Career Decisions

[Kristen]

What about teaching at a community college? You could just do a few classes if you felt you couldn't handle a full-time schedule, and you don't interact with germy-kids as much. I am actually considering that for a second career later in life (I currently work full-time as an engineer, but am trying to get pregnant, and want to be a stay-at-home-mom until the kids are in school. Once the kids are in school I'd like to see if I could teach at a community college part-time.)

There are definite bonuses to having a desk job (which I have) - when you are feeling crappy, it's pretty easy to just hole up in your cube with a cup of tea, and working from home can sometimes be an option. Both of my desk jobs would let me work some from home when I am sick. I know some people are able to work from home for a few hours a day so they can work and do their nebs at the same time. And the hours are much more flexible - I come in late and work late so I can go to the doctor all the time. However, sitting at a desk all day can get very boring (and is why I am on the internet too much <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">, and, if you are the type who likes to interact with people all day, I could see it being REALLY dull! And I think what Sue said is very important - it's such a personal decision, and I wish you the best of luck with it!

 

[Kristen]

What about teaching at a community college? You could just do a few classes if you felt you couldn't handle a full-time schedule, and you don't interact with germy-kids as much. I am actually considering that for a second career later in life (I currently work full-time as an engineer, but am trying to get pregnant, and want to be a stay-at-home-mom until the kids are in school. Once the kids are in school I'd like to see if I could teach at a community college part-time.)

There are definite bonuses to having a desk job (which I have) - when you are feeling crappy, it's pretty easy to just hole up in your cube with a cup of tea, and working from home can sometimes be an option. Both of my desk jobs would let me work some from home when I am sick. I know some people are able to work from home for a few hours a day so they can work and do their nebs at the same time. And the hours are much more flexible - I come in late and work late so I can go to the doctor all the time. However, sitting at a desk all day can get very boring (and is why I am on the internet too much <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">, and, if you are the type who likes to interact with people all day, I could see it being REALLY dull! And I think what Sue said is very important - it's such a personal decision, and I wish you the best of luck with it!

 

[Kristen]

What about teaching at a community college? You could just do a few classes if you felt you couldn't handle a full-time schedule, and you don't interact with germy-kids as much. I am actually considering that for a second career later in life (I currently work full-time as an engineer, but am trying to get pregnant, and want to be a stay-at-home-mom until the kids are in school. Once the kids are in school I'd like to see if I could teach at a community college part-time.)

There are definite bonuses to having a desk job (which I have) - when you are feeling crappy, it's pretty easy to just hole up in your cube with a cup of tea, and working from home can sometimes be an option. Both of my desk jobs would let me work some from home when I am sick. I know some people are able to work from home for a few hours a day so they can work and do their nebs at the same time. And the hours are much more flexible - I come in late and work late so I can go to the doctor all the time. However, sitting at a desk all day can get very boring (and is why I am on the internet too much <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">, and, if you are the type who likes to interact with people all day, I could see it being REALLY dull! And I think what Sue said is very important - it's such a personal decision, and I wish you the best of luck with it!

 

[Kristen]

What about teaching at a community college? You could just do a few classes if you felt you couldn't handle a full-time schedule, and you don't interact with germy-kids as much. I am actually considering that for a second career later in life (I currently work full-time as an engineer, but am trying to get pregnant, and want to be a stay-at-home-mom until the kids are in school. Once the kids are in school I'd like to see if I could teach at a community college part-time.)

There are definite bonuses to having a desk job (which I have) - when you are feeling crappy, it's pretty easy to just hole up in your cube with a cup of tea, and working from home can sometimes be an option. Both of my desk jobs would let me work some from home when I am sick. I know some people are able to work from home for a few hours a day so they can work and do their nebs at the same time. And the hours are much more flexible - I come in late and work late so I can go to the doctor all the time. However, sitting at a desk all day can get very boring (and is why I am on the internet too much <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">, and, if you are the type who likes to interact with people all day, I could see it being REALLY dull! And I think what Sue said is very important - it's such a personal decision, and I wish you the best of luck with it!

 

[Kristen]

What about teaching at a community college? You could just do a few classes if you felt you couldn't handle a full-time schedule, and you don't interact with germy-kids as much. I am actually considering that for a second career later in life (I currently work full-time as an engineer, but am trying to get pregnant, and want to be a stay-at-home-mom until the kids are in school. Once the kids are in school I'd like to see if I could teach at a community college part-time.)
<br />
<br />There are definite bonuses to having a desk job (which I have) - when you are feeling crappy, it's pretty easy to just hole up in your cube with a cup of tea, and working from home can sometimes be an option. Both of my desk jobs would let me work some from home when I am sick. I know some people are able to work from home for a few hours a day so they can work and do their nebs at the same time. And the hours are much more flexible - I come in late and work late so I can go to the doctor all the time. However, sitting at a desk all day can get very boring (and is why I am on the internet too much <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">, and, if you are the type who likes to interact with people all day, I could see it being REALLY dull! And I think what Sue said is very important - it's such a personal decision, and I wish you the best of luck with it!

 

[soderick]

Thanks for all the responses! I really appreciate the feedback. This is where my heart is, but I'm also realistic, and I know how easily I get worn-down. All of your opinions were very helpful.

 

[soderick]

Thanks for all the responses! I really appreciate the feedback. This is where my heart is, but I'm also realistic, and I know how easily I get worn-down. All of your opinions were very helpful.

 

[soderick]

Thanks for all the responses! I really appreciate the feedback. This is where my heart is, but I'm also realistic, and I know how easily I get worn-down. All of your opinions were very helpful.

 

[soderick]

Thanks for all the responses! I really appreciate the feedback. This is where my heart is, but I'm also realistic, and I know how easily I get worn-down. All of your opinions were very helpful.

 

[soderick]

Thanks for all the responses! I really appreciate the feedback. This is where my heart is, but I'm also realistic, and I know how easily I get worn-down. All of your opinions were very helpful.

 

[LouLou]

My concern about teaching children for someone with lung function near mine (67% FEV1) is the energy level required. It's high physical energy. Not to say teachers don't use their brain but you get my drift. Think brain energy when picking a career...not so much physical. You need to save physical energy for cardio workout everyother day!! Nursing and the hospitality industry are more examples of physically intense jobs. It's physically draining, not good cardio physical. KWIM?

If you are interested in going on for a masters and are very interested in teaching one idea is information technology for schools. I have a friend that was a graphic designer making $26K a year and felt it was a dime a dozen career and hated her measely paycheck so went back for this degree and 2 yrs later she's making $80K at a university helping professors get their courses online. I am not sure of the exact name of this degree. I have another friend that does this in an elementary school. She advanced her school so much so the district took notice and she started working high level on the whole school district system. She has no direct contact with the kids. Now she stays home with her daughter and does freelance work for textbook companies mainly since they struggle with how to keep up with the changing technology.

If this post is about making career suggestions....which if you don't mind I am offering. Without knowing you but reading your post (well articulated) and knowing you are female and knowing the status of our economy....I would suggest a career with Merrill Lynch as a certified financial planner. Of course you could go with any number of brokerage firms but ML has been a good employer to more than one person I know.

Here are my reasons 1) after the first 2 years you will be able to set your pace as long as you prove yourself as an achiever 2) largely behind a desk or on phone 3) there's high demand for this job right now...especially for confident females 4) the money is good and lets face it you'll probably only have 5-15 years of major earning potential. 5)Again there's demand for this job - I wouldn't go into anything manufacturing related so no engineering, etc. I'm afraid America's manufacturing days are numbered unless something crazy happens like no more imports from China are allowed.. I can't see that ever happening and what would happen to Walmart which we are sickly dependent on?! Tangent there sorry. Think service industry or financial are my suggestions.

Side note: The way our SSA works is that if you make good money you get paid descently once you become disabled whether you are in need or not. If you are thinking long term here... meaning you want to be happy and independent for your whole life, right? I would shoot for jobs that will make 75K+ in a matter of no more than 5 years so that you can get somewhere around 25K should you need to go on SSDI. This way if you don't have someone like a hubby to support you at least you'll make enough to stay somewhat independent...well as independent as 24K per year allows LOL.

Yeah it's about doing what your passion is but for me now that I am out on SSDI I'm glad I was money motivated My degree is in Industrial Design. I was a product designer who then moved into project management of product development jobs at a firm. Later I got into sales of product design and mechanical engineering. I worked from 1999-2007 with this field prior to that I worked since age 15.5 in the restaurant and financial industries.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[LouLou]

My concern about teaching children for someone with lung function near mine (67% FEV1) is the energy level required. It's high physical energy. Not to say teachers don't use their brain but you get my drift. Think brain energy when picking a career...not so much physical. You need to save physical energy for cardio workout everyother day!! Nursing and the hospitality industry are more examples of physically intense jobs. It's physically draining, not good cardio physical. KWIM?

If you are interested in going on for a masters and are very interested in teaching one idea is information technology for schools. I have a friend that was a graphic designer making $26K a year and felt it was a dime a dozen career and hated her measely paycheck so went back for this degree and 2 yrs later she's making $80K at a university helping professors get their courses online. I am not sure of the exact name of this degree. I have another friend that does this in an elementary school. She advanced her school so much so the district took notice and she started working high level on the whole school district system. She has no direct contact with the kids. Now she stays home with her daughter and does freelance work for textbook companies mainly since they struggle with how to keep up with the changing technology.

If this post is about making career suggestions....which if you don't mind I am offering. Without knowing you but reading your post (well articulated) and knowing you are female and knowing the status of our economy....I would suggest a career with Merrill Lynch as a certified financial planner. Of course you could go with any number of brokerage firms but ML has been a good employer to more than one person I know.

Here are my reasons 1) after the first 2 years you will be able to set your pace as long as you prove yourself as an achiever 2) largely behind a desk or on phone 3) there's high demand for this job right now...especially for confident females 4) the money is good and lets face it you'll probably only have 5-15 years of major earning potential. 5)Again there's demand for this job - I wouldn't go into anything manufacturing related so no engineering, etc. I'm afraid America's manufacturing days are numbered unless something crazy happens like no more imports from China are allowed.. I can't see that ever happening and what would happen to Walmart which we are sickly dependent on?! Tangent there sorry. Think service industry or financial are my suggestions.

Side note: The way our SSA works is that if you make good money you get paid descently once you become disabled whether you are in need or not. If you are thinking long term here... meaning you want to be happy and independent for your whole life, right? I would shoot for jobs that will make 75K+ in a matter of no more than 5 years so that you can get somewhere around 25K should you need to go on SSDI. This way if you don't have someone like a hubby to support you at least you'll make enough to stay somewhat independent...well as independent as 24K per year allows LOL.

Yeah it's about doing what your passion is but for me now that I am out on SSDI I'm glad I was money motivated My degree is in Industrial Design. I was a product designer who then moved into project management of product development jobs at a firm. Later I got into sales of product design and mechanical engineering. I worked from 1999-2007 with this field prior to that I worked since age 15.5 in the restaurant and financial industries.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[LouLou]

My concern about teaching children for someone with lung function near mine (67% FEV1) is the energy level required. It's high physical energy. Not to say teachers don't use their brain but you get my drift. Think brain energy when picking a career...not so much physical. You need to save physical energy for cardio workout everyother day!! Nursing and the hospitality industry are more examples of physically intense jobs. It's physically draining, not good cardio physical. KWIM?

If you are interested in going on for a masters and are very interested in teaching one idea is information technology for schools. I have a friend that was a graphic designer making $26K a year and felt it was a dime a dozen career and hated her measely paycheck so went back for this degree and 2 yrs later she's making $80K at a university helping professors get their courses online. I am not sure of the exact name of this degree. I have another friend that does this in an elementary school. She advanced her school so much so the district took notice and she started working high level on the whole school district system. She has no direct contact with the kids. Now she stays home with her daughter and does freelance work for textbook companies mainly since they struggle with how to keep up with the changing technology.

If this post is about making career suggestions....which if you don't mind I am offering. Without knowing you but reading your post (well articulated) and knowing you are female and knowing the status of our economy....I would suggest a career with Merrill Lynch as a certified financial planner. Of course you could go with any number of brokerage firms but ML has been a good employer to more than one person I know.

Here are my reasons 1) after the first 2 years you will be able to set your pace as long as you prove yourself as an achiever 2) largely behind a desk or on phone 3) there's high demand for this job right now...especially for confident females 4) the money is good and lets face it you'll probably only have 5-15 years of major earning potential. 5)Again there's demand for this job - I wouldn't go into anything manufacturing related so no engineering, etc. I'm afraid America's manufacturing days are numbered unless something crazy happens like no more imports from China are allowed.. I can't see that ever happening and what would happen to Walmart which we are sickly dependent on?! Tangent there sorry. Think service industry or financial are my suggestions.

Side note: The way our SSA works is that if you make good money you get paid descently once you become disabled whether you are in need or not. If you are thinking long term here... meaning you want to be happy and independent for your whole life, right? I would shoot for jobs that will make 75K+ in a matter of no more than 5 years so that you can get somewhere around 25K should you need to go on SSDI. This way if you don't have someone like a hubby to support you at least you'll make enough to stay somewhat independent...well as independent as 24K per year allows LOL.

Yeah it's about doing what your passion is but for me now that I am out on SSDI I'm glad I was money motivated My degree is in Industrial Design. I was a product designer who then moved into project management of product development jobs at a firm. Later I got into sales of product design and mechanical engineering. I worked from 1999-2007 with this field prior to that I worked since age 15.5 in the restaurant and financial industries.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[LouLou]

My concern about teaching children for someone with lung function near mine (67% FEV1) is the energy level required. It's high physical energy. Not to say teachers don't use their brain but you get my drift. Think brain energy when picking a career...not so much physical. You need to save physical energy for cardio workout everyother day!! Nursing and the hospitality industry are more examples of physically intense jobs. It's physically draining, not good cardio physical. KWIM?

If you are interested in going on for a masters and are very interested in teaching one idea is information technology for schools. I have a friend that was a graphic designer making $26K a year and felt it was a dime a dozen career and hated her measely paycheck so went back for this degree and 2 yrs later she's making $80K at a university helping professors get their courses online. I am not sure of the exact name of this degree. I have another friend that does this in an elementary school. She advanced her school so much so the district took notice and she started working high level on the whole school district system. She has no direct contact with the kids. Now she stays home with her daughter and does freelance work for textbook companies mainly since they struggle with how to keep up with the changing technology.

If this post is about making career suggestions....which if you don't mind I am offering. Without knowing you but reading your post (well articulated) and knowing you are female and knowing the status of our economy....I would suggest a career with Merrill Lynch as a certified financial planner. Of course you could go with any number of brokerage firms but ML has been a good employer to more than one person I know.

Here are my reasons 1) after the first 2 years you will be able to set your pace as long as you prove yourself as an achiever 2) largely behind a desk or on phone 3) there's high demand for this job right now...especially for confident females 4) the money is good and lets face it you'll probably only have 5-15 years of major earning potential. 5)Again there's demand for this job - I wouldn't go into anything manufacturing related so no engineering, etc. I'm afraid America's manufacturing days are numbered unless something crazy happens like no more imports from China are allowed.. I can't see that ever happening and what would happen to Walmart which we are sickly dependent on?! Tangent there sorry. Think service industry or financial are my suggestions.

Side note: The way our SSA works is that if you make good money you get paid descently once you become disabled whether you are in need or not. If you are thinking long term here... meaning you want to be happy and independent for your whole life, right? I would shoot for jobs that will make 75K+ in a matter of no more than 5 years so that you can get somewhere around 25K should you need to go on SSDI. This way if you don't have someone like a hubby to support you at least you'll make enough to stay somewhat independent...well as independent as 24K per year allows LOL.

Yeah it's about doing what your passion is but for me now that I am out on SSDI I'm glad I was money motivated My degree is in Industrial Design. I was a product designer who then moved into project management of product development jobs at a firm. Later I got into sales of product design and mechanical engineering. I worked from 1999-2007 with this field prior to that I worked since age 15.5 in the restaurant and financial industries.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[LouLou]

My concern about teaching children for someone with lung function near mine (67% FEV1) is the energy level required. It's high physical energy. Not to say teachers don't use their brain but you get my drift. Think brain energy when picking a career...not so much physical. You need to save physical energy for cardio workout everyother day!! Nursing and the hospitality industry are more examples of physically intense jobs. It's physically draining, not good cardio physical. KWIM?
<br />
<br />If you are interested in going on for a masters and are very interested in teaching one idea is information technology for schools. I have a friend that was a graphic designer making $26K a year and felt it was a dime a dozen career and hated her measely paycheck so went back for this degree and 2 yrs later she's making $80K at a university helping professors get their courses online. I am not sure of the exact name of this degree. I have another friend that does this in an elementary school. She advanced her school so much so the district took notice and she started working high level on the whole school district system. She has no direct contact with the kids. Now she stays home with her daughter and does freelance work for textbook companies mainly since they struggle with how to keep up with the changing technology.
<br />
<br />If this post is about making career suggestions....which if you don't mind I am offering. Without knowing you but reading your post (well articulated) and knowing you are female and knowing the status of our economy....I would suggest a career with Merrill Lynch as a certified financial planner. Of course you could go with any number of brokerage firms but ML has been a good employer to more than one person I know.
<br />
<br />Here are my reasons 1) after the first 2 years you will be able to set your pace as long as you prove yourself as an achiever 2) largely behind a desk or on phone 3) there's high demand for this job right now...especially for confident females 4) the money is good and lets face it you'll probably only have 5-15 years of major earning potential. 5)Again there's demand for this job - I wouldn't go into anything manufacturing related so no engineering, etc. I'm afraid America's manufacturing days are numbered unless something crazy happens like no more imports from China are allowed.. I can't see that ever happening and what would happen to Walmart which we are sickly dependent on?! Tangent there sorry. Think service industry or financial are my suggestions.
<br />
<br />Side note: The way our SSA works is that if you make good money you get paid descently once you become disabled whether you are in need or not. If you are thinking long term here... meaning you want to be happy and independent for your whole life, right? I would shoot for jobs that will make 75K+ in a matter of no more than 5 years so that you can get somewhere around 25K should you need to go on SSDI. This way if you don't have someone like a hubby to support you at least you'll make enough to stay somewhat independent...well as independent as 24K per year allows LOL.
<br />
<br />Yeah it's about doing what your passion is but for me now that I am out on SSDI I'm glad I was money motivated My degree is in Industrial Design. I was a product designer who then moved into project management of product development jobs at a firm. Later I got into sales of product design and mechanical engineering. I worked from 1999-2007 with this field prior to that I worked since age 15.5 in the restaurant and financial industries.
<br />
<br />That's my 2 cents.

 

[LouLou]

Sue (or any teacher), Your post got me thinking...

Teaching is one of the few careers left that offers a pension in retirement. How would this effect a teacher with cf who becomes disabled prior to fulfilling his/her year's of duty with the district? For example let's say you only end up working 5 years...will there be a pension for you or just the standard SSI or SSDI opportunties? If there's pension opps or other life long disability coverage this could be a real plus OP.

 

[LouLou]

Sue (or any teacher), Your post got me thinking...

Teaching is one of the few careers left that offers a pension in retirement. How would this effect a teacher with cf who becomes disabled prior to fulfilling his/her year's of duty with the district? For example let's say you only end up working 5 years...will there be a pension for you or just the standard SSI or SSDI opportunties? If there's pension opps or other life long disability coverage this could be a real plus OP.

 

[LouLou]

Sue (or any teacher), Your post got me thinking...

Teaching is one of the few careers left that offers a pension in retirement. How would this effect a teacher with cf who becomes disabled prior to fulfilling his/her year's of duty with the district? For example let's say you only end up working 5 years...will there be a pension for you or just the standard SSI or SSDI opportunties? If there's pension opps or other life long disability coverage this could be a real plus OP.

 

[LouLou]

Sue (or any teacher), Your post got me thinking...

Teaching is one of the few careers left that offers a pension in retirement. How would this effect a teacher with cf who becomes disabled prior to fulfilling his/her year's of duty with the district? For example let's say you only end up working 5 years...will there be a pension for you or just the standard SSI or SSDI opportunties? If there's pension opps or other life long disability coverage this could be a real plus OP.

 

[LouLou]

Sue (or any teacher), Your post got me thinking...
<br />
<br />Teaching is one of the few careers left that offers a pension in retirement. How would this effect a teacher with cf who becomes disabled prior to fulfilling his/her year's of duty with the district? For example let's say you only end up working 5 years...will there be a pension for you or just the standard SSI or SSDI opportunties? If there's pension opps or other life long disability coverage this could be a real plus OP.