OT needing some mature career women's advice-

I've been reading ST for years and had an account for awhile, but chose to delete it after an online bully made a very cruel comment on one of my posts (didn't want to engage with them, or just leave it there.)So, this is a new account, but I'm not new, and am a mother/stepmother (though I don't call myself a stepmother IRL).

I've seen a lot of smart women post on here, and answer posts- women that have been through it all, made some wise life changes, matured both personally and professionally, and are now in a position to give advice. I really need some guidance!

As a 36 year old mom, who has two music degrees and is now working as a secretary, it's time to find a 2nd career.

In my 20's, getting my bachelor's and master's in music, people told me that I was good enough to go into performance, and to forget teaching...well, now what I'm qualified for is just about nothing, though I owe LOTS in student loans. I can either give private lessons out of my home, work as an adjunct prof with no job security and salary low enough to qualify for food stamps, or do what I'm doing now- low paid office work.

I chose the low paid office work because it's near my home, great health insurance for my family, and it's a secure job. I also hate teaching, and even though it would pay more per/hour to do home lessons, it's hard to get and keep students.

But this job isn't enough for me- there's no way to move up in the agency I work the desk in because I'm not a therapist or social worker, I can only hope for a small raise in the future, and the office manager is young, and is not going anywhere. I want a leadership/management position that is high paying enough that I won't need anyone's help.

So, sorry this is getting so long, but I've analyzed my strengths and interests, and I think that I'd be great in Human Resources. Research seems to indicate that it's a field that will be growing for the next several years. So, I found out an MBA is needed, and my only option is online, so that I can keep working. I'm afraid I'll be at a disadvantage due to having an online degree, but possibly will be able to move up into HR in this agency, and get some experience before applying for something bigger.

So, right now, I'm reasearching online MBA programs, and am not sure what to look for as far as doing the appropriate curriculum for HR management, and making sure it's a really reputable one.

At the moment, I'm taking advantage of my employer's offered "essential learning continuing education" courses that are online. I take anything that has to do with workplace communications, leadership, coaching and mentoring, etc. I have no idea whether this will help me at all, but there are 1,000's of 1-2 credit courses that I can take for free.

Anyone care to tell your story, about a 2nd career, what you did and how your life changed? Any advice for me?

Sorry this was long and maybe boring for some, but I know there are women on this site who went through this, and I'd love to hear from you!

growing's blog
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Comments

I'm the queen of career

I'm the queen of career change and think that every change I've made has put me closer to where I am now. I now make a 6 figure salary with the ability to more than double it based on my performance. I'm 40.

That being said, I worked retail in HS. I went to college for one year, then stopped and went to beauty school. I did hair for another 5 years while going back to college. I finished college, became a teacher, had my kids, stayed home for a while but then decided to open a franchise gym, sold it, then sold real estate, then... ended up divorcing my exH and had 3 kids under age 5. I couldn't sell real estate with the kids schedule without a partner at home in the evenings/ weekends.

So... I got a "real" job, (LOL, entry level corporate job) and worked my way up. I'm at my 4th company since my divorce. People always told me I was crazy for moving jobs, changing, etc but I think each position taught me different things and ultimately have all contributed to where I am now.

One thing I learned is that if you are at a good company, they will ALWAYS move people up from entry level positions if you volunteer, show initiative and contribute above and beyond.

Working the way up, is what I

Working the way up, is what I wished I'd done from the beginning- thank you for your story! Opening a gym is actually in my background, too! It seems that you can really add your experiences together and make them relevant if you are creative and work hard.

and that last sentence is

and that last sentence is very encouraging.

I'll second this. I work in

I'll second this. I work in this industry as well and many of the higher ups in HR do not have advanced degrees but they hold certificates or specialties.

I don't think an MBA is the best choice - both given your time, finances, family, etc.

Thank you so much, I'm so new

Thank you so much, I'm so new in thinking about this, I didn't know there was an HR certificate!

Yes, I learned the hard way that advanced degrees don't go far- education is once again becoming only for the wealthy, who can afford to not make $ for awhile and just spend and spend....and I'd love to be able to go back in time and never take out those loans!

Will look into the certificate!