A career change at this age???

[crazygirl1]

You've got to be kidding me...I have decided that what I should have done all along was become a teacher. A kindergarten teacher to be exact. I LOVE children. I never knew just how much until I had my own and I am now ...41

It would take me so long to get my degree because I don't even have an associates. I never finished college
I've tried and tried to think of some other way but I can't. There is no way that I can go back and become a teacher now especially part time because it would take me so long to finish and I'd be looking for a job just as most teachers my age would be retiring! I am so sad because now that i figure out what i "want to be when I grow up" it is too late because I AM grown up . Way grown up. What now?

[crazygirl1]

really? no one has anything?
bump....,.

[jlm0211]

Hello,
I went back to school at the age of 33 for social work aftre dropping out when I was 20. In my opnion it's never too late.
If I'm not mistaken there are even accelerated online courses for adults. Give it a try! It never hurts to look into what your options are. You don't want to say to yourself, "What if..." when you are old and gray!
Good luck!

[crazygirl1]

but im 41 and i dont even have an associates. to get the bachelors i'd need it would take a long time. yes I can take online courses, only 1/2 of the required classes would be allowed to be online classes but still....i guess i'd start with 1 class and then see..maybe i could progress up to 2. i have a 6 yo dd and 2 dogs that definitely need my attention so i don't know how much work is involved...

[penguin667]

I am also back in school now for 2 years after having dropped out at 19 years ols due to screwing around too much and depression. Good for you, it is a lot of work- I have kids and a busy career- it is very hard to find a balance especially when things are rocky at home, but well worth it!

[Atlas]

I have a lot of regrets about my career choice or lack there of.  I have a BA & never really used it. About 3 yrs after college I fell in love w/ pottery to help me relax. Long story short I went back to school to get my masters bec "I wanted to" & I did.  I started in 2005 & finished summer 2012. I almost quit & Even had to get an extension. I had 3 children during that time.
I'm not sure why I went back to school. I know I have a piece of paper I'll never use bec my family doesn't wanto move to a bigger town where there might be employment for me.  So I'm back to square one. But my kids saw how hard I worked to finish that degree & my 7 yr old saying "mom shouldn't you be finished w/school?" Was a great opportunity to teach them that they can go after their dreams & work hard for them. Education is something that can never be taken away my dad always said.  Go to school, take some classes, see how it goes...you may hate it, but at least you satisfied your curiosity. Best of luck!,

[crazygirl1]

can i really do this online though? at least some of it? When I graduated high school I had no clue what to do with my life. I took a few classes. Still didnt know Took a few credit courses and quit. I couldn t afford to struggle paying my rent and college when I had no clue what I wanted to do. So who's to say that wont happen again? I'll pay for a class or 2 ( which right there is $400 for 1) and then what?...jeez..it would be a logn time til i got the classes I'm interested in ( the child psych and development stuff) and then here's this: who's to say I'd have the energy to manage a kindergarten class when I finally do finish?? I'm so upset about this having wasted my life.

[Atlas]

If ur a non traditional student (older) there's scholarship $ out there. U need someone from like career dev to help you find them. Do u have kids? Lower income? Single parent? These are all areas you might find scholarship $. You need someone to help you & they'd know where to look, how to apply etc.
Also have u ever worked in a preschool? Pre K age? That might give u a taste of the teaching life & see if you can handle the hours. I know preschool aides usually don't make much $ but u never know what u might find.
Slow down a bit & jump one hurdle 0213 a time. I'm trying very hard this yr to b "mindful". Ugh! It's not easy. I tell my daughter to "stand where ur feet are". The future is too hard to predict.
I used to think that life ended after 25 yrs bec after college there wasn't anything else. That was my warped teenage mind back then. If you enjoy this process of goin back to school then age doesn't matter. You have to enjoy the journey getting there. Enjoy the classes & learning again. Just going back is an accomplishment of it's own.
Don't know that much about online classes. That's something your advisor might help you with.
Keep it up!!

[Happy sailing]

I don't have kids, but I am definitely thinking about going back to school for something.  However, I am not looking into a program as extensive as something that requires a bachelor's and teachers college etc? Anyway.. I think the pre-school thing is a great idea for you to consider.  A LOT less course etc and so something you can do a lot sooner.  Also, once you complete whatever is required, something you can ask pre-schools about... You could consider adding part ime courses to work towards the higher grades while a pre-school teacher?