I am considering going back to school. I have never stepped foot on a college. I am 34 and have been feelling like I have hit a wall in my career. I am a teacher's assistant, and no longer want to be. Now that I am so "old" And all I have ever done is this job, I don't know where to begin. I look online at colleges and just get so overwelmed. None of what I read makes sense. I don't even know where I would begin. I would like to take online courses (stay in my comfort zone) I was hoping someone would have advice to share. Help,!! I don't know where to begin. Staying at the same old job because I am to fearful to do anything else, is causing more stress and anxiety to me and my family then going back to school would. Any knowledge on this subject would be so appreciated!
Thank you,
Ivy
Is there anyone who has gone back to school as an adult?
Ivy ~ We have a teacher at school who received her Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix (SP?). Have you tried their website? Also, a community college is a fairly easy place to get started whether online or by going. Good luck with school. I am an elementary guidance counselor and our first day back with the kids is tomorrow.
"If nothing ever changed...there would be no Butterflies." Author unknown
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Guest
ivy i can relate to you because i used to have a job that i wasnt happy with and i saw a counselor for some of my anxiety problems years ago and he helped me to see that i really wanted to finish my schooling, so i went back full time in 2003 after i quit my job and i am graduating with my degree in kinesiology in december, you can do it too i know it, i ve gone to school all the while that i have had this anxiety, but i did get a huge relief when i stepped out on faith and decided to leave my old job. I'm not suggesting that you have to quit, but it might be fulfilling for you to go to an online school or JC while working at your job if you can handle it, because it will give you a goal to stive towards and will make being a that job a little more tolerable knowing that you are working on a better future for yourself, and possibly it could alleviate some of your stress and negative anxiety about where you are heading in your life, well hope that this helps and stay encouraged god bless Donni
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Guest
IvyHeart:
You can do it!!!
I got my GED after i was 40. Made very good scores on it. Then in my late 40's (nearing 50)
I went to a community college near my home. I really surprised myself with my grades. I did not finish, did not get a certificate of any kind, but I learned enough to get a better job.
My eldest sister finished college when she was near 50. She got a degree and became a teacher. She taught for a number of years before she retired.
Yes, I had anxiety when I was going to that community college. But studying and doing the work distracted me. I did better.
I worked a number of years. But I finally had to quit because of depression.
'which had nothing to do with the job.
I think that you can do it.
The way I got started was to visit the community college. So happened they had counselors there to kind of help you get started. They are eager to help people.
I didn't know anything about it.
I had quit highschool, married at 18, had 3 children, got divorced when they were teenagers. So I really didn't know much at all.
I also think that Univ. of Phoenix would be a good choice.
Wishing you the best.
maryjane
You can do it!!!
I got my GED after i was 40. Made very good scores on it. Then in my late 40's (nearing 50)
I went to a community college near my home. I really surprised myself with my grades. I did not finish, did not get a certificate of any kind, but I learned enough to get a better job.
My eldest sister finished college when she was near 50. She got a degree and became a teacher. She taught for a number of years before she retired.
Yes, I had anxiety when I was going to that community college. But studying and doing the work distracted me. I did better.
I worked a number of years. But I finally had to quit because of depression.
'which had nothing to do with the job.
I think that you can do it.
The way I got started was to visit the community college. So happened they had counselors there to kind of help you get started. They are eager to help people.
I didn't know anything about it.
I had quit highschool, married at 18, had 3 children, got divorced when they were teenagers. So I really didn't know much at all.
I also think that Univ. of Phoenix would be a good choice.
Wishing you the best.
maryjane
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Guest
Hi Ivy,
I am actually beginning classes at the University of Phoenix on Monday, 9/1. It was actually very easy getting signed up, I just googled them, filled out an online questionaire, and then a counselor got back to me from there and set up everything for me! I am doing all my classes online to get my associates degree in Psychology, and then from there I will go on to get my bachlors, and then my masters, but those will have to be ground classes. I know that you can do this. I am 30 years old and haven't been in school in a long time as well, but it's time to show the world that us 30 somethings' can do anything!
Good luck!
-Becky
I am actually beginning classes at the University of Phoenix on Monday, 9/1. It was actually very easy getting signed up, I just googled them, filled out an online questionaire, and then a counselor got back to me from there and set up everything for me! I am doing all my classes online to get my associates degree in Psychology, and then from there I will go on to get my bachlors, and then my masters, but those will have to be ground classes. I know that you can do this. I am 30 years old and haven't been in school in a long time as well, but it's time to show the world that us 30 somethings' can do anything!
Good luck!-Becky
Hi Ivy,
I am currently working on a second degree. I work during the day and then go to school one night per week. That is my comfort zone, and it seems to work for me. I won't finish nearly as fast as if I took two or three classes at a time, but if I did that I may become overwhelmed, and not finish at all.
A few things to think about: Since I am assuming you want to work in your major after graduating, you may want to consider that there are very few applications to degrees left anymore where you can stay home and work. Most careers require interaction in the form of meetings and presentations. When choosing between online and attending in person, I figured I may as well practice getting used to doing things like presentations while I am in school, instead of having to go cold turkey when I finish this degree. But, if your anxiety is overwhelming at this point, and you know you have the commitment level to stay with online classes, that may be a good start. Also, something to think about is if your employer has a program for tuition reimbursement. My employer is paying for 80% of my tuition. That is a big treat!
Finally, get really honest with yourself. If school is something you love (you love to learn), higher education is a good choice. However, if there are some things that are causing you anxiety besides your desire to get an education, they will stay there until you work on them. I have found that school is a committment that adds stress if you let it, but if it is taken in the right balance with your other responsibilities, it can actually be a big boost!
My best advise, check it out, go slow, and work your way up to a faster pace if it's working.
I will be thinking about you and wishing you the best!
Darb
I am currently working on a second degree. I work during the day and then go to school one night per week. That is my comfort zone, and it seems to work for me. I won't finish nearly as fast as if I took two or three classes at a time, but if I did that I may become overwhelmed, and not finish at all.
A few things to think about: Since I am assuming you want to work in your major after graduating, you may want to consider that there are very few applications to degrees left anymore where you can stay home and work. Most careers require interaction in the form of meetings and presentations. When choosing between online and attending in person, I figured I may as well practice getting used to doing things like presentations while I am in school, instead of having to go cold turkey when I finish this degree. But, if your anxiety is overwhelming at this point, and you know you have the commitment level to stay with online classes, that may be a good start. Also, something to think about is if your employer has a program for tuition reimbursement. My employer is paying for 80% of my tuition. That is a big treat!
Finally, get really honest with yourself. If school is something you love (you love to learn), higher education is a good choice. However, if there are some things that are causing you anxiety besides your desire to get an education, they will stay there until you work on them. I have found that school is a committment that adds stress if you let it, but if it is taken in the right balance with your other responsibilities, it can actually be a big boost!
My best advise, check it out, go slow, and work your way up to a faster pace if it's working.
I will be thinking about you and wishing you the best!
Darb
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Guest
Donni, MaryJane, Becky, and Darb.
Thank You more than you will all ever know for your resposes, and your encouragment! I appreciate you all sharing your stories!! I have been really praying about things lately, and I feel so thankful to you all for responding back. You all gave me a lot to consider. Baby steps....that's what I have to start with. Thank you again!!!!
Ivy
Thank You more than you will all ever know for your resposes, and your encouragment! I appreciate you all sharing your stories!! I have been really praying about things lately, and I feel so thankful to you all for responding back. You all gave me a lot to consider. Baby steps....that's what I have to start with. Thank you again!!!!
Ivy
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Guest
I'm going through a similar situation myself. I work at a corporate company in HR and make great money considering im 27 and don't have a college degree.
I've always had a strong love for animals my entire life and have had a part time job at a vet hospital. I think I am going to pursue online classes at Penn Foster to become a Vet Nurse. I def. prefer online since sitting in a classroom isn't my thing.
I would suggest writing things down that make you happy and research what jobs are out there to match that.
Good luck
I've always had a strong love for animals my entire life and have had a part time job at a vet hospital. I think I am going to pursue online classes at Penn Foster to become a Vet Nurse. I def. prefer online since sitting in a classroom isn't my thing.
I would suggest writing things down that make you happy and research what jobs are out there to match that.
Good luck
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Carolyn Dickman
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- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 3:00 am