Hi – I just turned 57..I am a widow and going through the worst time of my life in this economy.
I have 20 years in healthcare and I am asking myself if I should go back to school and invest thousands of dollars in going back to school,,..once I get out I will be over 60 and have alot of student loans..is it worth it? This is very scary! I can’t find a job and once unemployment goes away I am not sure what I will do. Any suggestions?
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Hello Rose,
I am new to this site, but would like to share these words.
Whether or not money is involved always listen to your instincts first. When we listen closely, our instincts do not lead us in a wrong direction. It is when we fail to listen 
Susan -- I love the idea of the wrap, and thank you for the cinnamon tip. We must have the same house guests who show up each summer.
Hi Louise--I have met with a group of women on Whidbey Island and have started a discussion about the options and needs. Many of us would like a spiritual (not religious) tone to the community and that is drawing the most interest.
I lived in Ashe
Hello, Morgana,
Welcome to the discussion. (There are two threads, but let's stick with his one vs. the original from 12/7/12.)
Yes--we liked that article from NPR. Posted it on our website & retweeted. It will get lots of people thinking, so h
I would say no to additional debt. I thought healthcare was a “hot” field.
I would also agree. I am a former teacher and they are laying teachers off left and right. A tech school offers many courses and are not nearly as expensive as college. Branch out in your field. You can do it!
In what capacity of healthcare do you have experience? Nurse, CNA, therapist, medical records? Rather than go into debt to completely retrain in another field, you may consider taking some classes at a junior/technical college that would enhance your already acquired experience. Do you have adequate computer skills? If not that would be a place to start with classes.The health field will continue to need workers in various areas of healthcare. Maybe a course in medical records or transcription would make you an attractive candidate. You indicated that you “can’t” find a job. You can find some kind of job even if you need to accept one that is not in your field or really what you would like to do, just for income and for another kind of experience. You may find an employer that offers tuition reimbursement, then you could educate yourself and get paid for it. Use this time of unemployment to renew yourself mentally, emotionally and physically. Eat healthy, exercise, think positive. You may even consider volunteering to gain new experiences and meet new people that you can network with for possible job contacts. Wishing you the best.
My experience has been in administration workking in support roles…i,e. administrative assistant, community liaison, business development. I went to a job fair today and most of the jobs were pathetic,,,..as far as pay..$7.50 /hr,..hotel work at home reservations…
.toll booth collectors, security guards…really was not my bag. I did meet with an a guy who has an MBA representing a college..and he showed me all the part time jobs at the college…and suggested I look into medical records technology which he taught. He was very nice. I also am looking into dog grooming and/or taking a certification to work in Assisted Living. I am trying to stay positive..it is sooo hard. I should have never bought a house…I am stuck!! I would love to tell the mortgage people here’s the keys..good bye…I have had enough! I should have stayed where I was but that wasn’t an anwer either as I was stuck there, too.
Good to hear from you again. You should be very proud of yourself for taking the steps to investigate the job fair. It takes courage. A part-time job at the college could eventually turn into full time. If you show that you are a dependable capable employee, you would have a better chance to move to other jobs at the college as they become available. Also, your would be around interesting people. The dog grooming and work for assisted living sounds like you are thinking outside the box. Those jobs could fill in the gaps of a part time job. I’m verrrrrrry impressed with the steps and considerations you have made. I’m been praying for you and will continue to do so. Hugs!!!P-Dale
Can you be more specific with what you have done so far–what your exact education/experience is….and what you are thinking of going to school for?
I believe from other posts you may b e considering returning to school to get an ADN degree. My only hesitancy for you is — how is your physical health? Being a RN is a physically demanding job……if you think you can legitimately work another 10 years it may be worth it. But if your back/legs/arms arent strong, and if you dont have physical stamina…its risky.
No, additional debt at this stage of our lives is not a good thing. However, baby boomers will need a lot of health care. A nursing degree takes 2 years or so? That is more like it. But a doctor? hummm.
I’d really look at the numbers if I were you. Meaning the cost of school, what estimated income would be after completion, etc. (based on today’s salaries which I know will not be the same as in 3 years but you have to start somewhere). The numbers should tell you how much in debt and how long it would take to pay it off (estimated of course) and if future income is high enough to warrant the debt. If the numbers aren’t in your favor to go back to school, consider something else.
I went back to school at 55 — didn’t have a problem with tuition but was offered a scholarship. They are out there — try to find one!! Planning is important — !! Can you get credit for your life experience and training?? Will you go for the job that pays the most for the least amount of time? I saw psychologists still working at 80 and 85 and from wheelchairs – as long as the brain is still ticking over — so I chose that!! I know you are pursuing all avenues — and I’d suggest the first is to let scholarship pave the way. Maybe a chat with a career counselor at one of the Universities would help. Slowly, slowly catchee monkey — and get help. Debt wouldn’t be an ideal choice — but if it’s the only choice — ???
I am 78 now and have been happily working in my field for as many hours a week as I choose – after all – I still want to have a round or two of golf in the week.