William Bahrt ⋅ Sequim, WA Arizona Public Service Company ⋅ 15 years experience

I am an 83 year old male college graduate. I started college in 1967 while I was married and the father of five children. I did not have G.I. Bill available as I had used it up some years before. I got my BA from San Diego State Univ. in 1971 thanks to a grant from Vocational Rehab. I applied for and received a teaching fellowship at Arizona State University to complete my Masters degree. During this time, I taught part time, went to school part time, worked an outside job in the evenings, and took a full load of classes. I would go to bed around nine p.m., get up at 0330 hours, study til 0700 hours, then go on with my day. I needed a couple of grants during this time and the university helped me get them. But I did it. It was rough, but I did it. You can do it too. If it is only two classes that are holding you up, you can do it. It may not be easy; but believe me, it will be worth it.

Isaac Ehi ⋅ Dallas, TX U.S. Navy, Petty Officer Second Class ⋅ 4 years served

Thanks all for your insightful and kind responses. I have signed up to finish my masters in counseling classes and now will seek contacts for the counseling, social services, psychology or related fields.

@ Joel Padua-
Yes you may pass your friend contact information in Dallas to me.

Jim Jones ⋅ Getzville, NY Fidelis Care ⋅ 35 years experience

Hi Isaac, congratulations on your drive and determination. By all means finish your masters. Seek part time jobs as close to your desired career path as possible to help sustain your family. This will have the benefit of enhancing your skills and provide you with income. Use connections via linkedin and your university career/alumni office and contacts from this site to leverage career opportunities. There are many not for profit agencies that would welcome you in a starting professional role until you complete your degree and become a licensed counseling professional.

Joel Padua ⋅ Aurora, IL HIFE- Heartland Institute of Financial Education ⋅ 5 years experience

Hi Isaac
Finished what you've started, have a part time job to suffice your income on your own time,
I know someone in Dallas who can help and train you, besides its a free training, you have nothing to lose but to learn, keep your options open, let me know if you're interested and I'll give you his information to meet him in his office.
Thanks for your service
Joel

Linda Williams ⋅ Denver, CO Trust Company of America ⋅ 30 years experience

With only two classes left, you should do whatever possible to finish them, if not this term, then the next one. In your chosen field, having that degree is very important for long term employment.

Take what you have already learned as a counselor and use that knowledge to make yourself your own client. What questions would you ask to search for options for your current dilemma? How can you be at peace with whatever choice you make?

Being able to follow your own counseling process will give you insight and confidence when you interview for jobs to counsel others.

Doug Hill ⋅ Kearneysville, WV PC Construction ⋅ 20 years experience

Finish that Masters. It will be worth it in your future paychecks. And in the field you have chosen a Master's will make you an easy choice for a hiring manager. I would recommend joining national organizations associated with your field. They usually have a Student membership that is the lowest fee. When you prepare your resume, Google how to present the internships you have completed. When you look for a job, be sure to read the job posting completely and tailor your resume to meet each job requirement. Look online for resumes such as on Facebook and Linkedin to see resume formats in your field. It will give you a good idea how to prepare your resume. And after you get that interview and nail it, ALWAYS make the followup by letter, email, or call to thank the hiring manager for the interview and ask if there might be any more questions that may have come to mind after the interview. I wish you the best.