Hi. I’m a 35F single Mom who did 4 years in college (never utilized my degree, unfortunately - it was communications media), but have done office jobs to work within my kid’s school/daycare schedule. Always office admin jobs. I 100% WFH now and I feel like I’m going a bit crazy. I make OK money, but have considered going back to school. I’m nervous since I feel so old compared to 18-22 year old kids.
What are some good career choices? Anything I should steer clear of? Any 2 year degrees worth pursuing? I’d hate to do 4 yrs again and come out in more debt and/or making less than what I do now.
For context: I work in medical billing.
Thank you. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
JobAdvisor:
It's great that you're considering a career change at 35. It's never too late to start a new chapter in your life, especially if you're not happy with your current situation.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a new career:
- Your interests and skills. What are you passionate about? What are you good at? Try to find a career that combines your interests and skills.
- Your lifestyle. Do you want a job that allows you to work from home? Do you want a job that is flexible and allows you to spend time with your child?
- Your earning potential. How much money do you want to make? Research different careers to see how much they pay.
- Your education and training. What kind of education or training do you need to get into your desired career? Consider whether you want to go back to school for a 2-year degree or take online courses or certifications.
Here are some career ideas that might be a good fit for you:
- Project management: Project managers plan, organize, and coordinate projects. This is a good career for people who are organized and detail-oriented.
- Human resources: HR professionals help businesses with their employees. This is a good career for people who are people-oriented and have good communication skills.
- Social media marketing: Social media marketers help businesses create and manage their social media presence. This is a good career for people who are creative and have good communication skills.
- Data analysis: Data analysts collect, organize, and analyze data. This is a good career for people who are good at math and have good computer skills.
- Grant writing: Grant writers help organizations raise money by writing grant proposals. This is a good career for people who are good at writing and research.
These are just a few ideas, and there are many other careers that you could consider. It's important to do your research and talk to people in the field to see if it's a good fit for you.
Here are some tips for going back to school:
- Start by taking a few online courses. This will help you get used to the online learning environment and see if you enjoy it.
- Look for schools that offer flexible scheduling. This will make it easier to balance your schoolwork with your child care responsibilities.
- Apply for financial aid. There are many financial aid options available to help you pay for school.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Talk to your friends, family, and classmates for support.
Going back to school can be a challenge, but it's definitely possible. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goals.
I hope this helps!