I am wanting to go back to school, whats the best way to decide what to go for?

Question

I am a 30 yr old mother of 3. I am wanting to go back to school so I can have a career now that they are all in school. I cant make up my mind what I want to go back for. What is the best way to decide? Every "test" I take, gives me jobs I know I cant handle or physically cant do.... Any suggestions would greatly help... Thanks

i have called my local community college and they refused to set up an appt with me till I took the "test" online... or came in and took it.

Answer 1

Hello. I went back to school at 35. I suggest talking to someone in career counseling. They can help you find a major to fit your desires. I know that you have no ideas as of now. But, they are professionals and will help you find something that will suit YOU not your test score.

Answer 2

I am currently 'back at school' following a similar experience. I went to see a career counsellor who interviewed me fairly extensively to find out my transferable skill, my interests and my personality strengths. There were NO tests! He came up with a few different options, which I read more about and now I am almost finished my program, working in a job I LOVE.

I can't say about other routes to making your decision, but this personal approach really helped me a great deal. I don't know what the scenario is in the USA (for some reason, that's where I am assuming you live since you call university 'school', but I could be wrong!) but in other countries adult career counselling is delivered by highly trained and qualified practicioners, is run by local councils and is free. You might want to look in your phone book on online to find a service near you. Even if you had to pay something towards it, it's better than taking something that doesn't suit you and losing school fees!

Very best of luck!


Wow - their test is compulsory? In that case, I'd just go ahead and have a look at it. In an ideal world, they will just use it to find out some background - it seems like the appointment would be a better opportunity to discuss your own interests, limitations and experiences. You can also use the time to ask about support for adult learners with kids, and to see if they offer any kind of career or academic counselling as a person-to-person service. I'm sure, as a community college, that they have all kinds of applicants and must be accustomed to supporting students from all walks of life. I'd say do the test and go and see what their approach is at the appointment. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Best of luck with it!

Answer 3

Think about what you enjoy. Nursing; teaching; childcare; beauty therapy; etc?

Take a look through a copy of your local adult education prospectus (most libraries are given copies to give away if you don't have one delivered to you). See what's on offer and try something - anything! It will give you an idea about adult education whatever you choose and you'll meet other people in a similar situation to yourself, hopefully you'll have the opportunity to discuss your feelings and maybe gain some inspiration. Good luck to you. Get out there and meet some interesting people.

Answer 4

Think about things that are of interest to you to start your journey!