Soul searching for my future (career)...

[banslug]

OK, I have NO idea where to start. I figure the bright intelligent masses here will surely point me in the right direction.

Trying to keep this short without getting into my history....my goal for the next few years is to remain working PT at our school until my kids graduate and move onto college. (My younger son will be in 4th grade this Fall.) It's the perfect schedule for a SAHM. When they move onto college, I'll need to move into a new career and support myself and whatever costs remain from their college. There are some things I KNOW I want to do, some things I know I DON'T want to do, but have NO IDEA where to start to nail it down in a bit more detail. I have the next 9 years (WOW...that sounds like so long) to take classes, if need be, to be prepared when that time does come. So I want to start really honing in on my future. Where do I turn? Who can I talk to? How do I pinpoint, more specifically, what it IS I want to do?

Am I talking in circles?

 

[NancyAZ]

Local colleges often have aptitude testing that you can take even if you're not enrolled in the college. That might be a good way to start narrowing things down once you see the results of the testing. It's not set in stone, but just a guideline and gives you some things to think about that maybe you hadn't considered.

 

[chefkate]

I like what Nancy suggested and wanted to say Good Luck! What an exciting feeling to see the open doors ahead!

 

[trixie42]

I like Nancy's option but I would also recommend talking to people in the areas you think you want to explore. You can use your existing network of friends and Catheletes to find people as well as asking your local college for help. You could also look to see if there are any local associations for the area you want to get into and talk to members there. Also, if they have speakers, sometimes the speakers are willing to talk to you too. Good luck!

 

[LauraMax]

How about something in the fitness industry? My dream job is receptionist at a gym. You get a free membership, plus you get to meet, greet & socialize w/all the members.

You could also work on certifications like group fitness, PT, nutrition, etc., or even start college PT for exercise physiology or whatever the latest preferred degree is. If I had to do it all over again, that's what I'd do.

 

[banslug]

Thanks, everybody, for the responses and the PMs with suggestions and input. I'm really excited. I feel like I get to start all over again, ya know? I've always said that 18 or 19, the age you graduate HS and begin college is just way too young to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life. And you pretty much decide at that point, when entering college, in which direction your professional life is going to go. So I feel like I've been given a second chance with a clean slate, and I totally want to use it to my advantage. My plan, now, is to contact a local college or 2 and see if I can talk to a counsellor, admissions officer, etc to see if I can get some more direction. I have also chatted with 2 friends who work in O/T and the school district's Intermediate Unit and we'll be getting together to discuss those careers more as well.

I'm really excited and just wanted to thank all that responded in one way or another!!! THANKS!

 

[bitmover]

Gayle, that IS exciting! When I read your first post I was thinking how cool it is that you have this time to think about it. Nice to read your second post to see the excitement come through. Good luck, and have fun!!

 

[banslug]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't stop thinking about all this! I really REALLY am excited about all the possibilities that lay right in front of me! I sound so corny, but life hasn't turned out at ALL as I expected when I hit different milestones. But I'm okay with it all and just really feel like 'somebody' is watching out for me. And like I said before......I'm just excited about the fresh start.

Sorry to babble....I can't stop now!

 

[DebbieH]

How exciting Gayle! I have no doubt whatever you decide to do, you will apply yourself with 110% effort! Good luck and keep us posted as you make decisions.