Looking into the next step

[Brooksie]

Finally started researching my next career move. When I started this business it was a means to an end. I've always wanted to complete my college degree and pursue a career in Occupational Therapy specializing in helping children with Autism. I started this business because being a single mother who worked nights and went to school during the day was just not feasible. I never got quality time with her because I was always so exhausted. This move meant I would save money, spend time with her and be a strong force in her development. It has also proved to be financially stressful. I'm not making what I should be and while I am enjoying the time with dd, I find that the other kids and their parents and payment are just making it very hard to love this job. There are so many things I love about it and I am dedicated to making this the best FCC I can while I am doing it (I'm a perfectionist and dont half a$$ anything), I think I still need to go after my long term goal. Hopefully I can start this online program and slowly but surely get back on track. I'm looking at a 5-6 year plan here, once my dd starts school and also hopefully after any future kids are over the infant age (Hoping to add to our family in the next year or so)

Wish me luck!

[CedarCreek]

Good luck! :hug:

You can do it!

[melilley]

You can do it!!! I only have my Associate's degree and it took me almost 10 years to get it, but I finally did! Well I wasn't super serious about it at the beginning so it really took about 5-6 years after I got back in and serious about it. At the time (when I got serious) I had a dd who was around 1 and I worked full time during the day and went to school 2-3 days at night, part time. I also lived with her alcoholic father at the time so I was basically a single parent, which was no help! But through determination I finally achieved my first goal which was to acquire an AS degree at the minimum. Someday, I may go for my Bachelor's, but my degree is in Child Development so I'm not so sure it would be worth it-I probably wouldn't be making any more money than I am now.

Anyways, go for it-even if it is the 5 year plan! Most college's offer online classes and it's so convenient as you can do them at home and still be with the family! They are not for everyone, but from the sounds of it, it seems like you would have the dedication (for the lack of a better word) to be able to take them. Heck, I even took speech online...

[melilley]

Oops I just read that you are looking into the online classes.

[Brooksie]

You can do it!!! I only have my Associate's degree and it took me almost 10 years to get it, but I finally did! Well I wasn't super serious about it at the beginning so it really took about 5-6 years after I got back in and serious about it. At the time (when I got serious) I had a dd who was around 1 and I worked full time during the day and went to school 2-3 days at night, part time. I also lived with her alcoholic father at the time so I was basically a single parent, which was no help! But through determination I finally achieved my first goal which was to acquire an AS degree at the minimum. Someday, I may go for my Bachelor's, but my degree is in Child Development so I'm not so sure it would be worth it-I probably wouldn't be making any more money than I am now.

Anyways, go for it-even if it is the 5 year plan! Most college's offer online classes and it's so convenient as you can do them at home and still be with the family! They are not for everyone, but from the sounds of it, it seems like you would have the dedication (for the lack of a better word) to be able to take them. Heck, I even took speech online...

Thanks! Yea I try not to set unrealistic goals. 5 years is probably the minimum because of my work load and current schedule. Online courses are definitely my only option. I use carecourses.com to keep up with my licensing requirements so Im semi used to the online class thing (just not used to the deadlines). The good thing is that if I get my associates as am OT assistant, the starting salary is double what Im making now. We could actually live comfortably, And when I go for the masters program to be an OT it would triple my current income. Oh the doors that would open for us. I'm just tired of struggling and worrying about how Im going to feed dd and get her wipes.. .I'm just ready to start working for the next step.