Kelly
Is it possible to pursue a career in teaching, and then later in life, a career in nursing?
I'm the kind of person that wants to save the world in a thousand different ways - which makes picking a career exceptionally difficult. I don't know if I could ever pick just one career for the rest of my life. So I've considered becoming a teacher for several years (as in, more than a decade), and then eventually going back to school to become a nurse. However, anytime I mention this idea to my friends, they all say it sounds implausible, and that I should pick one career path. This is extremely discouraging and I fear I won't get fulfillment out of my life. Any advice? #college #career #teaching #nurse #career-change
3 answers
Liza Sighinolfi
Liza’s Answer
You absolutely can pick a direction and work in that area for a while, then make a change. You will likely need to go back to school to get more education. People often have a 2nd career after they are done with their first.
Thanks for answering!
Sheila Jordan
Sheila’s Answer
Yes, you can do both by working in one field for a length of time and then make a change. I personally have a doctor who shared with me years ago that she taught school for several years and realized that medicine was her passion. She went back to school and is now in the medical field seeing patients. Don't get discouraged; stay focused and follow your passion. You'll be glad that you did. Best of luck to you on your journey! 😉
~ Sheila
Kevin Johnson
Kevin’s Answer
Have you thought about going through with your plan, but in reverse? Get your nursing credentials and then, after gaining some experience, teaching within that field? Nurses need teachers, too! Nursing schools are always hurting for clinical instructors, and taking on, say, an adjunct faculty position at a community college, typically doesn't require a teaching degree, and allows you to keep working within your field of expertise.
The trouble with your original plan is that you've picked two career fields that typically require lengthy and expensive certification... and then require continuing education in order to stay certified. Going back to school for a complete career change after a decade in the workforce is certainly not impossible, but it is very, very difficult. Marriage, children, and shifting financial circumstances all play a role, too.
Nearly all career fields, however, have a need for good instructors, teachers, and mentors within those fields - in other words, you do not have to have a teaching degree and work in a classroom in order to teach something worthwhile. I'm a commercial pilot, and never envisioned myself as a teacher, but I spent six years as a flight instructor, both at a university and in as a civilian contractor for the military. It turned out to be some of the most satisfying work I've ever done.
In other words, it is possible (and probably desirable) for you to have a "second career" as a teacher without doing anything so disruptive and expensive as actually switching careers. Look for teaching opportunities at any job you ever have - I guarantee that they are out there!