I just want to follow this post because I'm a single mom (with no settlement and no child support) who's waiting tables to get by. I can't find a day job that pays as well, so I feel a bit stuck. I actually really hate answering the all American question, what do you do for a living?

I can't afford higher education, so I'm not in the same boat as you, but ideas are always welcome.

And, of course, I'm wishing you the best of luck!

Please be careful Pepper; at 38 I went back to school and found that the 'learning environment' has changed drastically since we were teens. I can honestly say that, as an adult student, much of the required work was a simple waste of time - far too easy considering our life experience at this age. And what wasn't just too easy was pretty much handed to the student on a plate so their grades would look good (and they'd qualify for more student loans).

Yes, I got my degree, but it's worthless now, because the school I attended closed their doors as soon as they lost their ability to qualify to accept student loans from the Government. Years later, I am still in a legal limbo, hoping to get the $48k in debt erased.

Beware 'for profit' colleges. They are only out to line their pocketbooks, and make it look good on paper for as long as they can get by with it.

Although I can't give career advice, let me offer you support! Being a single mom is probably the most difficult thing I know. WHEN YOU HAVE THE TIME (or when you MAKE the time)...try to form a friendly group of other single moms. You can trade shopping, child care, stories, worries, etc. You'll need that support, and other women are the best source! GOOD LUCK!

tDon't know what type of part-time sales you are in? Merchandisers are always being Why get a degree in something you're not interested in? You might need some career counseling? Temp jobs are a way of checking out a company or career. Contact a temp agency. Good luck.

Check out programs offered by local area junior colleges. Only two years to a degree and there are many different courses offered. My son as a young man frittered away three years out of high school, then decided to take a two year building trades course. His class chose a location and built a house from the ground up and it sold immediately. Along the way the students learned a little bit about everything. My son went into business for himself as a carpenter, did all kinds of that, eventually ended up with a residential door business. Now 58, he's successful, no worries about the future. You could do the same. Look around, pick your field, and go for it. You can do it!

It might be worth going to your local career link office, if they have them in your area, to see what jobs are in demand and to see if there are any training programs that you are interested in and eligible for.

Do you have any computer skills like Microsoft Word?

I have an older sister and younger sister. They both went back to school around age 50. One of them works for the state of Ca, the younger one just graduated and she is probably going to work for the state of Nevada
Look into the job market, see what's projected to be in demand, and do whatever it takes to secure the job.

If you are awesome with people, consider becoming a therapist or social worker. I'm not sure about all the entrance requirements for graduate programs, but you can get a Master's degree in two years and then start practicing. I like the work, can set my own hours, decide who I want to work with, etc. The paperwork is a bit onerous, but you get used to it. It's really rewarding work and can pay reasonably well if you are in private practice.