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At a cross roads
Well, I'm 38 and DH and I are trying to start a family and I have been out of work for a long time. I have a master's degree in my field of study (Human Resourcs) and experience but the job market is tough. I used to be a provisioally licensed teacher in Secondary Education ( Teach grades 7-12 English) but it was so tough getting a job that I ended up going into Human Resources. I was completely burned out.
I know Elementary Education might not be easy either but I was toying with the idea of going back for my master's in it. Do any of you think it is worth it? I liked HR (not crazy about it). I don't know when I will get pregnant so I am not basing everything on that but is is really worth going back for another grad degree in this field?
Re: At a cross roads
can you handle being 38, going to school, working full time and being a PG or a mom? it might not be worth it. going to school and working FT is a lot to handle with out being PG or having a new born. you should make a time line of when you want to get PG. if you want to get PG now then you might want to hold off on school. if you are waiting 5 years to get PG then going to school now might be worth it. i dont want to sound rude but if you want a family that should be a priority. i dont know you or your life story but putting it off much longer will only make it harder to accomplish what you want professionally. if you are planing to SAHM then there is no point in going to school. There are a lot of factors to consider in this decision.
main question. What do YOU want?
from your post the only thing you sound certain on is that you and H want to start a family. its the first thing you mentioned and it sounds very important to you-otherwise you would have put it last or not mentioned it at all. But i cant tell from your post if its more important than your job. Everything else sounds like a question mark. no one here will be able to tell you what you want to do. you can bounce ideas off of us and we will give you our ideas but it is up to you.
Read Taking Control of Your Fertility. its the TTC bible on the nest. it will really help you figure out your body and it will teach you to know when it is the right time to get PG.
another thing to think about is paying for school. will you be taking out a loan or paying for it yourself? if you are taking out a loan-do you really want to be paying back SLs for the next 10 years? When do you plan on retiring? if you want to retire early (50s) then is going back to school for a job you will have for about 10 years worth it to you? or do you plan to retire at the standard age (65+)?
If i were in your shoes i would make having a family a priority. i wouldnt wait much longer.
if you read TCOYF you can get a very clear idea of when you can and will get PG. its a great book. i am so glad you said you will not be doing all 3! that would be insane. I dont see why it isnt possible to retire in your 50's 60's if you have a retirement fund set up. why wait for governement assistance to retire? most people cant live off of SS anyway. its not that much money.
have you decided if you want to SAHM? or get help? or Daycare? those are also factors.
most of your choices need a timeline. What is more important to you Having Kids? A job? or going to school?