Less Than 2 years Career Ideas (IT job, applying, degree, paralegal)

[INTN]

I'm not really getting anywhere on the job front. I have an AS as a paralegal and am one class shy of my BA in a stupid subject - took this, because I have taken the majority of science classes planning for graduate school, which I might eventually get to go to, but for now, due to family financial situation and a child's med. condition it's not an option.

So, I'm looking for practical, jobs available, training affordable, pays at least $15/hr options. Ideally, I'd like training to be less than a year.

Some things I've considered:

I've considered massage therapy training - it's less than six months. I see lots of jobs for them in my area, but I realize they don't make a lot. With this I was thinking it is flexible and something I could do alongside another job if I have to.

I'm trying to find out about a concentration in database design and development the local CC is offering. I'm not sure if this is the same as database administrator. I'm thinking it's probably like an entry level version.

If I could find some sort of system analyst training that would be great, but the only school I've found around here is private and $$$$ and will definitely take longer than a year, but the payoff on this degree is something to consider.

I've considered trades like mechanic or plumber, but my husband is against those. I thought having a practical skill would be great and again, there is always the possiblity of side work or one's own business down the road.

I also can't have a career that involves lots of travel or strange hours, because my husband works away from home a lot and we have children.

I'm asking for any suggestions. Thank you.

[littleelvis]

I have a lot of careers I could mention but many would involve paying your dues at night or on weekends. What are your long term goals? You went to school for something so what would you like to do if you could?

You listed some very different jobs. From massage therapy to some pretty high paying IT jobs to skilled trades. It seems you are confused by what to do period.

[INTN]

Not confused, just realistic. When I say not confused, I mean I no longer really care WHAT as long as it has a real payoff. I am confused as to what actually WILL have a payoff.

[FarNorthDallas]

Did you try getting a job as a paralegal?

[Hopes]

I'm confused.

How can you not financially afford to take the remaining class to finish you BA but you can affrod to start an entirely different education program that takes two years?

IfI assure you that being able to put on a resume that you've completed a bachelor's degree is worthy--even if you start something entirely new.


Good paying careers that take two years of schooling:

Nursing

Ultrasound Tech.

Respiratory Therapy

Police Officer

Paramedic


And what's up with having a husband who won't let you go into a trade? I've never understood marriages where a spouses dictate like that.

[SOON2BNSURPRISE]

Finish the last class.

[littleelvis]

Originally Posted by Hopes

I'm confused.

How can you not financially afford to take the remaining class to finish you BA but you can affrod to start an entirely different education program that takes two years?

This is a good question. Answer?

[INTN]

Perhaps, I wasn't clear. I can and will be taking the last test, it's a DSST exam. But, I've been putting the BA on my resume and it's not getting me anywhere.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by INTN

Perhaps, I wasn't clear. I can and will be taking the last test, it's a DSST exam. But, I've been putting the BA on my resume and it's not getting me anywhere.

What's your BA degree in? What type of jobs are you applying? How old are you? Do you have any work experience at all? We need details.

[littleelvis]

Whatever you are going to do its going to take some sacrifice to do it. It seems to me you are looking for a career and not just a job. I was in the same boat 12 years ago and took a leap. I took a huge cut in pay, worked crappy hours and did what I had to do to get the experience to get where I am now. It sucked going through it but I am very thankful to have done it now. By the way I had kids and a house so say it can't be done. It can!!!

You are all over the place with the type of job. Would you enjoy doing any of the things listed. I work with Database administrators and System Analysts. Are you that type of person. Do you like sitting at a desk all day punching away on a keyboard?


You are not going to get the IT jobs listed based on schooling. You need experience to land a job like that. You will be starting help desk jobs to gain expereince to get to that point.

Skilled trades has a huge waiting list of people waiting for apprenticeships and with the economy the way its been I have a lot of friends who can't find work right now.