices before you leap into one, but also changing careers. I think it's a great idea to have 3+ careers over a life. It makes it interesting.
R. Magby
Oh, if only I could do it over again......
I received a BS in Biology in hopes of attending Med School - only, I never applied. I ended-up working in the pharmaceutical industry and have liked it until the last year when jobs are being slashed left and right.
If I could do it over again (and I've been giving it a lot of thought recently), I would have gotten my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or a PharmD (pharmacy).
I would be very unhappy in a lab, but I loved studying Biology. I just don't get to do as much with it as I wish, and because I don't have an RN, I'm limited in opportunities that are currently available to me.
I have a BA in comparative cultures (anthropology, religion, politics, etc) fast forward 10 years I have a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. Love my schedule, have time for my daughter and love what I do, though its pretty personally challenging. It was a circuitous route, had several jobs, and finally figured out what I wanted. In college I began as a psych major but feel fortunate that the route in between then and now was not so direct. I'm not sure the exact right degree is critical, rather, you learn as much about yourself and your interests as possible. Best of luck to you on your new venture!
Jen
