|
|
 Expert
Posts: 1304
 
| Very OT but needing some guidance. My education is in Agriculture (B.S. In Agribusiness and Masters in Ag) and I currently work as a Farm Manager. But I always have this want to go back to helping people in some way. I was a caregiver in college for two years and although it was stressful, I enjoyed the reward I felt and getting to know people one on one. So in the past I've considered nursing, etc but nothing really stuck. Something that has stuck is a Special Education teacher. I thought about it in high school, took a course in college to test it out, and almost mastered in Special Education but honestly at the time I was really looking at what I could get paid for and that was Agriculture. One day, as a grad assistant, I had to give a tour on the University farm to a special needs group and once again felt like I wanted to go that way.
I guess I feel scared to change my direction now and kind of stupid that I wouldn't be using my degree, although I live an Ag lifestyle anyway. Also scared I'd get burnt out. I know what I need to get started. I also think I'm going to see if I can shadow first. Who else has made a big career change? What kind of advice can you give? Any special education teachers out there? | |
| | |
Addicted to Baseball
  
Location: Where the stars at night are big and bright, TX | It's not a waste if you love doing something else. My husband got a rodeo scholarship, went into Ag Business, headed towards ag lending/banker and ranch realtor. Poured all his education, life, time and money into building that foundation. Rather than continue to day work or train horses, he chose to work at a clinical facility for youth while heading back into his masters and that completely different job struck the first footfall towards becoming a psychologist with a PhD. He's a heck of a horse trainer, has ranch and horse connections all over the world, and yet has a drive and talent towards therapy. He's one of those examples of, do what you love for a living and you'll never work a day in your life. He finally threw his hands in the air and quit training and showing for the public some years ago, has even sold off his own horses recently, and has no regrets. But working holidays, late nights, phone calls, emails, texts as we're headed to a vacation or road trip to help deal with a crisis...he never hesistates, he will never retire, he LOVES his job. | |
| | |
Expert
Posts: 1314
Location: North Central Iowa Land of white frozen grass | My wife is one. I tell her often that she is better than me.I could not do her job. | |
| | |
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 387
| I am in a very similar situation, after graduating high school I wasn't sure what i wanted so I went to college and got my diploma in ag business, I have been working in the ag industry, plus we farm on the side as well for 6 years now, Its not fulfilling enough for me, I have a passion for helping people.
I am applying back to school to become a nurse as well! | |
| | |
 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 545
Location: Texas | I think I might be in the oppostie position, I've taught in eduation for 12 years and miss ag stuff and wish I had done an ag related career. I still have animals and live an ag lifestyle, but teaching can be hard and you don't get to see the rewards very often. I teach regular education, not special needs, so that may be the difference, but often times you never know if you made any impact. That's why I chose teaching was to make a difference, but sometimes the stress of the job-testing, discipline, lack of support, make it hard to see the good which is molding the future and making an impact on someone's life! I say though, if that's your passion go for it. Definitely do what you love no matter what that is. I have always thought doing equine therapy with special needs people would be awesome, but I never pursued it. | |
| | |
 On the Countdown
Posts: 2934
Location: Texas | I am in the opposite position. I have a BS in Agribusiness also, I teach high school at a disciplinary campus. I love where I currently work. I will be moving north at the end of the school year, I just was certified in that state to teach, but my question is do I want to. I live near a huge city, and I am moving to the heart of farmland I feel. I will probably stick to education because I have 7 years of experience. I know nothing about row crops, I know more about animals, but there isn't much livestock there.
Good luck for what you choose. | |
| | |
Expert
Posts: 1304
| Thanks so much for the responses! It's helpful to hear your experiences. Good luck with your new endeavors as well!!
I struggle with wanting to use my degrees the most. If I could find a job that was in between maybe I'd feel better, but I just have a yearning to help people too (like you zansbeunogal 2288). I can't get away from it. Even when it stresses me out, I'd rather be out helping people! | |
| | |
 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| I am a SPED teacher. I run the HS Autism program in our HS. Although I live in Iowa and have a small farm, I've never been interested in Ag or teaching it.
SPED is HARD. There are SO many things that AREN'T helping kids, paperwork, parents, trainings, etc. BUT when you get to see a kid that your first thought was "what am I going to do with this one? Or How am I going to get through 4 years with this one?" turn into a productive citizen that YOU'VE provided the skills they needed go out into society....That's an A++ feeling. There is truly nothing like it.
The benefits so far are outweighing the hard days for me. A week ago, I had a moment where I wondered. It's not easy, requires a TON of patience, time, and sleepless nights of worry, but again, those cheer worthy moments where you make a difference are priceless. | |
| |
| |
Folks on-line