considering a career change

meg_2006

When I got out of college I took a teaching job (which is not what I studied) honestly  because it was a guarantee for me and at the time it was the only job opportunity.  I think on the inside I hoped I'd just learn to love it and turn it into a career.  But lately...I really can't picture myself doing this for the rest of my life.  I can tolerate it, but I dread the idea of doing it for many many more years.  I've only been doing it for 3!

I'm considering going to community college and studying something in the health/medical field.  I've always loved science and math, but I'm not the kind of person that can sit behind a desk.  Maybe a medical assistant, pharmacy tech, therapy assistant?  I don't really know yet.  I'm just a little scared of the change, whether or not I'll be able to complete all my classes, etc.  Any other moms in school right now?  Am I crazy? 

lp0

I literally got my acceptance letter to community college today I had the most amazing job in the accounting department of a large construction company. Unfortunately I very stupidly decided to leave to open my own retail store and after 3 1/2 years of struggle I decided to call it quits. It was a hard decision and I was so scared but honestly it was the best thing I could have done. I wasn't happy and would lay in bed at night unable to sleep and crying. Then about 6 months ago I began doing the books for my brother's business. He told a friend of his who owns a restaurant and a gift shop and now I'm doing the books for her businesses as well. I absolutely love it! I remote connect from home and am make really good money.

While I am familar with accounting there is so much I don't know so I decided to take some accounting classes. I currently have about 65 credits in general studies from a really good college but I chose community college because of the money. (Classes there are $500 each rather than $2100 each at the other college). Since my goal is to do private bookkeeping I am not really concerned with where my degree is from; it is more for knowledge purposes. I'm glad I made the choice to take these classes and luckily most of them are available online. 

I know it's scary but you have to do what makes you happy. Take it one step at a time and you'll do great! GL! 

brideinsummer04

I'm a teacher and love it (although I'd rather be home with DS). I'd say if you don't love it then it must be hard because I feel like the kids at school take so much out of you. (If you teach elementary at least). I don't think you're crazy, I think you're brave and will be better off in the long run if you're doing something you enjoy.

talitha712

I don't think you're crazy. I'm 7 years into teaching and while I love the time I'm with my students, I am over everything else education is under attack big time in my state, so things have gotten bad for teachers. I'm also considering a career change, but I'm not sure to what yet. Ideally something that would allow me to work part time, but we'll see.

raefre

Don't go to school for pharmacy technician unless your state requires it.  Big waste of money IMO.  At least in AZ, you can be a pharmacy technician by applying for a trainee license and working for anyone willing to hire you. 

Most places will require that you become certified within a period of time but once you have had some experience (3-6 months), it should be easy.  Some people are able to pass with very little studying/experience.

caitie2002

U

raefre:

Don't go to school for pharmacy technician unless your state requires it.nbsp; Big waste of money IMO.nbsp; At least in AZ, you can be a pharmacy technician by applying for a trainee license and working for anyone willing to hire you.nbsp; Most places will require that you become certified within a period of time but once you have had some experience 36 months, it should be easy.nbsp; Some people are able to pass with very little studying/experience.

ditto. I'm in MS and it's the same way. Go to your state board of pharmacy's website to see what your state requires.

Laura62809

I don't think you're crazy at all! I have a 14 year old and then obviously a 13 month old.  I have been in nursing school for the past 4.5 years (some of it was just getting my gen ed courses out of the way... I don't have any college degree that helped me with credits towards my RN degree).  I graduate in May.  So I was pregnant and raising a teenager while in school and now dealing with a toddler and a teenager! hahaha
I will start as an RN in July and plan on starting towards my BSN right away (and trying to get pregnant again!). 
So what I'm trying to say is you can do it!!! Look into all your options and I'm sure you will find something that will make you happy

kaybe24

meg_2006 I was a public school teacher for 12 years and was so burned out.  Luckily I found another job in the oil and gas field without having to go back to school and I was so much happier.  This was before the baby came.  I was afraid that I wouldn't like working 8-5 without all the school breaks but the job was so less stressfull that it was worth it.  I definitely believe teachers work harder during those 7 hours than most people do in 8 hours.  A degree from a community college shouldn't take too long and you would be happier in the long run.  Good luck!

luvnfool15

You're not crazy!! I'm all for career changes. I was a kindergarten teacher for 6 years and got burnt out with the system of it all. However, loved spending time with the kids. I ended up getting my masters and am a speech language pathologist now. Look into being a therapy assistant of some sort...speech, occupational, or physical. You can continue working with kids or even branch out to adults if you'd like. Good luck!!