I have been a SAHM for all of my married life. The last time I worked, I was a teenager and it wasn't a job that required any skills. 9 years ago, I went back to school for nursing, but because of personal troubles, I didn't complete the second semester and never reapplied for various, personal reasons. I had intended to go back to school in 2002 when my third child started Kindergarten, but I got pregnant and those plans were pushed aside. Now, my fourth child will be starting K in Sept. and I'll have a 2 yr old. I'm itching to get back to school again. I'd like to start at the Community College, which has a daycare, and eventually transfer to a degree program at a local college. I could try to plan it out where my youngest would be starting school when I'm either entering a 4 year college or have already obtained a few credits and looking at completing my degree. I don't know, I'm thinking aloud...I'm not sure how it would work out.

I have a tentative plan worked out in my head about going back to school, but I don't know what I want to study. I have thought about going back for nursing, but having experienced that first year of school, I'm not sure it's something I really want to do. I've thought of going into another field of health care, but nothing really interests me like the nursing did. I've thought about becoming a teacher - my mother was teacher and I'm familiar with some of the pros and cons - and had considered it in the past. Actually, teaching and nursing were the only 2 professions I ever thought about before I became a mom and I keep gravitating back to those 2 things. I wish I could be sure, though

I had hoped that writing this out might help make it clearer for me, but i'm still not sure what to do. How did you know what career you wanted? I love being a mom and taking care of my family, but I know that they will be grown before I know it and the next phase of my life will begin. I want to be able to welcome that next phase and enjoy it as much as I enjoy my "career" now.
If you have read this far, thank you.

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:09 pm:

I wanted to be a nurse ever since I was a little kid. I got pneumonia when I was 5 and ended up in the hospital for 6 days. I thought the nurses were really nice and I think that put the idea into my head. I never wanted to be anything else.

I did take time out to be a mom for 7 years, but have been working as a nurse at a local urgent care clinic for the last year-and-a-half. I have a casual position, which means I get no benefits, but it means sometimes I have a lot of time off and sometimes I don't.

We use my husband's health insurance through his employer, so I really don't need the clinic's health insurance.

By Kay on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:28 pm:

It might be helpful for you to utilize a 'career counselor' at your community college. Most campuses have staff who can talk to you, and give you interest tests to see where your strengths and interests lie in relation to careers. It's much more in-depth than the ones many of us took in high school ('Hey, I'm going to be a forest ranger' type profiles). Take advantage - you may be surprised.

By Colette on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:56 pm:

I've worked at school for about 6yrs now and I think it is the perfect job if you have kids (and don't need to make a lot of money). I would not want to be a classroom teacher, but I would want to be a specialist, like a reading specialist. I love the hours, the vacations, the kids, etc. They are very understanding if I need to be home because my kids are sick.

By Bka on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 12:58 pm:

I can remember when I was picking my mind as to what my life long dreams and goals would be. I was just a kid then, but I went to school for nursing right out of high school. I completed and the last job I had in this feild was in a Dr's office Monday thur Friday, holidays off paid, medical & dental, 401k, 3wks vacation, 9am-5pm. IDEAL job in my eyes. Never could I have imagined any other job. I mean to me this was great, how many 23 y/o have a great job like this?

Well I left that career and moved into investment property, buying and selling apartment buildings. Then I had the oppertunity to go into a propriorship with a family member. Now at the age of 26, a single mom, and no formal eduaction in business I have decided to go back to school as well. I never even had the thought or desire to be in business until now. I mean me the one who hates math, and accounting and everything that goes with it...Never did I think I would someday be an euntripenor (very badly sp.).

I guess in telling you this my piont is that sometimes what your realy ment to do in life is not always what you may think it is. You may be thinking things too much! Sometimes things in life just take there own coarse, maybe you could go into school for general studies, take a fun elective something you wouldn't normaly picture yourself doing, but something that interests you...I hope that this is some help, but maybe not ...(((((Sunny))))) It will work out! Good luck to you and your future, what ever it may be

By Irene on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 10:21 pm:

My dad, who was very wise, used to say "If you have to choose between two things, choose them both." That's how I ended up with a double major. But he was right. Just take classes and see how it goes. There are usually general ed classes you can take that will work for any major. Try a couple teaching classes and a couple nursing classes, and the right answer will come to you.

By Dananivyboo1 on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 - 10:39 pm:

I think you should definitely consider going back to school!! I am jus about to go for my Masters now, I really enjoy learning. I go to school online and maybe that could be an option for you. They have a few colleges that offer nursing courses online and then you can transfer the credits for the hands on experience part. It will allow you to still be home and work on your own time. If you need any help or info, let me know.