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.

My neighbor E, who is in nursing school now, considered herself a complete and utter math failure. She discovered that the second time around (and in practical application),she gets it.

She did think the prob&stats prof had made a mistake when she got her first exam back. Because she hadn't missed a problem. It took her (prof) a while to convince E.

So you never know.

Amy- I work at a School of Nursing, and you can probably handle the math! You have to take Statistics, but ours is really geared toward healthcare and how to interpret articles and data and share with your patients.

I would recommend doing a 2 year RN degree at a community college, getting a job, and then completing a BS at a 4 year school (which the hospital will probably pay for). Because the BS is half "arts and sciences" part of the degree, a lot of your undergrad courses will probably transfer (even if they don't if you originally apply to a 4 year school).