Want a Career Change

Updated on January 20, 2010
L.H. asks from Plano, TX
16 answers

I need advice. I am in the hotel business right now, and I like my job. However, it is not rewarding in the least - either financially or spiritually. I really, really want to change careers, but I am now at a point that I would have to take a drastic pay cut. I am the sole breadwinner in my home, so taking a pay cut is pretty much out of the question. My husband can not work for various reasons. My next option is a graduate degree. Because I am the sole breadwinner, I will have to work and go to school at the same time. I have a two year old, so the thought of being gone all day long (11-12 hours a day) then at night for school makes me cringe. I would prefer to do something online that I can do at my own pace, but I am wary of online degrees. For some reason, they seem "less official" to me. I suppose I need advice on two fronts. For those of you that do have spiritually rewarding careers, I would like to learn what you do. I've been thinking about becoming a nurse, but I am not sure if I would be able to do school and work at the same time. The second bit of advice I need is how to do work, school,and home. My son already has separation anxiety when it comes to spending time with me (I have to make sure I am out of the house before he wakes up because if he sees me leave major meltdowns ensue). I really don't know what to do. The only thing I know for sure is that I feel very trapped by my current situation, and I need to find a positive way out...

Thank you in advance for your advice.

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K.E.

answers from Dallas on

Here's the good news. You HAVE a job. Look around, many people have been out of work for a year or more. Count your blessings. You say you like your job but you are not "fulfilled".
What does that mean? Few jobs fulfill us spiritually. In fact few jobs fulfill us at all. We are fulfilled by family and faith.
So, if you like your job is there a way to advance in your present career? Are you in management? If not would you like to be? If you had more interesting opportunities in your present situation would you be happier? Many companies will pay for education in order to keep good people. If you want to consider moving up, or into a different area, see if they have something in place to help you. You have experience in the hotel industry. Any industry can be rewarding and fulfilling, IF you are in the right job within that industry. Maybe you can check around the business and see if there is an opportunity in another hotel that would pay better or where the ability to advance is more readily available.

I'd stay put until your child is older. Your child needs you.

Nursing is a wonderful career. Remember that nursing it is a lot of work and although it can be extremely fulfilling, it, like any career is filled with the same politics, the same frustrations, the same difficulties that any career is filled with. Talk to people in the field, in any field you are interested in, do your research before you make any moves.

1 mom found this helpful
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V.S.

answers from Dallas on

In today's market with jobs being so scarce, I am hesitant to suggest you give yours up. That said, if you want to seriously pursue a nursing degree, there are ways. For example, a local state hospital here is so desperate for nurses that they will hire folks to be nursing assistants who have no education, pay them for 40 hours a week, let them work just 20 hours so they can go to school and still have full insurance benefits etc., in exchange for a promise of working for them as a nurse for two years after you graduate.

There are many such programs. Nursing schools (like the one at TWU) can help you find out what your options are. Go in for counseling.

Good luck.
VickiS

1 mom found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Greetings L., You are blessed that you like your job because a lots of people work on jobs that they don't like but work at to make a living. why don't you do something part-time.I am a Melaleuca Marketing Executive and i would like you to go to this website and look and listen to the presentations, www.Melaleuca.com/DeliveringWellness and put in this password: melaleuca. call M. Muhammad ###-###-#### or email me :____@____.com

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J.B.

answers from Tyler on

Most universities today offer on-line courses. Do your research and decide what vocation best suits your personality, needs, interests, and then just take one course and see how you like it. My experience has been positive. I know many who have taken a large percentage of courses on-line and then finished the last year or semester on a campus. You will be no older if you do it than if you don't, so go for it. You'll be home but flexible. Often our children are not bothered by our being occupied if we are just nearby.

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D.F.

answers from Dallas on

Do you know atleast two coffee drinkers? Coffee is the second largest traded commodity behind oil,over 255 million people in america drink a half million cups per day. Regular coffee is very acidic and toxic. Organo Gold Healthier Coffee,Green Tea and Hot Chocolate with Ganoderma helps the pH and boost immune alone with anti aging properties,too. Organo Gold pays 7 Ways daily,weekly,monthly and quartly and it give you the time for family,school and fun. Both you and hubby can share this coffee,tea and hot chocolate with so many people and watch the money come rolling in. Listen to Coffee Break Call M-F 10:30am CST ###-###-#### and Opportunity Call M-F 12n and 8:00pm CST ###-###-#### pin 64630# visit my site www.fordhealthshop.com My name is Denice Ford ###-###-####. God didn't bring you this far to leave you...Trust God. God Bless

M.A.

answers from Dallas on

L.,

I just want to give you an option. I chose this option for myself and absolutely love it.

You are looking for something rewarding. In order for me to be successful I have to help others be successful. I have the opportunity to not only change my life financially but also help others change theirs. Through my company I've grown spiritually (not required by any means but I have grown), financially, emotionally and socially.

I also have the opportunity to earn trips (working on earning a free 7 day cruise for my husband and I right now), Tiffany's jewelry on Christmas, flowers on Valentine's day, and they pay for a free White Mercedes.

The other thing you mentioned is that you can't afford to quit your job right now. This is something you can build right along side what you're doing now. So until you are comfortable financially leaving your job, you can do this right along side what you're doing now.

I absolutely LOVE what I do.

Please let me know if you'd like further information.

Take care and God bless!

M.

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J.M.

answers from Dallas on

Check out Texas Women's or a weekend MBA or something like that. There are programs through "real" universities that offer online classes. It's a "real" degree, but there are often a mix of internet classes and real classes. I would call or check out the websites of any of the universities around here, and you will probably find online programs that may combine on-campus stuff as well. I know what you mean about the online degrees not feeling real because there is always a risk (that it won't be taken seriously), especially if it's a little-know, out-of-state school, but if it's a recognized university, you shouldn't have a problem. One downside of online programs is that, for example, University of Phoenix is a for-profit university (which is kind of looked down on in academia), whereas most universities are non-profit. Also, just because it's online won't make it any easier. I'm a grader for an online course through TCC, and trust me, it's double the work of the regular class to make up for the fact that people don't meet for class. But not all classes are like that.

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C.C.

answers from Dallas on

If you want to get an MBA, I would suggest looking into LeTourneau University. They are a traditional university located in Longview but also have satellite ground classes (one in Bedford) and offer an online program. I personally completed my Bachelor's in Business Administration at their ground school in Bedford and three of my classmates went on to complete their MBAs through LeTourneau (2 through the ground program, 1 online). LeTourneau is also a Christian school so you get the added benefit of a Christian foundation to the learning environment. I highly recommend them. Their program is very good and the education I received was top notch.

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S.H.

answers from Hartford on

I studied social work in school - and thought I'd find it fulfilling; however, like you, I only found it partially satisfying - and mostly suffocating. It wasn't until I stumbled upon an Adult Education Painting course that I discovered that 1) I actually could paint, and 2) That I require a creative outlet to feeling fulfilled. Had I been more tuned into these things, I probably would have chosen a more creative career. I continued to take Adult Education classes (1x a week for 8 or so weeks) at a local high school until I decided to go back to school for graphic design at a local community college. At first I just took 1 class in the evening and then after seeing how much it required and how much financial aid I could get, I decided to go back to school full time. Now, this did require cutting back my hours - and I wasn't a mother at the time; however, the way I saw it was - 2 years ain't nothing compared to a lifetime.

Maybe you and your husband could cut down your spending (sell your house, sell your car, get a loan) - working in a field that you find fulfilling is so worth it. Not to mention, that nifty careers like graphic design, can take place right in your own home. I also found that when I had this creative outlet - even if it was just one measley adult ed class, I felt so much more joy throughout the day.

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T.P.

answers from Dallas on

Mary Kay is a great career for those who want to stay home but make great income! I have been selling for 9 years and only do it part-time but I just watched someone close to me with no experience come into our company and build a team of over 60 women in less than a year. She is driving a free car (a pink Cadillac, I might add) and is making $1600+ per month JUST in a commission bonus for having a great team of ladies under her. That doesn't include what she is personally doing to earn income. It's not for everyone, but I can't not mention it. I have seen it change SO many women's lives! I had been using the product since I was 15 years old so it was a no-brainer for me when I had children and was looking for a stay-at-home career opportunity! www.marykay.com/tpreston Good luck to you.....I can feel the pain of your decision in your words.....God Bless!

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A.

answers from Dallas on

I am working as a teacher and am currently working on my Masters degree. I am doing it all online through a traditional university. I love the flexibility it allows me. My youngest child is 2 years old. I can wait until the kids are in bed to do my school work. I also keep readings that I need to do with me so that if I have to wait somewhere (like a doctors office) I can get some work done.

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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

Hello L., Sounds to me like you may be interested in working from home. I am with a global, 25 year old company that paid out over $500 Million dollars last year to distributors. We have created more millionaire than any company in direct marketing. There is not a single company out there who can come close to what we have. My website is www.fogel.nsedreams.com. You would still have to keep your job for a while, but since your husband in not working, perhaps this is something he could assist you with. You can replace your fulltime income with a monthly income, making more than you already are now, stay at home with your kids and make more money than you've ever made in your life. I hope you will allow me to give you more information. You can contact me through my website. M.

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A.C.

answers from Amarillo on

I might be have something for you. Respond back to this and we can talk.

A. C
Canyon, TX

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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

Many regular colleges now offer online courses as well. Perhaps you can check with a local college to see what they have to offer, and see if there are resources you can take advantage of to figure out what career direction you truely want to pursue. Good luck!

A.B.

answers from Dallas on

I know you are unhappy with your job, but maybe if you could wait three more years until your son is in school, then it might be a little easier, for him and you. In the meantime, maybe you could save money and really figure out what you want to get your degree in. I'm 23, had my son while in college, took a year off, and just went back last semester. Unfortunately, I'm not returning this semester because finacially we couldn't do it. The class load would inhibit me from being able to work and we would still have had to pay for childcare. SOOOOO, our plan now is to save for a few years. I'm actually looking into an online program through Stephen F. Austin for a BA in Early Childhood Education. Be careful with online stuff, I know some aren't accredited in Texas, so the degree would be worthless! All the best!

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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

Hi L.,

I was laid off in 2008 and really did not want to return to corporate life so my sister recommended a book that she had heard a lot of great info about. It is called 48 Days To The Work You Love and I forget the author now, but it is a christian-based guide to assessing your life and trying to find balance with your job, family, faith, etc. I have ended up opening a kid's resale shop in Allen and I am really enjoying my new job. I feel that the book helped lead me in the right direction. Hope it helps and best of luck to you!!

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