Mid Life Career Change?

[girllikeu2]

Originally Posted by Martina

OT is cool. I currently only work with one OT, for a kid with TBI. She seems to love her job. I agree re the applying and reapplying for years. Wouldn't be worth it.

Re getting hurt on the job, it's a risk -- though less of one -- for teachers too. And there is little recourse. I would, however, never work anywhere I did not have a union.

Martina, teacher's unions have been stripped of their power and are basically useless. I didn't even join this year because my previous 3 years I joined and was "surplussed" anyway. The district I am currently working in isn't honoring my years of experience and I am currently making EXACTLY what I made in 2001 when I jumped from private to public schools. Rent is a bit higher (and I have a kid now) so my standard of living is down. I am putting exactly $0 away for retirement right now.

I did a little salary research and it seems that if I get an RN degree (not a BSN - just the RN) I'd make MORE than I am currently making within a few years.

I understand I won't enjoy regular 2 week "holidays" (where I am often working in my classroom or doing paper work anyway) as a nurse. I think I am ready to give it up to do something I am pretty sure I will like (maybe A LOT) since I already prefer working with students with major medical issues and have enjoyed learning about their needs.

In high school I aspired to nursing but was convinced away from it by my sad algebra grade and a misinformed teacher.

I feel that if I make this leap, I am doing what I should have done 20 years ago. Better late than never.