2 answers
Mikaela
Student
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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How do I begin the career search process when I already have a lot of student debt?
I am a science teacher looking for a career change. I’m still looking for what might be the best career for me. #career-choice
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2 answers
Tonya Stafford
Healthcare Manager
12
Answers
Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Updated
Tonya’s Answer
Hi Mikaela,
You should first see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness as a science teacher. This will help you to pay off student loan debt. Always check with your lender to see what is available for you.
Next, if you are looking for a career change. Look at the benefits that are offered. A lot of organization offers tuition reimbursement for future educational paths. There are a few that offer loan forgiveness as a benefit. Research the job industry that would best fit your desires and prepare for the change.
You should first see if you qualify for student loan forgiveness as a science teacher. This will help you to pay off student loan debt. Always check with your lender to see what is available for you.
Next, if you are looking for a career change. Look at the benefits that are offered. A lot of organization offers tuition reimbursement for future educational paths. There are a few that offer loan forgiveness as a benefit. Research the job industry that would best fit your desires and prepare for the change.
Sarah Bell
Human Resource Generalist
2
Answers
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Mikaela!
Although switching a career can be a daunting task especially if someone is in their mid 30s or later. It is not something we have to be afraid of. Sometimes when we are younger, we think we want a certain occupation and then we get stuck with student loans making us feel there is no way of escaping that career path. My advice to you would be to do some self reflection and see what types of work you would like to be apart of. Once you know some of the industries you would like to be a part of, then you have to look at the credentials needed for those occupations as well as the typical pay range. Once you have done that, then you have to decide which occupations would be beneficial to switch to based on how quickly you would be able to pay of the debt from switching occupations. Taking classes at community colleges could be beneficial due to the low cost. Another option would be online classes which would allow you to continue working to pay off current debt while going back to school for new occupation. This is never an easy task, but is worth it in the end! Good luck!
Although switching a career can be a daunting task especially if someone is in their mid 30s or later. It is not something we have to be afraid of. Sometimes when we are younger, we think we want a certain occupation and then we get stuck with student loans making us feel there is no way of escaping that career path. My advice to you would be to do some self reflection and see what types of work you would like to be apart of. Once you know some of the industries you would like to be a part of, then you have to look at the credentials needed for those occupations as well as the typical pay range. Once you have done that, then you have to decide which occupations would be beneficial to switch to based on how quickly you would be able to pay of the debt from switching occupations. Taking classes at community colleges could be beneficial due to the low cost. Another option would be online classes which would allow you to continue working to pay off current debt while going back to school for new occupation. This is never an easy task, but is worth it in the end! Good luck!