It's also weird to be looking at college programs while your kid is looking at them, you know?

I got my degree when K-Bug was in high school - I was determined to graduate before she did. Now that she is in her last year of schooling (for now) and CJ is looking at colleges, I am considering going back again. Not sure if it would be for a masters or a bachelors in another field. Not that I have the money, but I kinda miss learning new things. Maybe I'll just take a few Community College classes in something odd. Underwater Basket Weaving?

There's nothing like suddenly having to decide what you want to do when you grow up when you already are a grown up.

I feel like I've been there several times and managed to either choose poorly or find a way to not really choose so it's still hanging over me that I Don't Know What I Am Doing With My Life. This is currently manifesting as the feeling that I need to at least sort out what is important to me if it's not career and at least make sure that that aspect of my life is, like, okay. But I also feel like I need a weeklong retreat to really focus on that to figure it out. That's probably not true, but just thinking about it in passing when I have a few minutes is not getting me very far.

I fully support everyone going back to school if they can manage it, btw! Be the re-entry students (at least that was the term when I was in Grad School Attempt #2) that blow the curve for everyone else!

It's also weird to be looking at college programs while your kid is looking at them, you know?

My mom and I were in college at the same time! She dropped out to have kids her first time round, and then went back for her nursing degree once we were old enough not to need babysitters anymore.

There's a pretty good chance I'll be working in a completely different field within the month. I had the very good fortune of being recommended for this position by a friend, so I got to skip the part where I looked deep within myself and figured out what I actually want to be when I'm grown-up. Maybe it's this, maybe it's not but at least it will be something new! (I've been told an offer is coming, but until I actually *have* it, it's not a sure thing. And then it might be a really crappy offer that I have to turn down!)

I'm also daunted because I never finished my bachelor's degree first time around, and it seems so long ago now, the idea of having to retake stuff makes me really weary. But I would love to go for the new stuff! And a chance to do something other than writing, which I would do anyway.

Fingers crossed, Jessica!

I don't want to go back to school! I hope I never need to. If I had to do something other than editing, I'd end up writing and praying to sell something, because that's the extent of my marketable skill set. Maybe I could start a small business refinishing furniture.

If I could somehow have an okay standard of living and be a student for the rest of my life I would do it. I loved being in school every time. And I'm probably better at that than any job I've had.

I would love to study nursing in terms of a career, but I'm not sure I could handle the math. I'm thinking something health care related, though, possibly a certificate program.

You could always specialize in some healthcare support field. Way back when, I thought about becoming a radiologist. It's interesting, it pays well, and you've always got work.

I fully support everyone going back to school if they can manage it, btw! Be the re-entry students (at least that was the term when I was in Grad School Attempt #2) that blow the curve for everyone else!

This is kind of where I'm at. Someone asked me what I'm in Grad School for and I said, "For the hell of it." I don't know what the career repercussions will end up being, but my work is paying for it. I feel like I'd be a fool not to at least try for the Master's. Though at National University (adult-with-career-focused school), youngsters who are on their first trip through are by far the minority (the curve need not fear me).

If I could somehow have an okay standard of living and be a student for the rest of my life I would do it. I loved being in school every time. And I'm probably better at that than any job I've had.

Yes, this. Though probably not beyond a Master's. I don't think I've got a doctorate in me. But to start over at the beginning and study all new stuff? That would be awesome! YEnthusiasmForSchoolMV

Good luck, Jess!

Amy, maybe schedule a meeting with an advisor/counselor at the local community college to find out what you still need? You should still be able to get credit for previous classes, no matter how long ago. Just to see where you are; you might be closer than you realize. (Or not, no pressure! Just suggestion!)

I feel like I've been there several times and managed to either choose poorly or find a way to not really choose so it's still hanging over me that I Don't Know What I Am Doing With My Life.

Yeah, right now I'm at I Know What I DON'T Want To Do, so I'm using that to focus on what's next. I don't want to stay in the role I'm in. There are no roles that I want to do available where I am. Guess I'm gonna have to move.