Can anyone help me with this career decision?

Question

I am about to make a very important decision regarding my future. I want to work in a profession that involves helping others, preferably children. I have it narrowed down to education and health-care, though I don't know of a particular career in health-care that would involve working with children. I want to pursue my schooling on-line since it would benefit me better and help save on transportation costs. I have looked into Kaplan University for the Health and Wellness degree, but do not know what would be a great health-care job for me. Then I looked into Western Governor's University for the education part, and it seemed real good, but don't know how accredited they are in regards to employers. I know I want a career that is based on good wages, above $30,000 a year, good working hours, great benefits, no weekends, no 2nd or 3rd shift, and a family-friendly environment. All I'm asking is for someone to help me as much as they can on making the best possible decision that will enable me to move forward in life instead of a stand still. Please do not send me spam or anything non-related to my question because I have reported in the past. I am an honest person who cares about everyone and I would hope to get the same respect in return. Thank you and god bless.

Answer 1

I am somewhat in the same dilemma as you are . I have tried to answer your question based on some steps that I have taken as of date.  

*Please do an honest individual assessment on career interest*- This assessment can be done by self evaluation based on your current strengths or with a professional career coach who can walk you through this assessment process. This assessment will help better  evaluate your real interest in a career. sounds like you have already done this to narrow down your search.

*Ask if you can volunteer in any of these industries you have narrowed" That is go to a potential health organization near your place or a childcare/school district. Talk to them casually to see if they will allow you to volunteer for a week or talk to someone who is willing to give information on that industry* Trust me there are a lot of willing people to give inputs on their current job/industry. This is another good way to assess and evaluate about the propects of this industry even before you enroll in a program.

*Review all job openings either in newspaper or monster in the chosen industry and check out the responsiblities for a job position*. This information will help you further narrow down on specific educational qualification for a future job*.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I applaud your decision to go into either education or health-care.  My personal belief would be in the field of health care with children.  Have you considered child psychology.  Few consider the mental health of children, especially those under the age of 12.  (We all know teen-agers have mental issues *grin*).  

Education is a field where the teacher no longer has the one on one concern for the student as there was when I went to school.  Schools are over crowded and it seems as though if a child is not encouraged to learn and ask questions at an early age, their quest for knowledge dies until it's time for college.

No one can choose your career decision except you but, hopefully I've given a couple other options to consider.