Thanks in advance for you advice. Not sure what to do. I recently posted a topic on this site titled,"Please Help" (Single Fathers) explaining my situation. At the moment, I am 45 years old living in Texas and deperately, want to see my children in Pittsburgh. I am unemployed and thinking of becoming a truck driver, in hopes of seeing them regularly.
However, I am having doubts, not sure, if this is the best thing to do. Six years ago, I attended college full time and earned 83 credits toward a BS, not soon after that, my ex's job was transferred from York, PA to Pittsburgh. I then became a stay at home dad, and never went back to school. I've since divorced and have no skills for today's job market. Just recently, I obtained a CDL permit and now, I am looking for truck companies that offer student training. However, I have doubts that this is the best, I can do for my future and that of my children( not living with me) I know, I have to support myself and also, want to support them. My question to you, Am I kidding myslef? in thinking that college is a viable or resonable choice for me at point in my life? What do you think?

Jorge,
I am not a forty something single dad but a forty something single mom. With 80+ credits ... you are so close!!! Yes go back to school. I just started from scratch at forty. I have 117 credits left to go. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel .. finally.
Truck driving may get you a chance to see your kids occasionally. MAYBE. If you get the right route and being a newbie you probably will not get the ones you want.
However, think of how your children will feel when you tell them you are going back to school to make things better for all of you. You will be much more "marketable" when you are finished. The reality is that when we graduated high school it only took a high school diploma. Now it takes a bachelors degree to get past entry level positions and employers are looking for recently trained people.
Go for it... it is scary but worth it.
Carla

Jorge,
Good to see you sticking around here. Carla is right about school, don't see why you couldn't finish getting that degree. Or maybe even check into some of the trade schools, they usually have accelerated training if there was one of those that appealed to you. In the meantime, hopefully you can even find some labor work or something, it'll help keep your mind occupied and the income wouldn't hurt
I assume you are still calling the kids regularly?
Don

Jorge,

College, in my opinion, is never a waste of time.

I have been in fast food management for the past eight years and I want out. I don't have the skills I need to switch careers. The computer era happened without me.

You can do anything that you set your mind to do. You will have a place in your children's lives. No matter where you are.

I started college and attended for five years and have about 63 credits. I had to quit because I couldn't go to school, manage a restaurant full time and raise my daughter. It was too much. I am planning on going back to school in the fall.

Time is going to pass. If you have the time and resources to go, then go. Five years from now, I don't want to look back and say, "I should have...." . I'm kinda doing that right now.

You can do anything you set your mind to do. Everything takes time. That's the hard part. But it can be done.

You will have a place in your children's lives because that is what you want and are striving for. They already have a place for you in their hearts. Just keep up the communication. Please. Call them when you can, write them. Don't forget bithdays or holidays. And always tell them the truth and keep them updated on what is going on. They will feel more part of your life.

My ex lives in Texas and he has no contact with my daughter at all. He hasn't for the past 12 years. She gets upset about it more than she lets on. I don't think it would matter to her that he lives in another state if only he would keep contact. It would make her feel important to him.

I wish the best for you. Just keep on going on. You will get there!

Michelle

Jorge,
I went back to school in January and I will be 54 in June. It's never too late! Have faith in yourself. You can do it. Just picture your kids faces as you go about doing what you need to do. You need to get things straight for yourself as well as your children, also you sound a bit depressed. Check out your local mental health providers, if you are a vet go to the VA hospital and be evaluated for depression. It nothing wrong with asking for help. God bless

[QUOTE]Hi, It's never too late. Im 40 and went back to school...life changing career. I have two children, whom I are now living with their dad and stepmother, so that I could attend college full time. I will be done in January with an Associates Degree. It will not only better yourself but better the life of your children. Im not saying it's easy, but it will worth the time...especially to double your income. Stay strong and move forward. This will also encourage your children to go to college or a trade school. Best of luck and GOD BLESS YOU!