Hello all!

17 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 27,2024 at 3:40PM UTC

   Depending on how long since you separated and where you are in your healing process from the DV, you may consider working at a DV or homeless shelter. Something in the range of social services (government or non-profit) may take someone working on a psych degree to do case management. I hired one who started as an unpaid intern. Unfortunately, I have been away from the DFW area for nearly 20 years, so I am unaware of what may be available there. I did a pastoral care internship at a homeless shelter in Arlington when I was in seminary.

2. AnonymousJanuary 27,2024 at 5:59PM UTC

   I left my ex-husband in 2008 due to domestic violence.
   Picked up our children from daycare (2, 5 at the time and NEVER returned home). We lived in a hotel a week until i got my apartment. Unfurnished, but whatever!!! Four years later, I returned to school for accounting degree- a change from my prior degree of interior design)

   All I can say is "you git this "!! I too was between too much $$ for assistance, too little to live. It sucks!!

   Hang in there- you are on the right path! Your children see you care and you have a strong work ethic. Mine are 17, 21 now and THEY know I made the right decisions along the way.

   I've lost jobs because of pandemic, buyouts, breast cancer, and idiots in general but perseverance WILL get you there.

   Try to take time for you - yes, easier said than done. Bubble both, trashy tv.

   It will work out. Often not on our time-line, but hang in there!!

3. AnonymousJanuary 28,2024 at 1:24PM UTC

   Ummm... I don't have much in the way of advice but I have two things that may help. One is my open admiration for your strength and character. What you have done and are doing is very brave and sad wonderful things in your future begat of you that strength. Two is a condo in DFW (Specifically North Dallas in an excellent area) and I'm already planning to sell it. It was my intent to get the maximum for it that I can and on Zilliow it lists for 240k. I'm not sure what you living.arrangemenf plans would be but for someone such as yourself I'd be willing to work your a deal that is scratching for every last penny.

   Zillow is a always a bit high but I had planned to do some small improvements that would really ramp it up but I can forgo them in favor of keeping to a price point. Would this be of any interest to you?

4. Shelly KatzeffJanuary 28,2024 at 2:38PM UTC

   I admire your stamina and drive! I am positive that you are not only going to survive, but also thrive! In your particular situation, I recommend that you focus on a job in a public school, as a teacher's aide (now), and as a counselor, teacher, school psychologist, or administrator when you get your M.S. The salaries on the East Coast are relatively high and the security is 2nd to none!

5. AnonymousJanuary 28,2024 at 2:46PM UTC

   There's a program in Austin called Jeremiah. It supports single moms going back to college in important ways. IF you're in the area. Boston, Baltimore & Brooklyn have a JP campus too. Sounds like you'd be a perfect candidate.

6. AnonymousJanuary 28,2024 at 3:03PM UTC

   Hello,

   Be encouraged, you are doing a great job! It is great that you are continuing your education and the mental health field is constantly growing and evolving. You may consider looking into the vocational rehabilitation sector or behavioral health with your background and experience.

7. Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertJanuary 28,2024 at 3:15PM UTC

   Wow! Can I say your story is amazing, and I don't know how you are doing all that. Since clinical psychology requires a doctorate and even social work requires a master's degree, I'm thinking a job in a mental health clinic, such as an office manager, would be perfect for you. If you get one in a university, it will even help you to get your education for free, most likely.

   Also we would be honored to assist you on this journey through our Scholarship Fund. We would require you to make a small contribution, but the rest could be covered for you. You will receive a complete package, including Cover Letter, Professional Resume, 12 Career Strategy Sessions, LinkedIn Profile, and Interview Aikido Coaching.

   To pursue or look into this, please book a free Career Success Consultation at YESwriting.com and be sure to tell the client success advisor that I offered you a scholarship. I would love to work with you.

8. Cindy GloverJanuary 28,2024 at 3:43PM UTC

   I’m short on time but I needed to stop and take note that you have the strength and courage to get out of a DV situation where 50% at the very least of us could NOT do.

   Have you thought of helping others?

9. GirlBossanova934974January 28,2024 at 4:02PM UTC

   Greatly admire your dedication here but I am not sure it is a great idea to focus on a career which is going to require another 4 years of education when you have dependents and are 40. Maybe try a career path which you can turn into a decent paying salary in 2 years? I myself was able to get 2 Masters by age 30 but I had no dependents and already had a decent paying occupation, Engineering from the Bachelors Degree I received.

10. AnonymousJanuary 28,2024 at 7:11PM UTC

    There is such a thing as a life-long learner. I got two masters after age 50 and graduated with my doctorate at 68. Career shifts to a job you are passionate about often require additional education. Mine did, and heaven help anyone who tried to squash my dream. She's asking about shifting to something that might be better suited to her eventual dream of being a counselor, and considering what she's been through, I admire her strength and dedication in not giving up on that dream. I started my first when one child was in high school, so we ended up "going to college" simultaneously.

11. GirlBossanova934974January 30,2024 at 5:00PM UTC

    All very good and well but when there are dependents to be looked after, that's a different ball game. People who over 50 usually have some material financial assets to fall back on in case things don't work out. That's a big difference compared to living paycheck to paycheck.

12. AnonymousJanuary 30,2024 at 5:17PM UTC

    Yes, but it can be done. I started my second master's and my doctorate program when I was living paycheck-to-paycheck (and often with an overdrawn bank account) with a disabled husband who needed a lot of my attention. It is never too late to learn something new, and while I agree that taking care of dependents is essential, it is much easier when you have credentials with more earning potential. My potential has doubled since attaining the doctorate, and my resume is getting significant traction. I've been interviewing for jobs at twice what I was making two years ago. I have only started looking seriously since Christmas and have already had three interviews scheduled with different companies (one was this morning). There is a fine line between a reality check and squashing someone's dreams. Imagine how well the OP can take care of the children in a career industry, rather than busting her a-- with toxic temp and full-time jobs, leaving her exhausted.

13. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJanuary 30,2024 at 7:49PM UTC

    Both my son and I were in University at the same time, during a financial crisis no less. I was in Grad school studying psychology and he started undergrad over seas. Because of the market crash, all of my savings were basically wiped out and I lost my job. Took a lot of hard work and creative financing, but we both graduated.

14. westiegloriaJanuary 28,2024 at 5:52PM UTC

    You obviously are someone that companies would be interested in hiring due to your survivor skills which translate into strength in company goals and support positions at the present time. Have you checked the site Glassdoor to check on positions in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area you mention? This site also lists reviews and other information on various companies. For example, Bell Textron in Ft. Worth listed Executive Leadership team assistant for someone with GED/H.S. although Bachelors preferred. There are listings in the field you specify, but I hope you keep an open mind to other good posibilities. Good luck.

15. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJanuary 28,2024 at 11:36PM UTC

    I am going to make an unusual suggestion: get a job with your University. Most Universities cover a certain percentage of tuition every term, and are more understanding when it comes to work load. Plus, your financial aid people are going to be in your corner.

16. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEJanuary 29,2024 at 12:37PM UTC

    Are your familiar with the American Pscyhology Association? They offer a student affiliate membership and have job postings. In addition, it is a great way to network and make new people.

    From one psych major to another -- what are you trying to outrun? Yss, I understand that you have responsibilities and need to earn a living, but could there be something deeper? People who are workaholics usually have deeper reasons for using work and other activities as a distraction.

    Does the college your attend offer counseling to students?

17. MelissaJanuary 30,2024 at 3:51PM UTC

    Sounds like a rough situation. Could you look for work in your field before starting your masters? A new job might provide tuition assistance if it’s in the same field as well as get you out of the two jobs.

    I just moved out of DFW due to the sky- high and rising cost of living, I’d money is an issue prioritize income so you can be as stable as possible to take care of your child. Texas is not inexpensive by any means.