Alan Said:

Do I need to change careers? Help me make a choice.(current job I'm under alot of stress, and it's dangerous)

We Answered:

You must follow what your body is telling you. If you feel you want to leave the job for a new one, then go for it. No one is making you stay at a job. Plus high stress will leave to health problems in the future, especially when you are 60 or older.

Carol Said:

Need to change careers in a small town.?

We Answered:

Hoping that Social Security is still in tact, the minimum retirement age for folks our age is 67. An additional 3 years wouldn't make that much difference. I, too, am a state employee and, like you, will need to work until I'm 70 for full retirement benefits.

But that's not what you're asking. A career change . . . hmmm. Are you soured on all teaching or just Special Ed? How difficult would it be to get a straight K-12 (or K-8; 6-12; etc) certificate? What about teaching at a community college?

You could really take a risk and put all your efforts into your music. You might not have the security of the regular paycheck that teaching provides, but if you're doing something that feeds your soul, it might totally be worth the sacrifice!

Good luck to you!