I went to school to change careers. Naturally since I had no clue what I wanted to do I went to the career center to do all those tests that give suggestions as to what you would be good at. The only thing I knew at the time was that I wanted to be able to work from home if possible because my mother was sick and I wanted to be there for her. Also, I felt I would be happier being able to work and then play with out the commute inbetween. So after taking tests and talking about the many different "work from home" jobs, it was suggested that I go for medical transcription. It is a mobile job and it is also in high demand so getting a job should be no problem. I thought "Great!". Boy, what did I know...
After taking a bunch of medical and other required courses (thousands of dollars in loans as I did not meet whatever the government thinks is poor) I come to find out that while medical transcriptionist are in high demand the demand is for experienced transcriptionist. SO, a newbie with a shiney new degree is SOL. Nice, huh. By this time it's too late to back out so I complete and finish the degree. While taking all of these classes and talking to other student, I learn about the medical coder/biller course. The difference between this and the medical transcriptionist course is that the medical coder/biller course offers job shadowing (which lead to 90% of their students being hired upon completion of course). I'll just go finish this course as I have already taken a lot of medical courses that is required for the certificate. HA! Not only does my previous courses not count (even though I have not noticed a single difference between them after having taken "different" medical courses) but I had to scrounge up the money out of hand because I no longer qualify for loans, my grades are good just I'm too rich because I choose to work and pay my rent instead of being homeless or mooching off of other.
Now, while this is going on my job is closing our store and my hours are being cut. This means very very little money to pay rent and afford food much less school. By this time I am ready to scream and pull my hair out. I have to stop school and try and find a job. I have done enough schooling I should be able to get a job as a clerk or receptionist in a hospital. After many applications I am feeling very discouraged. I'm no dunce but darned if this life is not out to make me feel like one.
Hang in there. You're not the only one struggling right now. We are going through much the same thing but this is after we've raised almost all of our 6 kids to adulthood. Its a bummer because we were kind of hoping that by now things would be easier financially. Anyhow, nice blog idea! i'll follow often.
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