[oneguyinohio]

I'm feeling pretty whipped, as if I'm out of life's lemons to make lemon aide with. I'm not even sure what direction to go from here.

I hold a teaching license in elementary education as well as special education. I have also completed a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling.

I'm working in an awful job far beneath my education, but haven't been able to obtain positions in my field. I don't want to relocate, unless it is closer to my son, but despite three years of attempts, nothing has panned out in that respect.

Can anyone share some stories with me about how they changed their life for the better?

I need a boost and something to hope for. My current plan, is to get even more education, and certification as a school guidance counselor. That leads me to question what if I still don't get a job after doing that?

Should I start saving for the cardboard box so that I can have a place to live in the future?

Maybe I'm just suffering from the blahs from the flu I've been fighting for a couple of days?

Does my plan seem like a wise one as far as the additional credential?

[George_1950]

You should be able to get a teaching position in your field, elementary education; and special ed teachers are needed everywhere. Therefore, it must be the blahs and flu. Keep trying and stay positive; you will get your breaks.

[ISneezeFunny]

Def the flu

Teachers are in shortage... everywhere. As george said, stay alive. Things'll look up purty soon.

... I sound like a fortune cookie.

[yosev]

You should travel, there's teachers needed every where. Maybe you need to find where you feel the most home.

[oneguyinohio]

I actually turned down Florida and Hawaii teaching positions, because I don't want to move away from where my son is. That is for sure one reason because there are a lot of colleges producing teachers in this area. That's another reason for the school counselor idea...

[Wondergirl]

Doesn't your master's in rehab counseling give you a boost up already in the counseling arena? What do you lack in order to be a school guidance counselor? Ed courses? Passing a state licensing test? Counselors are needed in all sorts of ways, in all fields. Could you team up with an existing counseling group and add your rehab skills to their office?

I have a master's in counseling psych, used to have a lot of clients, but have been using those skills in the library setting where I have worked for a long time. Seems like a spa or a gym or a Y or h.s. sports teams or even an assisted living facility could use your skills.

I see all sorts of potential in you.

[yosev]

I actually turned down Florida and Hawaii teaching positions, because I don't want to move away from where my son is. That is for sure one reason because there are a lot of colleges producing teachers in this area. That's another reason for the school counselor idea...

Oh, I'm sorry.
Well, then, the only thing I can see to do is to keep your chin up, because there's no way you worked that hard for nothing. You can do this, as long as you believe in yourself.

[oneguyinohio]

There's only about 3 courses and an internship to complete along with the state exam for school guidance counseling. With the rehab counseling, it seems like the options are limited to state agencies such as BVR. I've had 3 attempts for State agency positions through there, but can't seem to make it through the system even though I do well on written tests, but there is an interview where three people evaluate subjectively... scoring answers, and that part seems to kill my prospects...

Other agencies seem to want more of an LPC degree, which isn't vastly different, but does entail different field experiences.

I will start further investigations...

[Wondergirl]

Do you have to have a certain level salary?

Could you survive OK if you took the three courses and intership in order to earn the school guidance counseling degree? Is there state license for that?

[oneguyinohio]

There is a state license for that, and yes I can survive financially (tightly) to do it. Right now, I just hope that is the RIGHT decision... I'm all set to go for it... live very close to the university and all... have enough financial aid (loans) available to complete it... but worry about all the what ifs... It does seem to be the best option though... feel like I'm not getting any younger 41+ and all with no retirement built up... but do have time in public employee retirement systems that I can buy back if my financial picture turns around...

[Wondergirl]

Have you investigated the availability of jobs? And where?

[Wondergirl]

Go to your local public library's reference desk and ask that question. Ask about salary range too.