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What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 1:36:28 PM
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ShallbeRebuilt
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Many of us are job hunting or looking to change careers. Thing is, lots of us have skills and abilities that would fit many different job descriptions.
Come here and post your degree, your skills and abilities, etc.; others can come and post ideas for other careers/jobs that would match.
shallbe
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 1:43:06 PM
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ShallbeRebuilt
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I'll go first...
I am a widow, 48, with children to support, going to school to get a degree. I chose to get a music degree because that's what all my former credits were in. I will finish up in Dec. 09, Lord willing.
I have been a widow for 10 years. I have homeschooled for more than 20 years, been a good wife and mother, coordinated many events and performances. I'm a good seamstress and cook. I'm the music director at my church, which involves lots of different duties including directing the choir, ordering music, handling the sound system, etc.
I don't expect to get a job in the field of music around here unless I get one as an elementary school music teacher and then I will have to get an emergency certification. If that's what God opens up, that's fine, but I don't think I'd like it or be good at it, and I don't think it would pay enough.
However, just because I have a degree in music doesn't mean I have to work in the field of music. I already have a lot of private students that I teach--I can keep doing that to supplement my income, and I really enjoy it.
I don't think I can move--my elderly parents live across the street and will need me someday soon to care for them. God may have other ideas, but I feel that I must remain available to them for now. Besides, I love my house.
I'd like to continue my education, but that will depend on finances. Someday I think it would be awesome to teach at the college level.
So what jobs/careers could I be successful in with the talent/skills/training I have from my music degree and life experiences? When I open up the classifieds, what area of employment should I look at first?
shallbe
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SHALLBE’S BATTY BELFRY
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 4:00:29 PM
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creationtalk
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quote:
I'd like to continue my education, but that will depend on finances. Someday I think it would be awesome to teach at the college level.
Most of the time, teaching on the college level requires a Ph.D. You need to ask yourself if you really want to do that much work...for a degree that you may never use.
You may want to consider shifting your focus to some business courses or a technical school, not suggesting you change your major, simply add in more courses that have a wider applicability. It sounds like you would do well as an office manager, where you need to keep track of several different things and organize, etc.
If you are a skilled seamstress, you could also look into altering clothing on a consignment basis through some of the more high end clothing shops or a wedding/party planning shop. You could also do it freelance.
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 8:09:19 PM
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rgod
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ShallbeRebuilt
I'll go first...
I am a widow, 48, with children to support, going to school to get a degree. I chose to get a music degree because that's what all my former credits were in. I will finish up in Dec. 09, Lord willing.
I have been a widow for 10 years. I have homeschooled for more than 20 years, been a good wife and mother, coordinated many events and performances. I'm a good seamstress and cook. I'm the music director at my church, which involves lots of different duties including directing the choir, ordering music, handling the sound system, etc.
I don't expect to get a job in the field of music around here unless I get one as an elementary school music teacher and then I will have to get an emergency certification. If that's what God opens up, that's fine, but I don't think I'd like it or be good at it, and I don't think it would pay enough.
However, just because I have a degree in music doesn't mean I have to work in the field of music. I already have a lot of private students that I teach--I can keep doing that to supplement my income, and I really enjoy it.
I don't think I can move--my elderly parents live across the street and will need me someday soon to care for them. God may have other ideas, but I feel that I must remain available to them for now. Besides, I love my house.
I'd like to continue my education, but that will depend on finances. Someday I think it would be awesome to teach at the college level.
So what jobs/careers could I be successful in with the talent/skills/training I have from my music degree and life experiences? When I open up the classifieds, what area of employment should I look at first?
shallbe
Hmmm ... depending on the part of the country you live in there are a number of things that you can do. Pretty much anywhere, you could start preparing yourself to go into music therapy or speech therapy (your concentration is in voice yes?). You could still work for the school system or see private clients or work for a hospital or rehabilitation center. It would require a master's degree. If you want to teach at the college level, I'd encourage you to go for it. You might not need a PhD - you might be able to do it with an MFA (you'd have to check) although that might limit some of your possibilities. Even with a master's degree, you might be able to pick up some teaching gigs at the community college level. Maybe, if you teach, funding for additional education will open as well through your job.
I work with lots of performers who have a similar background to yours. So, if you are in an area where there are opportunities for that, you could actually use your talent. But, those jobs don't usually pay very well and people usually have a second gig. But I do know some people who do make a living doing it - although they do have to be a bit careful about how they spend money - but who doesn't these days! You could also do studio work, backup singing - you probably sight read really well and once you get into the loop - you might be able to supplement your income. Or, you could look into doing voice overs if you have a bit of an acting background. (You've probably got a very good voice that might be marketable). Or perhaps you could direct a community choral group.
If you enjoy coordinating events, maybe you could also become an event planner. I don't know if you've been called to other types of ministry - but Wycliffe has a need for ethnomusicologists. That might be far-fetched - but I thought that I'd share that too. If I can think of some other ideas, I'll post here. I think I'm still on the music track ...
You know, the fact that you've homeschooled for 20 years is something that you could use. Perhaps there is a way for you to help others who want to homeschool their own kids - you could start some sort of non-profit or a website that could help newbies and seasoned homeschool moms and dads. If you could find a way to combine that with events (like maybe some sort of regional event for homeschool moms with speakers, etc.) that might be very good. You are uniquely qualified to do something like that, given your background. (Plus you already know how to do lighting, sound etc. - which would really be helpful here ...).
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 8:33:08 PM
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rgod
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ShallBeRebuilt - awesome thread. I'll give this a try.
I'm 37 and am single - no kids, no husband. I have about 10 years of technical writing experience, 7 years of administrative/secretarial experience, 5 years of web design/web development experience (I've been working forever.) I also have experience in church teaching bible studies (I like teaching a lot), being a researcher/grad assistant (only 1 year of that). I also have a little background in music - I was once part of a singing group for a short while and am currently working as a performer - although I don't get a chance to perform very much. I was also a minister for a few years. My undergrad degree was in communications - my grad degree will be in media.
I really like video/film and particularly, post-production work. But that's a young person's game usually and I don't know if at this stage that I really want to hang around sets to be a PA and work my way up. But I really love doing it. I also have a wild imagination - so I like writing fiction. It is a lot of fun.
One thing that happens to me a lot is that people talk to me about their problems. It has always been like this. Sometimes the people are total strangers. Earlier this year, several people told me that I was good at interviewing people (I was training to collect life stories.) I really loved doing this and if there were a job where I could talk to people, listen to them, and write about it (or tell other people about it), I'd do it in a minute! (Sounds like a journalist doesn't it - but I don't think I'd like the constant deadlines.) Sometimes I end up praying with people and I might give a little advice. But mostly I end up encouraging people. I'm pretty quiet - people see me as friendly, but my natural personality is to be quiet, a bit analytical, and kind of reflective. That is why I like to write so much - I can get out my ideas after I've thought them through.
So, that is me in a nutshell. Your thoughts?
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 8:36:19 PM
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eaglelady11
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as a Communications major, I would do well in the, communication careers. I like giving presentations, doing research, writing. I like teaching, but not little kids. older adolescents or adults.
my friend applied for a job as a Communications Specialist. I think that would fit me as well.
I take harp lessons and actually fancy the idea of being a real harpist. you know, making CD's and booking gigs.
Perhaps something non-profit where I would help people, teach them survival skills. an inspirational speaker would be wonderful.
another idea I have fancied is being a Chocolate Importer. i.e. traveling and importing Chocolates to the United States and setting up a little shop. The name of my shop could be Solitude and Company. or Such Sweet Company or All is Sweet.
so yeah, a full or part time job to bring in most of the money and that uses my skills, yet meets a need of the people-because that's what God wants us to do and gives us the most fulfillment;
making CD's and booking gigs,
and then doing some chocolate selling on hte side.
thanks for letting me dream. it can come true.
and just a side note to shall be: I used to work as an assistant to a Dean in a Graduate school with all these professors who had PhD's. It isn't all teaching. It is being on committees and attending fundraising events. It is writing reports and manuscripts and getting them published which is a requirement for all PhD professors. It's a lot of attending conferences and functions in and out of state. at least with junior college or community college, you only need a masters, there is good pay once you get on the 10 month contract or tenure.
< Message edited by eaglelady11 -- 11/6/2008 8:45:15 PM >
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 8:46:30 PM
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ShallbeRebuilt
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rgod
ShallBeRebuilt - awesome thread. I'll give this a try.
I'm 37 and am single - no kids, no husband. I have about 10 years of technical writing experience, 7 years of administrative/secretarial experience, 5 years of web design/web development experience (I've been working forever.) I also have experience in church teaching bible studies (I like teaching a lot), being a researcher/grad assistant (only 1 year of that). I also have a little background in music - I was once part of a singing group for a short while and am currently working as a performer - although I don't get a chance to perform very much. I was also a minister for a few years. My undergrad degree was in communications - my grad degree will be in media.
I really like video/film and particularly, post-production work. But that's a young person's game usually and I don't know if at this stage that I really want to hang around sets to be a PA and work my way up. But I really love doing it. I also have a wild imagination - so I like writing fiction. It is a lot of fun.
One thing that happens to me a lot is that people talk to me about their problems. It has always been like this. Sometimes the people are total strangers. Earlier this year, several people told me that I was good at interviewing people (I was training to collect life stories.) I really loved doing this and if there were a job where I could talk to people, listen to them, and write about it (or tell other people about it), I'd do it in a minute! (Sounds like a journalist doesn't it - but I don't think I'd like the constant deadlines.) Sometimes I end up praying with people and I might give a little advice. But mostly I end up encouraging people. I'm pretty quiet - people see me as friendly, but my natural personality is to be quiet, a bit analytical, and kind of reflective. That is why I like to write so much - I can get out my ideas after I've thought them through.
So, that is me in a nutshell. Your thoughts?
rgod, what about counseling? Especially nouthetic counseling, where you use the Bible and Scripture? You could get the training (I think you can get a lot of it online) then add that to your performing and writing. You'd have lots of stories for your fiction writing, could still perform, and set your own schedule.
shallbe
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SHALLBE’S BATTY BELFRY
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 8:47:39 PM
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ShallbeRebuilt
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quote:
If you enjoy coordinating events, maybe you could also become an event planner. I don't know if you've been called to other types of ministry - but Wycliffe has a need for ethnomusicologists. That might be far-fetched - but I thought that I'd share that too. If I can think of some other ideas, I'll post here. I think I'm still on the music track ...
Ooooo, really? THAT would be awesome. Where can I find out about that? Maybe Wycliffe's website?
shallbe
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SHALLBE’S BATTY BELFRY
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 8:57:23 PM
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rgod
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Hi Shallbe - thanks for the suggestion. I've been thinking a bit about becoming a counselor and actually thought quite seriously about it in the past. I'm praying about it still.
Here is a listing of what Wycliffe Needs - ethnomusicologist is on the list. There's probably more information on the site - or you could speak with a recruiter.
http://www.wycliffe.org/Serve/PreparingtoServe/Training/TranslationTraining.aspx
However, non-staff positions at Wycliffe require that you raise support. Wycliffe Associates might also have opportunities for you to do something similar. Or other similar organizations might need ethnomusicologists.
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 10:12:30 PM
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Prairiehiker
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I'd like to give this one a try to. I'm thinking of a career change. I have been for quite some time but because I'm a single mother, I cannot justify leaving a cushy job to pursue my real passion in life.
I've worked in the field of finance for about 15 years. It's high paying and comfortable. I've always thought I'm set for life and could retire relatively early. THen, news came today that sent everyone into panic mode. Our jobs aren't secure.
I was somewhat scared, but partly excited. This is my chance for a change. Perhaps move to another province; the one I've had my heart into for years but can't because of my daughter's ties with her dad. But now, I might be able to pursue my real passion which is in the field of social work. I've always had a soft heart for people. My informal ministry/service has always been about people. WHether it's serving in a soup kitchen, giving to the homeless, visiting the elderly, being a Big Sister, or sponsoring children through World Vision. This is what stirs my heart. This is what makes me feel alive. Another passion of mine is the outdoors and also fitness. I have no formal education in fitness and have no desire to take formal training. However, most men I know have said I can probably beat most men in tests that requires physical challenge. One even suggested I join the firefighter's department. I thought of it, lol. One other area I want to be in is in Search and Rescue, but there's no requirement for that where I live. It's a relatively small province. NO one gets lost here in the prairies, lol.
Personality wise, I'm different depending on the situation. My natural tendency is to be a bit quiet and to be very diplomatic. I can see both sides of the story most of the time. I'd be good in the area of conciliation or mediation services, but again, I have no formal education in the field. I'm a decent communicator, but not as great as I wish I could be. I can also be very bubbly, and goofy, but not as much when I'm working. I guess if I find a job where it requires me to be more upbeat, it won't take much more of an effort.
So, can anyone give any suggestion on what I will be good at? I've always wanted to incorporate my passion and skills and talents to help people in some ways. Right now, I'm in the finance department of a Disaster Assistance program. I wish I could help people directly, and to a degree, I do, but I'd like a more person to person interaction with the people I'm helping.
I know that GOd puts us in situations that are seemingly bad, but at times, He orchestrates those situations in order for us to see our real calling. Perhaps our life experiences, plus our career experiences has given us enough training, that God is finally saying, Ah...it's time, my child. Do what I created you to do. Glory my name.
< Message edited by Prairiehiker -- 11/6/2008 10:58:09 PM >
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 10:20:31 PM
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Prairiehiker
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Shallbe and Rgod, I'll be thinking about your posts tonight and come up with some ideas tomorrow. I like this thread so far. I'll come back on the weekend if I can come up with some suggestion.
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Wishing for a Steelers/Eagles superbowl.
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/6/2008 11:57:27 PM
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creationtalk
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At present I enjoy what I am doing and feel that I am where God wants me, but I have had, for a very long time, the feeling that this is temporary, so have also been thinking about what will happen in a few years...trying to be prepared for any eventuality.
I am a divorced mom of a 7 yo boy.
I have BS, MS, Ph.D. degrees in physics, an MA in mathematics, and very close to the equivalents to MS degrees in astrophysics and chemistry (physical). I have done research in physical chemistry, astrophysics, condensed matter physics, ocean acoustics and seafloor modeling. I am currently an "acoustic subject matter expert" in operations analysis. I am also teaching physics at a local university and assisting in writing an online course in Ocean Acoustics. I have had a little experience in talk radio and have been told I have a talent for it, but have not had time to pursue that avenue.
I am reasonably good with people in a one-on-one situation or in a work situation, not so good in group social situations. I have given talks and presentations of research I have done to international audiences at conferences.
My heart is to be at home with my son. I love gardening, working with horses (have some that I'm not finding time to train as I would like), needlework--mostly crochet, but a little bit of everything . When I was in high school, my art teacher thought I should go in to art, but I chose science. I like to design projects for the knitting machine and crochet and usually do a very good job on the original, then give it away before I can write down what I did so I can make it again. I'd love to be able to make a living designing and making things, but the odds of that are slim to none--often the yarn costs more than people are willing to pay.
I grew up helping my dad build things...houses, barns, etc. and am pretty good at it. I design and build special task furniture for my house, I have built or mostly built several buildings on the property and can lay ceramic tile, paint walls, sheetrock, etc. I don't really do electrical, but that might change if the electrician doesn't get out here soon to do the work he was supposed to do last week.
I've thought about trying to build a career laying tile--it's something I could do with my son even now (I will teach him to lay tile when we do the repairs to his bedroom--flooded earlier this year), but not sure how long I could keep doing it since it is very hard on the back. plus would have to start out part-time keeping my regular job or have a very large influx of cash at the beginning so that I could live on it while building a business...cannot do the first and the second is highly unlikely.
Ideas and suggestions welcome
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/7/2008 2:16:08 PM
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ShallbeRebuilt
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So creationtalk, are you REALLY just wanting to move out of the science/math field? Because career options there are wide open.
I find myself a little flabbergasted that you would even question your future! I guess that just goes to prove that we all suffer from a lack of security about our future work life.
For me it's pretty obvious that the job offerings within my field are limited. They would be limited no matter where I was or how free I was to move around the country. But for you...no limitations, except perhaps being overqualified for some jobs.
Of course, in the end, there are no real limitations. God can do anything, and furthermore He already knows what our future holds...
I found a site that listed skills and abilities for jobs...I think that looking at those and then finding other positions that use the same ones would be helpful to us all.
Visit here and choose a profile
I've printed the list out and will see what I can do about looking for jobs that need those particular skills.
Let me know if it helps any of you, ok?
shallbe
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SHALLBE’S BATTY BELFRY
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/7/2008 4:50:26 PM
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iluvatar
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rgod
I really like video/film and particularly, post-production work. But that's a young person's game usually and I don't know if at this stage that I really want to hang around sets to be a PA and work my way up. But I really love doing it. I also have a wild imagination - so I like writing fiction. It is a lot of fun.
I'd think you could get in on the corporate/advertising end and not have to hang around sets as a PA.
-Dan.
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Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/7/2008 6:24:36 PM
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creationtalk
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quote:
So creationtalk, are you REALLY just wanting to move out of the science/math field? Because career options there are wide open.
No, I'm not so much wanting to change fields as have more time to spend with my son--and to have a life. I had to go back to work when he was 2 weeks old because his father spent all of my savings before telling me to leave...and the work load has been getting greater not less. I've missed so much of his life...he crawled for the first time in daycare, pulled up for the first time in daycare, spoke his first word in daycare...I got to see him take his first steps, but that was about it. Now he's starting school, and I'm missing most of his "firsts" there because I'm at work. He is being raised by a series of babysitters and daycare...some of which are less than ideal. And I can see it in his attitude and the way he talks to me sometimes.
As I see it, in about 4 years I will have to quit working or go to part-time or have a job where I can take him with me for at least 3-4 years...the pre-teen/early teen years are when he will need me the most. I don't know how I can do it in my present job. If the teaching goes into a bit closer to full-time it might work--if I've got most of the debt paid-- because by then he will be old enough I can put him in some classes as continuing education (home schooled)
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RE: What kinds of jobs could you do well in? - 11/7/2008 7:31:21 PM
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ShallbeRebuilt
Posts: 2201
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quote:
ORIGINAL: creationtalk
quote:
So creationtalk, are you REALLY just wanting to move out of the science/math field? Because career options there are wide open.
No, I'm not so much wanting to change fields as have more time to spend with my son--and to have a life. I had to go back to work when he was 2 weeks old because his father spent all of my savings before telling me to leave...and the work load has been getting greater not less. I've missed so much of his life...he crawled for the first time in daycare, pulled up for the first time in daycare, spoke his first word in daycare...I got to see him take his first steps, but that was about it. Now he's starting school, and I'm missing most of his "firsts" there because I'm at work. He is being raised by a series of babysitters and daycare...some of which are less than ideal. And I can see it in his attitude and the way he talks to me sometimes.
As I see it, in about 4 years I will have to quit working or go to part-time or have a job where I can take him with me for at least 3-4 years...the pre-teen/early teen years are when he will need me the most. I don't know how I can do it in my present job. If the teaching goes into a bit closer to full-time it might work--if I've got most of the debt paid-- because by then he will be old enough I can put him in some classes as continuing education (home schooled)
That clarifies things, then. My heart aches for the "firsts" you have missed. I'm not so sure that he will need you "most" during the preteen-teen years...but he will need you: I just hope by then he still realizes it and you still have a relationship to draw on during the difficult times.
Some combination of the things that you mentioned as home-based businesses would seem to work. Laying tile would be GREAT for him. Maybe you could get something where you could work from home in your field, and spend time educating him at home as well. With our newly elected government, schools are only going to become worse...homeschooling for many Christians will no longer be an option.
I applaud the fact that you are looking ahead for his sake!!!
shallbe
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SHALLBE’S BATTY BELFRY
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