Parenting

S/O Jobs and College: WWYD?

DH has encouraged me to go to college p/t after he graduates nursing school.

Honestly I have no clue what I would go for. I have a certificate for a childcare worker. It's not a degree but its supposedly equivalent from a votech program in HS. Everyone has this cert. it seems and all jobs unless you become director  are min wage with no benefits. I worked in childcare for a 1 1/2 years.

I also (currently: it will expire next year) have my CNA but to be frank, I dislike the elderly. Its horrible I know but ever since I was little nursing homes made me freak out. The only place around here that uses CNAs are nursing homes.

To be honest I have no clue what I would go for. I'm good with kids and that's about it.

We have no intentions of me going back to work, at least until our kids graduate(I will be 39 when the belly baby is 18).

We go over the conversation of if it would even be worth it for me to get a real degree about twice a week. 

BFP #1 10/28/09 EDD 06/24/10- Miscarriage 11/2/09
BFP #2 11/30/09 EDD 08/12/10- Sophia Grace born 8/1/10
BFP #3 11/16/10 EDD 08/04/11- Samuel Richard born 7/28/11
BFP #4 01/04/12 EDD 09/19/12- Simon Nathaniel born 9/6/12
BFP #5 03/27/13 EDD 11/25/13- Savannah Lee born 11/18/13

Re: S/O Jobs and College: WWYD?

  • imagearagosta:
    What do you like to do?  Do you like taking care of kids? 

    I loved my job at the daycare but quit after I got my 2nd paycheck with DD's cost taken out. I made $22 for two weeks after they took out the money for taking care of her. I drove over 10 miles both ways. After deducting gas I was about even.

    BFP #1 10/28/09 EDD 06/24/10- Miscarriage 11/2/09
    BFP #2 11/30/09 EDD 08/12/10- Sophia Grace born 8/1/10
    BFP #3 11/16/10 EDD 08/04/11- Samuel Richard born 7/28/11
    BFP #4 01/04/12 EDD 09/19/12- Simon Nathaniel born 9/6/12
    BFP #5 03/27/13 EDD 11/25/13- Savannah Lee born 11/18/13
  • I guess the question I would ask myself is are the jobs I would want when I go back to work (after kids graduate) jobs that would require a degree?  If the answer is yes, I would then ask myself if I would rather go to school now with the kids at home or wait until they're gone and then also have to wait to find a job until school is finished?  Not sure your financial situation is an issue, but personally I would also take student loans into consideration, i.e. do you want to have to be repaying loans while you're not planning on working?

    JMTC.


    Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers

    Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

    Lilypie Maternity tickers

    Always Sunny's back b-tches!

    image

  • Loading the player...
  • I would renew my CNA because that is easy to do.  Also, what do you want to do?  I know you don't want to go back to work for 18 year, but life happens.  You may need the money, you may want to work some in that 18 year period.  Find something that you'll want to pursue, but keep the CNA which will allow you to go get a job if something happens tomorrow. 
  • If you don't plan to go back to work for a long time I would probably wait until closer to when you want to work to go to school. That way your credentials are new and there isn't a question about why you went to school and didn't work for 15+ years after and now want to get back in the workforce. In many fields that long a gap between finishing school and starting entry level would be a career killer, so I would go back to school when your youngest is in HS in anticipation of returning to the workforce shortly thereafter.
    imageimageBaby Birthday Ticker TickerBaby Birthday Ticker TickerBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Well, I'll tell you that my college education and 12 years experiment can't see to find a job that pays more than $12/hr, but I do realize this is a sh?t economy and that doesn't look likely to change for a while

    Sadly, even though a college education doesn't guarantee anything at all, many places won't even look at you unless you have a degree. You could start now, get your pre requisites out of the way and that would give you time to decide what you want to focus your degree in. 

    Lilypie Second Birthday tickersLilypie Pregnancy tickers
  • With three kids, I think it would be great just to get out of the house on your own for a few hours a week.  What about taking something at a community college just for personal interest, and see where it goes?  Political science?  Art history?  Music theory?  A foreign language?

  • *experience, not experiment. Damn you bump, why can't I edit?
    Lilypie Second Birthday tickersLilypie Pregnancy tickers
  • imagesofamonkey:
    I would renew my CNA because that is easy to do.  Also, what do you want to do?  I know you don't want to go back to work for 18 year, but life happens.  You may need the money, you may want to work some in that 18 year period.  Find something that you'll want to pursue, but keep the CNA which will allow you to go get a job if something happens tomorrow. 

    This is the only thing that's pushing me to do the college thing.

    BFP #1 10/28/09 EDD 06/24/10- Miscarriage 11/2/09
    BFP #2 11/30/09 EDD 08/12/10- Sophia Grace born 8/1/10
    BFP #3 11/16/10 EDD 08/04/11- Samuel Richard born 7/28/11
    BFP #4 01/04/12 EDD 09/19/12- Simon Nathaniel born 9/6/12
    BFP #5 03/27/13 EDD 11/25/13- Savannah Lee born 11/18/13
  • imagepenguingrrl:
    If you don't plan to go back to work for a long time I would probably wait until closer to when you want to work to go to school. That way your credentials are new and there isn't a question about why you went to school and didn't work for 15+ years after and now want to get back in the workforce. In many fields that long a gap between finishing school and starting entry level would be a career killer, so I would go back to school when your youngest is in HS in anticipation of returning to the workforce shortly thereafter.

    This.

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Im in nursing school right now going for my bachelors and it was the best decision for us. I want to be a NICU or pediatric nurse. Right now we live really tight and I still have 2 years to go, but in the end it will be more worthwhile than me working at a so/so paying job.
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • imagepenguingrrl:
    If you don't plan to go back to work for a long time I would probably wait until closer to when you want to work to go to school. That way your credentials are new and there isn't a question about why you went to school and didn't work for 15+ years after and now want to get back in the workforce. In many fields that long a gap between finishing school and starting entry level would be a career killer, so I would go back to school when your youngest is in HS in anticipation of returning to the workforce shortly thereafter.

    I didn't even think of that. But it makes more sense.

    Perhaps I'll do this and keep my CNA and my childcare training up. 

    BFP #1 10/28/09 EDD 06/24/10- Miscarriage 11/2/09
    BFP #2 11/30/09 EDD 08/12/10- Sophia Grace born 8/1/10
    BFP #3 11/16/10 EDD 08/04/11- Samuel Richard born 7/28/11
    BFP #4 01/04/12 EDD 09/19/12- Simon Nathaniel born 9/6/12
    BFP #5 03/27/13 EDD 11/25/13- Savannah Lee born 11/18/13
  • It couldn't hurt to take some classes now to see what you like. 

    But, I wouldn't recommend seriously pursuing your degree until closer to the time you expect to enter the work force so you are current and employable.

    I'm now five years into being a SAHM and I'm wishing I had just waited to get my degree until after getting married and raising a family.

    Stay at home mom to a house of boys: two amazing stepsons, 12 and 9, and our 4 year old.
  • I should add that I only became a SAHM because I couldn't find a job that paid enough for childcare. With a degree, graduate school (did not finish, but attended f/t for one year) and 7 years in my field. I couldn't find $10/hr in NYC, where childcare is $2K/month per child. So the degree is not the silver bullet it once was.
    imageimageBaby Birthday Ticker TickerBaby Birthday Ticker TickerBaby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • At most you have about 5-7 years until your kids are in school all day. I am sure at that point you will want to work part time or something. The healthcare and funeral industries are two things you can always count on. 

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker image image
  • imageKZBurnworth:

    At most you have about 5-7 years until your kids are in school all day. I am sure at that point you will want to work part time or something. The healthcare and funeral industries are two things you can always count on. 

    home schooling.

    BFP #1 10/28/09 EDD 06/24/10- Miscarriage 11/2/09
    BFP #2 11/30/09 EDD 08/12/10- Sophia Grace born 8/1/10
    BFP #3 11/16/10 EDD 08/04/11- Samuel Richard born 7/28/11
    BFP #4 01/04/12 EDD 09/19/12- Simon Nathaniel born 9/6/12
    BFP #5 03/27/13 EDD 11/25/13- Savannah Lee born 11/18/13
  • You could also go for Cosmotology, most salons seem to have very flexible hours and it's something you could do out of your home very part time for friends and family until your kids are older.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker image image
  • imageisacdimi10:
    imageKZBurnworth:

    At most you have about 5-7 years until your kids are in school all day. I am sure at that point you will want to work part time or something. The healthcare and funeral industries are two things you can always count on. 

    home schooling.

    What about something in early childhood education?  You could possibly help other parents during your homeschooling year, which would give you practical experience.  Possibilities are there in this area, if you're interested.
  • imageisacdimi10:
    imageKZBurnworth:

    At most you have about 5-7 years until your kids are in school all day. I am sure at that point you will want to work part time or something. The healthcare and funeral industries are two things you can always count on. 

    home schooling.

    Well that is a huge commitment so I don't see why it would benefit you going back to school. If you want extra cash you could always get a part time serving job or something. 

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • I agree you should keep up the certifications you have now. If you're a CNA that could help you get into nursing school and not all nursing jobs are with the elderly--you could be a school nurse, labor and delivery, pediatrics, etc. It's a very versatile field. Before you decide to jump in, check the job market and potential pay rates for the career fields you're interested in. Make sure you'd be able to find a job and earn enough to make it worth your while.
     Lilypie Second Birthday tickers Follow Me on Pinterest
  • imageisacdimi10:
    imageKZBurnworth:

    At most you have about 5-7 years until your kids are in school all day. I am sure at that point you will want to work part time or something. The healthcare and funeral industries are two things you can always count on. 

    home schooling.

     

    Can I ask why?

     Lilypie Second Birthday tickers Follow Me on Pinterest
  • imagesaraboston:
    Can I ask why?

    Why we're discussing college or why home school. 

    I don't want to assume and launch into an explanation.

    ETA never mind I see your quote below.

    BFP #1 10/28/09 EDD 06/24/10- Miscarriage 11/2/09
    BFP #2 11/30/09 EDD 08/12/10- Sophia Grace born 8/1/10
    BFP #3 11/16/10 EDD 08/04/11- Samuel Richard born 7/28/11
    BFP #4 01/04/12 EDD 09/19/12- Simon Nathaniel born 9/6/12
    BFP #5 03/27/13 EDD 11/25/13- Savannah Lee born 11/18/13
  • I wish I had either gotten my degree later or earlier- I got it 7 months pregnant, instead. I feel like my resume is going to be pretty odd looking- 8 years in the field, but only 1 1/2 with a degree and then SAH for at least 5 years, maybe more. I worked part time just barely covering child care because I felt guilty paying student loans while not actually working. Plus my degree (behavioral science) did not get me anywhere in terms of money, position. So, long story long, wait.
    AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers
  • imagesaraboston:

    Can I ask why?


     

    DH and I decided this was what we felt was best.

    We have no desire to move out of this area (though we're moving back to our old town about 10miles away). Our families are here, its a low cost of living area, there are great "city" jobs for DH about an hour away, and its a lovely rural area.

    There are 2 school districts we will live in once we buy a house. One is the school DH and I went to, the second is a little district.

    The first district isn't top in the state but people move into so their kids go there. DH and I went there. Its not all its cracked up to be. Despite living in a rich school district we were using books that had our parents names in it. My mother graduated in 1982, I graduated in 2009. We also shared books. They recently cut the kindy program and closed down their arts. All of this and they still buy brand new uniforms, equipment, pay for coach buses for the football players. Since our parents were in HS they've only come close to championships once, rest of the time we're lucky they win one game a season.

    The second district is small. Doesn't receive lots of funding. Kids switch from school 1 to this school because its easier to graduate from, they don't challenge kids, there is almost no SNs class and there is no gifted programs. Because those kids go to school1. 

    The other option is private school. Very costly. There are only 2 private school in the area and they're Catholic. DH and I are atheist and don't want to shell out all that money for someone to teach our kids things we don't believe in.

    Then we have home schooling. I home schooled a few years when I was in school. I loved it. In math I could work at a snails pace but in English and reading I was grades ahead. I like that we and the children can decide how fast to go. I also like that we can tailor the learning (hands on vs book work) to how the child learns best. 

    Sorry didn't mean for that to turn into word vomit

    BFP #1 10/28/09 EDD 06/24/10- Miscarriage 11/2/09
    BFP #2 11/30/09 EDD 08/12/10- Sophia Grace born 8/1/10
    BFP #3 11/16/10 EDD 08/04/11- Samuel Richard born 7/28/11
    BFP #4 01/04/12 EDD 09/19/12- Simon Nathaniel born 9/6/12
    BFP #5 03/27/13 EDD 11/25/13- Savannah Lee born 11/18/13
  • imagembenit4:
    imageisacdimi10:

    We have no intentions of me going back to work, at least until our kids graduate(I will be 39 when the belly baby is 18).

    If you don't plan on working then why get a degree? It would be different if you were going back when the youngest started school. 

    As sofa put it "life happens"

    its like a planning for the worst thought. 

    BFP #1 10/28/09 EDD 06/24/10- Miscarriage 11/2/09
    BFP #2 11/30/09 EDD 08/12/10- Sophia Grace born 8/1/10
    BFP #3 11/16/10 EDD 08/04/11- Samuel Richard born 7/28/11
    BFP #4 01/04/12 EDD 09/19/12- Simon Nathaniel born 9/6/12
    BFP #5 03/27/13 EDD 11/25/13- Savannah Lee born 11/18/13
  • Well I can only speak from my own personal biggest regret.  Which is knowing I wanted to teach but having wrong priorities at the time (I assumed as a 20 year old that I was going to make tons of money compared to my teaching friends, idiot me) and I have a giant wad of loans for a degree I may not end up using.  So just be careful and take your time.  I am asking people stuff and going slow, and have started the application process but am still trying to make sure I am making the best decision, because I have NO idea how those student loans are going to get paid. 

    I hope you find something you enjoy!  Also, I am jealous you will be 39 when baby is 18, lol.  After all this crapola, I wish I had started earlier.  I'll be 49.

    imageimageLilypie - Personal pictureLilypie Angel and Memorial tickers BFP 6/12/11, MMC@ around 9wks, D&C 8/23/11 at 12wks BFP#2 Jan 2012 CP 1/19/12 **Miss you baby*** PGAL/PAL Very Welcome For I know the plans I have for you,
  • I vote for something like a Liberal Arts Associates Degree.  It is basically a two year general studies degree, and most transfer if you later decide on a bachelor's program.

    If nothing else, it would broaden your knowledge and help with homeschooling your children. 

    Plus, general studies rarely date themselves so if you don't need to work for many years it won't be outdated technology or anything!

    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • What about opening a daycare in your home with only a few other kids? 
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • imageKC_13:

    imagepenguingrrl:
    If you don't plan to go back to work for a long time I would probably wait until closer to when you want to work to go to school. That way your credentials are new and there isn't a question about why you went to school and didn't work for 15+ years after and now want to get back in the workforce. In many fields that long a gap between finishing school and starting entry level would be a career killer, so I would go back to school when your youngest is in HS in anticipation of returning to the workforce shortly thereafter.

    This.

    Being in recruiting I can honestly say I wouldn't look at someone's resume if they had no job history for 20 years and their degree was say 15 years old.  I would hold off on starting your degree until your kids are in junior high (that gives you time to do your degree part time and still start work as soon as they graduate hs).  Plus student loans are a burden you probably dont need in a single income family.

    I would also make sure you keep your CNA current.  As much as you may hate the jobs it would provide you, as someone else said life happens and not having to wait to get relicensed if your DH were to loose his job/get seriously hurt would probably be helpful to finding some income quickly if you needed it.  Plus once your kids are in grade school you may want to just do something PT during the day and this would allow you to do that.

    As for a college degree if you do like the the idea of nursing but not the elderly how about going into something like pediatric nursing (uses the kid stuff you like as well) or labor and delivery nursing?  It means you wouldnt be working with the elderly but might expand your skills into something you would enjoy.

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker


     

     

     

    image

This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"