I was thinking of changing careers. I was thinking about going back to school to become a school psychologist or school counselor. I already have a masters(in art therapy). My job is ok, its just not what I see myself doing for the next 30 years. However, the thought of spending more money on my education make me ill. Any advice would be appreciated. TIA.
nov04LIbride
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Re: Has anyone ever changed careers?
I did! I worked on Wall Street right after college, then left to work at a university. While working I got my Master's and am now working on my Doctorate in Education Administration. The Doctorate is $$$$$! The only advice I would give is to see how many students get jobs in that area at the end. A co-worker is in the counseling Master's program at Post and spending as much on that as I am on my Doctorate (about $40,000), and I know dozens of people with that Master's who have been unable to find jobs in that. Ask on here who has a Master's in Counseling--I know of 5 ladies from LIW at least who went back after that Master's for a different degree or else are working in a different field after being unable to get a job as a guidance counselor. Good luck!
JLH
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Thanks for the info. I got my masters in art therapy at post and as it is I will be paying off that loan until I'm fifty.
shamrock12472
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I did. I went into social work right out of school and stayed in that for about 4-5 years. I got burned out because of the population I was working with and didn't want to go into another area. I went into finance and love it. I recently finished my masters program. I am now considering going back and getting my masters to become a special ed teacher. I agree with the other poster. Look to see what the job market is like.
GsCM4EVA
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I did. I went from being a fashion designer to workin on wall street, at an investment banking firm, in the operations dept. LOVE ITTTTTTT
TracyInQueens
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I am thinking about changing careers too. I have been a teacher for almost ten years (and have 2 master's degrees, so I can't see doing more school) but I really think I want to do something else.
Wintersbride
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I did too. I spent some time doing the acting and singing thing and then went back to school to become an SLP in 2002. I am very happy I did that. While I was singing and acting I was spending more money then I was getting and I could not deal with some of the pressures. It just wasn't for me. School and everything is also pressure, but a different kind. I just wasn't satisfied until I started studying speech. I think a lot of it had to do w/ my mom's illness too.
jozieb0925
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I am changing fields soon. I work in publishing now and hope to find a job in teaching after I student teach in the fall.
dpli
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I worked as a teacher/school counselor and went back to school for engineering. I now work as a civil engineer. It was tough, and a VERY long road, but worth it in the end!
drewsgirl
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Not me, but my older sister did. She was a CPA in the city but hated it. She always loved makeup so she moved to CA to study at a top school and now is back in NY freelancing. Sure right now shes not making the $ she used to, but she is so much happier doing what she loves.
curliegirl
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Posted by JLH
I was thinking of changing careers. I was thinking about going back to school to become a school psychologist or school counselor. I already have a masters(in art therapy). My job is ok, its just not what I see myself doing for the next 30 years. However, the thought of spending more money on my education make me ill. Any advice would be appreciated. TIA.
I am considering leaving my job to become a real estate agent, no tuition, just a 45-hour course and a state test!
My MOH is a school shrink and she just lost her job 'cuz the leave replacement came back and now she is having trouble finding something else! Remember, there is usually only 1 per school or even district, so there's slim pickin's.
mltm914
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Re: Has anyone ever changed careers?
I think you have to think about your motivation for changing careers...would you be doing it to make more money or doing it because you would love the work involved? I certainly was motivated by money when I left my first job out of college one year ago. I learned the hard way that money does not solve your problems or make you any happier. I was miserable and returned to that first job. I realized I loved what i was doing even though I wasn't making tons of money.
kbeana24
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I am starting my masters degree in School Psychology and so far I love the classes. After college I taught Pre-K for about 3 years and then changed to and accounting job where I learned on site. That wasnt all that I thought it was going to be, so I started grad classes. Now that I know that is really what I want to do, I am excited to get my degree
dm24angel
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I was going to school for my masters in school psychology..took 2 semesters off and am changing to Social work.
not really changing careers but direction.
I DID want to be a school Psy but like someone said its a HARD job market.
JLH
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Thanks for the advice. I think I have to really research the job market. I may also look into social work. I like being an art therapist, I just hate the hours( I work nights, weekends and holidays) and I just don't feel completely satisfied. I really don't get fully utilized for what I was trained for. I mainly run activity groups.
cluelessbride
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Re: Has anyone ever changed careers?
My first real job was in publishing, then I segued into grant writing at a university, then into sponsored research administration ( ) then student services, which I love.
I guess my only advice would be to look at what skills or aspects of your current job are related to another industry.
m&m
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I did too - I started out with a career in tv/public relations and am graduating this summer with an MSEd in counseling, with a focus in higher education.
The job market is tough in counseling, and I believe school psych as well. However, your background may give you a leg up on those who are coming out of school with little experience beyond their practicum/internship sites. You might want to also check with schools though to make sure that they won't consider you 'over qualified' (which often at least with teachers they read as 'too expensive').
ETA: You may want to check out a book called 'I don't know what I want, but I know its not this! A step-by-step guide to finding gratifying work'
nferrandi
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I recenlty changed careers too. I went from being a page designer at a newspaper for four years to now being a dance teacher. I danced my whole life and my mom has had a studio for just as long. I never thought it was something I wanted to do, but now it just feels right.
SweetCin704
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I did. After working 10 years as a legal secy/admin asst. I went back to school & have been teaching the last 3 years. Best decision I ever made.
