Hello everyone.I haven't been here in awhile but I broke down and got a computer from a friend.Hope this one will last long enough for me to make some friends here.I've posted before about returning to college but at the last minute couldn't do it,finances,work,couldn't get transcripts together,everything fell through.I'm considering it again but I'm so confused about it.Is it too late in my life to make drastic changes?I'm 41 and have an 11 year old son.We live with my mother,which is good because neither of us could make it on our own.I work as a housekeeper in a hospital and I'm not even making it check to check.I get no help from the state and none from the father.The father isn't in the picture except for a few phone calls a year.I am so miserable at my job.I work and come home.Other than going to my sons ballgames I have no social life.I was thinking back the other day,which I tend to do alot,that it has been about 9 years since I've had a date.I mean movies,dinner,kissing,holding hands,***,NOTHING.How pathetic is that.But that's for a whole different post---lol.Anyway,my mother isn't going to be around forever and what then........I can't get by on what I make for me much less my son too.Should I think about taking some online courses or is it to late to make things better.I've always tried to put my son and his needs first,hence the no dating part,things should be better than this.I was thinking maybe something clerical or maybe pharmacy tech or medical transcriptionist.At 41 is there still time to change things and make a better life for my son----and for me.I'm open to any advice or words of wisdom that I know SFV members are famous for.I honestly didn't intend to go on and on like this but it's like talking to friends here and I could really use a friend about now.Thank you all for taking the time to read my ramblings ,your advice is greatly needed and appreciated.

Words of Wisdom, no problem

My opinion on this is that whatever you do, it sounds from what you're saying, that it's high time you did something FOR YOURSELF.
I believe, whatever you do for yourself, will also have a positive (long term) effect on your son. For example, if you meet a man, and decide you love each other, you may think you're stealing the time with that man from the time you should give to your son...true short term, and yes, there might be conflicts in the beginning. But in the longer term, your son will see that his Mom is HAPPY, and that his Mom is a respected and loved woman. Same thing if you decide to go back to school. You will provide the best example possible to your son. This is education to me.
Be selfish !
Dew

Thank you for your words of wisdom Dew.Maybe I do need to be a little bit selfish.I can't remember the last time I did something just for me.Getting a degree as been something I've always wanted to do.Thanks,I'll give what you've said alot of thought.

Here is a list of online B.A and B.S degrees for accredited Universities...
They do take Finacial Aid.

http://singleparentsnetwork.com/cgi-shop/jump.cgi?ID=567

Thanks Robin,I'll check them out.This is such a great site,everyone is so nice and willing to help each other out.I am so glad I found this forum,I feel as though I have made tons of new friends. :lovesfv: :thanks:

You can get the degree. I just finished school after going for 8 years part time. I got my associates with honors and my bachelors with honors. This was all while working full time and working with my church teaching sunday school and bible drill.

You can do this. I live with my mother also for the same reasons you do. She watched my kids while I was at school. It was a long haul but I did it.

Does your hospital give tuition reimbursement? Some employers do. While you are working on your degree you should look into moving into the clerical side of the job. If they know you are going to school they may be willing to give you a better job since they see you are making an effort to improve yourself.

What part of tennessee are you in? I am in Nashville.

Hi Yvette,
Thanks for your words of encouragement.It is such a big step to take and I'm still trying to work it all out.I think my biggest hurdle is that I don't have enough confidence in myself to do it,I'm working on this though and hopefully I can overcome it.The hospital I work at does offer reinbursement and I'm checking into it.
I'm in Lafollette,about 30 miles from knoxville.

You can do it! This is the thing that will give you a sense of accomplishment like you would not believe! I know you can do it! :lovehearts:

Don't let anything stop you! The school will provide an advisor so pick thier brain, make them help you figure out a way to get it done!

I have never been in the Knoxville area but we have an office there. I keep hoping I will be able to bring the kids to Gatlinburg for the holidays one year.

:huggies: This hug is to get you started. Let me know if you need anymore! LOL