Project Working Mom:
Putting Education to Work

I am a 45 years old, I am married and have three children and three grandchildren. My oldest daughter has given me three beautiful grandbabies, I have a 17 year old son and a 15 year old daughter still living at home. My husband has two jobs in the ambulance service, one he dispatches and one he is an EMT. I lost my job after I had back surgery, I have been franticly trying to find another job, things are so tough right now with everything going up in price. My question is how am I going to try to go back to school when I can't even help my husband pay the bills? By the way my oldest is going back to college to be a paramedic even with three kids ages 5,3 and 1. Thanks,De 

I completely understand.  I'm in my 40's as well and although I went to college I've been downsized at least 4 times over the years.  When I became a single mom I was determined to switch fields and go back to school to become a teacher (I love teaching children and I've been a substitute teacher for over 17 years, even while working in corporate I did this on my the days off as a way to "give back").  I can't pay for school and I've been looking for a way to get a grant or scholarship.  When my ex husband left I was carrying our child and my company had started laying off since we were acquired by another company (it put a real strain on my finances and things haven't picked up just yet).  I want to go back to school and get a Master's in Education and I just found out about Project Working Mom so I'm determined to make it work for me.  I bet you can do the same so just don't give up! 

I like to share and have my students do the same.

Hang in there, kiddo!

De,

Where there is will, there is a way...if you are seriously determined, then you can do this!

Wish you the best of luck!

T 

Did you fill out the FAFSA? I was hesitant, because I didn't think there was a chance that I would qualify for Pell Grants, and I couldn't afford to take on more debt. Preliminary response was that I qualify for some Pell Grant money. You can do it online.

Deof3:

I lost my job after I had back surgery, I have been franticly trying to find another job, things are so tough right now with everything going up in price.

Another thought:  Did you try visiting with your local state Rehabilitation Services Administration (Vocational Rehabilitation) office or One-Stop Center? If your back injury is going to be a barrier to working, they may be able to guide you into a different career. If schooling is required to get you prepared for that career, they may have funding to help you pay for it.