41 years old and still clueless about what to do with my life

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am missing out who is doing your housecleaning, cooking, paying bills, Xmas cards, planning kid parties, play dates, religious classes, sports, making kids lunches, helping kids homework, walking and feeding dog, managing house repairmen. kids dr appointments? My wife was busy in that 9-3 window everyday when kids in elementary school. If not a well deserved nap.

My wife when 41 and kids in elementary school did get bored being SAHM her answer was to have another baby at 42.

heh

[Anonymous]

I've posted this a few times on different threads, but even as a professional you can still feel lost. I was there when my business partnership turned toxic and then we dissolved the business to run our own businesses.

I was demoralized, couldn't find the passion and felt completely lost. I attended this seminar and it went through a series of questions to help me remind my passion. I highly recommend it: rajikamahan.com/workshop

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am missing out who is doing your housecleaning, cooking, paying bills, Xmas cards, planning kid parties, play dates, religious classes, sports, making kids lunches, helping kids homework, walking and feeding dog, managing house repairmen. kids dr appointments? My wife was busy in that 9-3 window everyday when kids in elementary school. If not a well deserved nap.

My wife when 41 and kids in elementary school did get bored being SAHM her answer was to have another baby at 42.

Haha I love this satire… or are you being serious? What a snow job your SAHW did in your.

Busy for 6 hours EVERY DAY doing that?

[Anonymous]

I'm 45 and in graduate school. Lots of older people do this, don't be embarrassed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 45 and in graduate school. Lots of older people do this, don't be embarrassed.

Not OP, but curious, what are you studying?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered substitute teaching? It’s definitely not an office job and you wouldn’t have to commit to every day.

Possibly the worse suggestion ever. Are you aware that there are droves of teachers leaving the profession? Experienced teachers who are so burned out by kids’ behavior and academic problems following covid? And somehow you’re suggesting that this sahm should become a sub?! Ok

[Anonymous]

Do you think you would be fulfilled working with people with disabilities? Such a huge need right now but the pay is not good in the beginning so most people just jump ship as soon as they can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered substitute teaching? It’s definitely not an office job and you wouldn’t have to commit to every day.

Possibly the worse suggestion ever. Are you aware that there are droves of teachers leaving the profession? Experienced teachers who are so burned out by kids’ behavior and academic problems following covid? And somehow you’re suggesting that this sahm should become a sub?! Ok

The burnt out teacher has entered the chat.

Leave PP alone. I think it is a viable suggestion for a sahm with a masters degree who wants to explore. As a parent, I would prefer a kind sahm substitute rather than districts cancelling school or shifting to remote options because they could not find substitute teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered substitute teaching? It’s definitely not an office job and you wouldn’t have to commit to every day.

Possibly the worse suggestion ever. Are you aware that there are droves of teachers leaving the profession? Experienced teachers who are so burned out by kids’ behavior and academic problems following covid? And somehow you’re suggesting that this sahm should become a sub?! Ok

The burnt out teacher has entered the chat.

Leave PP alone. I think it is a viable suggestion for a sahm with a masters degree who wants to explore. As a parent, I would prefer a kind sahm substitute rather than districts cancelling school or shifting to remote options because they could not find substitute teachers.

Of course you would prefer a ‘kind sahm substitute’ but it’s not what’s best for her is it?

I’m actually not a teacher myself but I truly feel sorry for what our teachers are up against in the current state of our public schools. How could a ‘kind sahm’ handle it if real teachers can’t even do it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you think you would be fulfilled working with people with disabilities? Such a huge need right now but the pay is not good in the beginning so most people just jump ship as soon as they can.

This is OP - how would I go about exploring something like this? My past work experience is analytical government work so I don’t have any background…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you think you would be fulfilled working with people with disabilities? Such a huge need right now but the pay is not good in the beginning so most people just jump ship as soon as they can.

This is OP - how would I go about exploring something like this? My past work experience is analytical government work so I don’t have any background…

Many agencies for the disabled adults have group homes or day programs. They are usually always hiring staff; it’s not always the best conditions, you may have less than ideal coworkers and pay is not good. But the people who are helping are awesome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you think you would be fulfilled working with people with disabilities? Such a huge need right now but the pay is not good in the beginning so most people just jump ship as soon as they can.

This is OP - how would I go about exploring something like this? My past work experience is analytical government work so I don’t have any background…

They take anyone-- even those without highschool diplomas! Look for autism centers. They will even train you on the job (some people have made it a second career--- I know someone who rose so fast from technician to therapist to VP).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have you considered substitute teaching? It’s definitely not an office job and you wouldn’t have to commit to every day.

Possibly the worse suggestion ever. Are you aware that there are droves of teachers leaving the profession? Experienced teachers who are so burned out by kids’ behavior and academic problems following covid? And somehow you’re suggesting that this sahm should become a sub?! Ok

The burnt out teacher has entered the chat.

Leave PP alone. I think it is a viable suggestion for a sahm with a masters degree who wants to explore. As a parent, I would prefer a kind sahm substitute rather than districts cancelling school or shifting to remote options because they could not find substitute teachers.

Of course you would prefer a ‘kind sahm substitute’ but it’s not what’s best for her is it?

I’m actually not a teacher myself but I truly feel sorry for what our teachers are up against in the current state of our public schools. How could a ‘kind sahm’ handle it if real teachers can’t even do it?

With patience and respect that these are children who deserve an education.

[Anonymous]

Have you ever thought about teaching adult basic education or GED classes? I'm a certified teacher and did this part time while I stayed home with my kids, but many of my coworkers were not certified. VCU used to also offer free training once you were hired to teach adult ed. There may be something similar through another school now. It was truly one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done. People who come to adult programs are typically very motivated, though have some serious obstacles to overcome. In the DC area, you often have students who are recent immigrants as well. I remember having adult students bring their children's homework to me so I could explain it to them so they could then help their own kids. I see myself doing this again on the back end of my career. Adult ed positions are typically part time, but that might be perfect for you!

[Anonymous]

https://valrc.org/pd-opportunities/

Here is the organization through VCU that offers the training. It's been restructured a bit, but it looks like they still offer training of some sort. It was a certification program when I did it.

You mentioned wanting to work with those less fortunate, so this might be possible route.