Jason
Switching careers?
I'm 42 and a little apprehensive about making a career change. I have four children and as they get older it is becoming more financially difficult at my current position. I have read that #Anthropology is a good field to go into, but not if someone is interested in making money. As old as I am, is it really cost effective for me to pursue an anthropology degree and accumulate additional debt from school?
3 answers
Benjamin Larson
Benjamin’s Answer
I went back to school at 38 and it allowed me to switch careers at 41. In my case, I managed to make more money with the career change. However, I realized that the extra money was a gamble and I was willing to live with the extra debt even if the new job didn't offset the cost.
Here was how I looked at it: People will go into debt to buy a sports car or a boat or a vacation home to make them happy. In reality, they get to spend a couple weeks a year enjoying these purchases if they are lucky. So your taking out a loan to make you happy 50 weeks out of the year because you will be happier at your new job.
Nicole Spriggs-Maxie
Nicole’s Answer
What are my interests, skillset, professional goals?
What level of education and or training do I need to complete in order to reach my goals? How much work experience does the desired position require? How much will I earn in the desired position?
TIPS
• Look at job boards to get an idea of current hiring trends
• Talk to others within field and listen to their career path stories
• Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website, (BLS.GOV) Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Research at least 3-5 schools (tuition, prerequisites, class schedules, student resources)
Carolyn Kiel
Carolyn’s Answer
Getting a new or advanced degree won't always help you change careers: it really depends on the degree, field of study, the school, your career goals, & what job opportunities are available in your area! For example, why do you want to go into anthropology? (If you're just interested in learning more about it, there are free and affordable online anthropology courses available on Udemy.com and ocw.mit.edu .) What kinds of jobs interest you that require a college or graduate degree in anthropology? (If you're not sure, then go on LinkedIn.com, search for people who have anthropology degrees and see what kind of jobs they are doing.) Before you make the time and financial investment to go back to school, answering these questions for yourself will help you confirm that an anthropology degree will actually help you get a job you like.