I think I have finally realized what I want to do... I have been working at my job for a little while now, and I absolutely love it. I love waking up every morning to go to work. And I feel like I cant get enough hours, even though Im already working 40!
I had always said, "Im going to med school." And I finally realized that I was just talking. I never knew what I would do related to the medical field, and I wasn't excited about it. I always tried to figure how to tie medical with children. Pediatrics isn't for me because I don't get one on one, they aren't "my" kids.
I have decided to switch majors to Early Childhood Education with a minor in Child Psychology. I love kids. I love working with them, and their individual personalities. Especially K-5. It is always a new day with them.
I know that is a huge jump and financially the salary just doesn't compare. But I don't care about that. Is that wrong? I want to work in a career that I love going to everyday. Not many people can say that.. And Im an afterschool teacher already, just not certified and with degree. I dont physically teach them, but it is more like a daycare and we help with their homework.
And with Df, I should be able to get a job practically anywhere right? They need teachers.. at least that was my understanding.
Am I doing the right thing?

Your doing the right thing if you love it that much! Follow your heart sweety & good luck!:yes

I too struggled with something similar....all of my life I was either going into forensic science or Vet school.....until my sophomore year in college. When I really took a hard look at myself and tried to figure out what really makes me happy and would want to do and enjoy it so much. Thats when I realized I needed to work with children. So here I am, graduated in Jan. with an Elementary Educ. major (P-5) and a science emphasis.
Now I'm not currently teaching, because we are waiting until he gets home from deployment and we really get our lives settled.

So it sounds like you really enjoy it, and you definitely need to do what you enjoy and will feel good about. So good luck!! Its a great profession IMO.

Good luck. It's a thankless job but I love it.

my philosophy is do what you love. sounds like you are on the right track :)

Just like meeee!!! PM me if you wanna talk!! :hugehug

i was a teacher. i am no longer for many reasons, but don't get discouraged. sure, you can get a job anywhere if you know that state's certification procedures. it's not hard to transfer from state to state. i went from PA to VA easily. 2 pieces of advice:

if you don't like student teaching, don't worry, it gets better!
RESEARCH a school before you accept a position. the farther north you go, the more progressive it is and the more it pays (at least on the east coast) you can make a decent salary in the right areas.

go for it and good luck!!

Money doesn't matter if you can't wake up everyday and love what you do. :) I used to have people ask me WHY in the world I would want to be a teacher since the salary is so crappy. Yea, it is, but life isn't ALL about money!

Do what you know in your heart you WANT to do! :) Good luck :hugs

You are doing what you want to do. Good luck. :)