Arnold Said:

what career do you recommend? i suck in mathematics but i'm extremely good at letters.?

We Answered:

A thought on math and Computer Science: Both universities I've attended had degrees in APPLIED Computer Science, which had most (though not all) the really hard math taken out (for example, nothing beyond Calculus 1 was required, and one could substitute Business Calculus instead, which is LOT easier--I've had both). Such a degree might be available to you.

Also, you might consider some sort of Business-C.S. hybrid. For example, one of the schools I attended had a Business degree with a concentration in Information Systems. If I remember correctly, students in this program studied some of the more fun aspects of C.S., such as programing, but without some of the nerdier aspects that put people off, such as advanced math.

I'm about to complete a degree in Accounting (a business degree) as I write this, and beyond Pre-Calculus Algebra, the only math courses I had to take were Business Statistics and Business Calculus. Nether were easy, but they weren't too bad, and that's coming from a guy who doesn't like math.

So I'm optimistic that you can find a Business or Computer Science degree that doesn't require anything worse than Business Calculus. Study "Calculus for Dummies" and "Calculus Workbook for Dummies," like I did, and you should be ok.

Unless you absolutely love History or Psychology and are outstanding in those areas, I believe you'll get a better paying job in Business or Computer Science. So I wouldn't be quick to give up on those areas.

Denise Said:

Is it crazy to even think about changing career....?

We Answered:

I changed careers at 40, I could not stand being an accountant one more minute, it was not rewarding for me, I dreaded having to go to work. I chose nursing which is something i always wanted to do. You might try an internet business for awhile and see if it is profitable and you can sustain yourself and your wife while you continue to work at your old job. This might give you a clue and an alternative source of income.

April Said:

Is it realistic for me to become a nurse?

We Answered:

I'm not a nurse but have taught nurses and have worked with them extensively. If you feel a call to career in nursing then go ahead.

Nurses are in high demand. Across the nation, the competition for seats in nursing schools is not nearly so strong as you imagine. Still, it would be good if you had some prior health care experience and if your application showed signs of dedication to the field.

There are three courses of study leading to the R.N. license. You can get a B.S. in nursing, an associate's degree in nursing, or complete an accredited hospital program. Of course, you will have to pass a government test to obtain a license as an R.N.

Your G.P.A. is fine. You will work hard and do well. Apply to several schools and you will likely get into one or another. Nurses that I know generally like their work, but many seem to change careers at some point. Many say they suffer with "burn-out."

The great thing about nursing is that nurses are in high demand in many areas. There are many types of jobs that require nurses. There's almost certainly something in the field that will suit you.

It's quite a switch from business, generally. You'll feel good moving to a profession that is bent on helping people rather than extracting money from them. May it go well with you.

Edward Said:

Welding? Machining? Both?

We Answered:

I have met very few machinists in my day that are not capable of welding also. Although both of them can be challenging, as well as rewarding, machining seems to be a better path. A master machinist can make very good money because they are specialized and diverse. Welding has always seemed rather tedious to me, and many people are able to do it (although many people are not certified). A good machinist is much harder to come by.

As far as I know, both are needed in the industry.

Working both jobs is very much feasible. Companies like to hire people with a lot of diversity. You will be more attractive as an employee with both degrees. If you can do both, then that saves them hiring someone else. I would recommend doing both. But if you do not have the time, then just go solely with machining. I truly believe you would just pick up welding along the way as a machinist, and it wouldn't be as easy the other way around.

Congrats on your upcoming kid. Good luck!

Everett Said:

Changing careers - drastic pay cut?

We Answered:

That is so funny I have been doing the same thing. I have been in my office 7 years as well. I just got my teacher certification but in the interinm while looking for a teaching job I can't take my office anymore. I will go insane! I have just put in my two weeks notice and am going to get a job in a preschool setting until a public school position opens for me. I will be taking a cut of about 40% but still a cut.

My grandma used to say "life is too short to dance with ugly men" I use that in all aspects including ugly jobs etc...

You have to love what you do when you wake up in the morning . Just learn where to make your cutbacks and deal with the loss of income... if you love what you do and can smile at the end of the day its worth it.