Job changes

sapphire angel

Did anyone quit their job and try something completely new after becoming a single mom? If so how did you do it? Did you have to get any new certifications or schooling? Did you get a loan to live on?

I just can't see how to do this and I am being passed over for simple jobs to tie me over between careers because I am over qualified. Not to mention I have no idea what I want to do, just not what I have been doing. 

Starbuck5

Well, when I was still with W's father I didn't have to have a full time job. I only worked part time on the weekends at a craft business that has since closed down.

Now that we aren't together, I'm thinking about going back to school to get a second degree in nursing. That way I know that I'll always have a job that is in high demand....and that I can support both LO and myself with a good salary.

I have ordered my transcripts from the university I went to, and applied for more information from the local nursing schools. I just need to get my butt in gear and make appointments with the admissions counselors and get started.

Why do you want to change your current career? Time for something new? Are you considering going back to school? 

sapphire angel

Time for something new I think and I would be leaving a PhD program, effective Friday actually. i just couldn't handle working the research lab full time, going to school full time and being a single mom. Something had to give so the choice was school. I hate myself for having to make that decision but it had to be made. I couldn't drop working because someone has to support the two of us and her BD is not exactly paying his complete child support every month.

I'm hoping that just getting out of school and into a full time job, no other worries will be enough of a change. I just won't ever be able to get the job I have had my heart set on for the past 10 years. I don't know that I will be happy working for the person who has the job I want but will never get. As I look for jobs I want and would enjoy within the scope of my studies, I am either way under-qualified for what I want or over-qualified for jobs I would be able to do but wouldn't be 100% satisfied. At the moment, my thoughts are settling for something right now that I may not be extremely happy with and getting some work experience in the field then looking around again in about 3 -5 years (3 years is the usual minimum work experience I am seeing requested). 

I've looked at the quick certification schools but nothing really appeals to me and I run into the same problem of who's going to bring in the money while I do the schooling. 

Starbuck5

Well how much longer do you have in that internship? Your ex should be paying FULL child support. If he was, would you be able to continue the PhD program? 

You shouldn't feel that you can't continue doing what you want just because you're single. There is child care that you can look into. Friends or family that could help out. But most importantly, your ex should be paying up.

Don't stop....sounds like something you'd be regretting since you've wanted that for so long.