Deb Miller ⋅ Bardstown, KY US Postal Service ⋅ 16 years experience

David,
I agree with both Neil and Timothy. I would add an idea. Reflect on what you want to do for the rest of your life, want to work outdoors, desk job, work with your hands or work numbers? Work on a team or work alone? Fun ways to gain insights on your best strengths: http://www.high-school.devry.edu/personality-profile/questions.htm http://www.whatcareerisrightforme.com/

Timothy Strickland ⋅ Frederick, MD Defense Health Agency ⋅ 10 years experience

David,

You seem to have a varied experience. Keep in mind that a career is not the same as a job. A job is what you do to make money. A career is more about what you want to do and what you enjoy. Granted life is a little more grey than that, and we all need money for the bills. However, it's still a good way to think of it. So, what do you enjoy doing? It sounds like you are mechanically inclined, have some leadership experience, and a desire for the social sciences. So, money aside, what is it that you really want to do?

Sandra Shelton ⋅ Fort Worth, TX StrengthBank Inc. ⋅ 20 years experience

What is the thing that when you are doing it, time flies? Here's the truth and many of the answers you have received hint at it: There is a plan for your life that will prosper and not harm you, that will give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11
You and ONLY you what engaged your passions and gives you a true sense of accomplishment for the greater good. Don't go for the money first or all the "but if's" - Go for what you love to do and can do naturally. Yes, you might need a bit of training but the ease of that thing that you are meant to do will give you encouragement all along the way.

Tim Feemster ⋅ Dallas, TX Foremost Quality Logistics ⋅ 40 years experience

If you have an aptitude in auto mechanics, you might try an entry in the truck maintenance world. Working for a large trucking firm would be preferable to working in any retail auto environment. Retail is way too volatile. Trucking industry needs drivers, mechanics, and are hiring.

Susana Moraga ⋅ Hayward, CA California State University East Bay ⋅ 20 years experience

David,

It's not about your degrees but what do you want to do and how you show evidence that this is what you want. Employers are looking for transferable skills; skills you used somewhere else that they need.
It may help to do assessment, and work with a counselor; EDD does some in California through their one stop centers; www.careeronestop.org; you'll have to check with your local office to see what resources they have.
Good luck,

Neil Serafin ⋅ Easthampton, MA Telecommunications ⋅ 40 years experience

Auto mechanic..not enough income to shop at Costco, and by your late 50's or early 60's..

they show you the door.Get injured and they show you the door earlier then that. MA in Social Work gets you income just a little more then the night manager at 7-11. No one gets a M S W for the big pay...you do it to keep your job. I would head off for a big company and get into HR involving new entry candidates. Retention is the big blue collar job problem now. Contact me for what companies to contact.