Is going back to school a good idea?

Question

I am 23 years old. I am supporting my disabled husband and three year old right now and have always wanted to be a child psychologist. Right now I am unemployed so I won't be able to even think about school until I find work to suport my family. I've been to college before, but I kept dropping out because of the pressure of work and family. I really want to go back once I find a stable job, but I'm afraid of how things will turn out. Should I go back anyways, or try to miracuoulsly advance in a field I'm not happy in(Administrative/accounting) because it's the best thing for my family?

My husband suffers from panic/anxiety disorder. It's difficult, but I just cope with it. I've looked into the courses and requirements for psychology, and I know it's not going to be easy, but I do need to find a job first. So far it looks like I have positive answers, I will have a difficult time choosing the best one.

Answer 1

School is a good idea if you have a dream that can only be realized by going back to school. It is not a good idea to go to school if it will put undue pressure and stress on you at a time when you already have enough stress. If you can find a way to minimize the stress that going to school will bring, then you could try it. Psychology is a very difficult major. It isn't just about understanding human behavior. There is math involved, statistics courses, I don't remember, but I think there is anatomy and physiology involved in the major. There are studies, term papers etc involved. These things are things you can accomplish, but just do so knowing it will be hard. You could try to talk to a professor in the psychology department at the college you are considering and ask what is involved. Tell him/her your situation and get their take on if it is feasible. I used to be the secretary for several psychology professors at a college many years ago & I vaguely remember how difficult the coursework was for the students that passed through my office.

Still, if you are unfulfilled in your current job, if you think not much will change in the next few years & you want to take steps to make life easier for your family, then why not start now? Five years from now, you could be done & working as a child psychologist, or you could be hating your job in accounting & wishing you had at least started school. I have a good friend who makes house payments, is a single mother of 5 kids and who doesn't work. She is almost done with her college classes in the medical field (physical therapy). She receives financial aid to pay for her expenses, and I'm not sure what the rules are, but she is somehow able to make ends meet w/the financial aid she receives (combined w/child support). If you can get by with working part-time while going to school or can get enough financial aid to help out, that could be a good option. Also, since your husband is disabled, does he receive disability insurance pay from his employer or the state? If you've applied for social security disability & have been denied, I have heard that you have to keep trying & it usually takes 2-3 times of trying before a person can receive social security disability. Often times a person has to hire a lawyer to get this, but there are lawyers who don't charge much to do this & they take their once they win the case for you. Anyway, don't know if this will help or not, but at 23, you are still young. Even if you take only 1 class at a time, 5 years from now you will still be young enough for school and will be more than half-way through your requirements to graduate. I say, if you can do it, go for it. I am 45 and have thought about returning to school myself, but don't see the feasibility in it right now. You are still young enough - you should go for it if you can!

Answer 2

I'm 26 and also made sacrifices because of my family. I could not afford college and also want to be a psychiatrist. I am now married and am also contemplating whether or not I should finish college. I am also an Admin/Asst. I want to go back to school and yes I think that it's a good idea. When the time is right, and you are financially prepared and stable is the best time to try school one more time. Do not be afraid of failure. Do not be afraid -period. Take on school little by little - two or three nights a week here and there so that you won't be over burdened. Part time enrollment is not frowned upon.

Answer 3

Going back to school is always a great idea - no matter how old you are.
There's a lot of courses being offered on line. Would this be something of interest to you? On-line courses gives you more time flexibility.
If you prefer classroom courses, community colleges would be your best bet as it is more affordable and their night classes are convenient for working students. Be sure to ask for financial assistance as I'm sure you'll qualify somehow.
Finally, why does it have to be in accounting/bus ad? If you're not happy in this field, why not pursue what you really like - child psychology? You're gonna sacrifice a lot - balancing job, school and home life - at least, be happy with what you're studying for!
Good luck, sweetie.

Answer 4

I would definitely go back to college. Having a job that you enjoy is what counts. Being that you have a disabled husband and a child you should be able to get grants from the government. You can also take out loans that don't need to be paid back until your out of college. I am 29 and going to college for early childhood, something I truly love. I have 2 children and it is very challenging for me but its definitely going to be worth it in the end.
Good Luck :) Remember anythings possible if you put your mind to it!!

Answer 5

Go to nursing school. Get your pre-reqs done and then enroll in a nursing program... you'll be a nurse and making $30.00 + an hour in maybe 3 years. You'll be 26 or 27 years old. SO YOUNG!! THEN you can work 2 days a week and make as much as most make working 10 hour days full-time...and you can go to college to pursue your career in psychology on the side... perhaps while working as a nurse in a children's hospital... or you can just enjoy the extra time that you have with your family... while ALWAYS being able to support them. Nurses are ALWAYS in demand... plus, you sound like a caring person. Just commit to that ... it'll fly by.

Answer 6

Bless your heart Honey, and follow your dream no matter how long it takes you. Promise yourself that. You will be great in that field mainly because of your own situation you have compassion and great insight. Go for it girl~~~I understand your fears, you are young & you still have home and job to contend with. I pray that God would give you the endurance that you need and keep you well.I hope you have family around you to help you with your husband & little one at home so that you do not feel alone in your pursuit of a career doing that which you want to do.~~You sound like a sweet person and I wish you the very best.~~~~Jill

Answer 7

Going back to school is never a bad idea. With the grants and student loans available to low income students it is a lot easier. check with the financial aid office of your local Junior College or the closest university. Many of the grants are to provide living expenses while the loans pay for the tuition and books with extra for living expenses. There are also state programs that pay for child care for students. Check out the possibilities before you give up on your dreams.

Answer 8

GO BACK TO SCHOOL............you are very young and lots of life ahead of you. If you are un-employed may be an excellant time for you to do so if you lost your job and have the option to be retrained in another field. Your employment agency will tell you what help is available for you and normaly if you are the sole income child assistance would also be available to you as well. You have a great deal of competion in the work place as far as education goes so get all you can.........

Answer 9

If you cant go to college right away and youre not happy in your present career, I suggest a career change. I mean dont just walk out and quit or anything find something you will love doing and get paid for it. I think a lot of times employers cast this shadow of this is the best you can do and its not true but you will not know until you step out of youre comfort zone and see for yourself.Good luck!!!

Answer 10

See if you can get soon help finical from the government if you return to school and if your husband receives a disability income that can help, I would take it slow maybe go back and do night school. you are very young still so don't be rushed you have a lot on your plate maybe wait till your child goes full time to school. That maybe an option for you. That way you can go to school while she in school.