Tips for making a career change (debt, job, pay, interest)

[mja1233]

Hey everyone!

I'm 25 years old, and I graduated with a BA in education two years ago in order to be a teacher. I had worked in classrooms and decided this is what I wanted to do in my freshman year. As I got ready to graduate, I started questioning this decision, but just went with it since I was basically about to graduate. I enrolled in my student teaching and absolutely hated it. I had many issues in my program, and decided to drop out after 3 months so I wasn't throwing all my money away. I took a lot of time working a desk job to decide if I wanted to try another program, or just find something different. I decided that I have no desire to teach in the public school system ( I'm in California), and after talking with several friends who are teaching, I stand by this decision. So, now, I'm trying to figure out what I should do. I considered being an academic advisor at the university level, however, most of them require a masters and the pay is quite low.

I have a lot of interests. I love nature, animals, environmental sciences, history, nutrition, and I do still like working with older students in an educational setting.

Some of the top career changes that have come to mind: geologist, registered dietician, academic advisor, speech pathologist, and school counselor.

Problems that come to mind:

Geologist: I would essentially have to go back to school for two or more years. I'm not strong in mathematics, and I would like to be able to live and work in the same area. I've heard most geologists travel more than they are home.

Registered dietician: I would have to go back to school. Internships are extremely competitive and does not allow students to work for a year. I also have different views on nutrition than the government promotes, and I would have a hard time feeding people crappy food if I worked in a school or hospital.

Academic advisor: requires a masters and pay is quite low.

Speech pathologist: I don't have much of an interest?

School counselor: seems like I would encounter similar issues as I would teaching. Would also have to go back to school for a credential.

With that said, I am open to going back to school. I just really want to be sure so I'm not going into more debt. I'm still paying off 15k, and intend to have it paid off by the time I decide to go back (if I do).

If anyone has any tips, I would be grateful! Thanks