Do I go back to school to purse a career that I have no interest, but money? Reason: children & finances?

I am a married mother of two in my early 30's. My children are 8 and 11. My marriage has always been very unstable. We have been separated and back together more than once. One main reason why I have always fallen back is due to financial and companionship reasons. I have played and sometimes feel like I am playing the single parent role. My husband is always gone and atleast physically I am left to care for the children alone. Our relationship seems to be going well up until recently. I have discovered evidence that suggests that I still cannot trust him. My main concern is our children and finances. If I have to go back to the single parent role I want to have an occupation that I can make good money working part-time, but still have time for my children (for they are in a lot of activities and I want them to be well rounded and educated). I have been thinking of going to school for a couple of years to pursue a career in the medical field, but I have no real interest in it

Public Comments

1. You would be wasting your time. If you truly are not interested in that field, you probably will not do well in the classes. Even if you manage to do fairly well in the classes and are able to find a job in that area, you will be dissatisfied and that is something a lot of people bring home with them at the end of the day. By all means, go back to school - but only for something you are truly interested in making a career at.
2. just getting a regular job in a factory will save you a lot of money and time by not going to school. they have jobs that start earlier in the morning so you can still drop your kids off at school and get to work and get out by the time they are out or done with extracurriculars. you should get your own apartment and furniture and it will be tight, but you can survive on a budget of $2000/month at a regular job. you are going to have to make a few sacrifices but at least you will be in a happier place by yourself and your children a lot quicker and a lot happier you did not waste years of your life studying something you don't care to learn.
3. You are right in that you should pursue some course of action that will give you financial independence should you want to leave, because if you decide it's time to leave, and can't, that can sink you into depression. Now what type of career education should you pursue? I suggest something that you are both interested in and can make some money, in otherwords, don't major in poetry, no matter how much you like it. There is usually a ground level job in whatever field you are interested in, and if you get such a job the company may even pay for your school, sometimes all four years of schooling if it is a business degree. When you interview, tell them that you are looking for a job with possible advancement over the next couple years as you are going to further your education in the field with college courses. Next visit the college that you may be attending soon, and learn about their programs. If you are completely lost as to what may interest you, take the personality tests online that help steer you in the right direction for careers. Those tests are designed specifically for career choices. Also do anything that may help you become stronger emotionally. Make good dependable trustworthy friends. Work part-time anywhere, just get out and meet people and learn new skills and make some of your own money. Take care of your body and your spiritual side too. The point is to not let your husband's behavior bring you down also. And be wise with the finances, keep track of where all the money is going. Good luck! You can do it!