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Saturday, February 9, 2008

What to be when you grow up...

I have been thinking alot lately about what I want to do when I graduate with my undergrad. I have considered many careers, ranging from nursing and occupational therapy, to law school and guide dog training. Ideally I would love to get my masters in Guide Dog Mobility and Orientation and Mobility, however, the job market and salary are not as promising as I would have hoped. Since Tom also is looking at lower salary positions, it is difficult to consider a job with a teacher's salary in some of the most expensive places to live (ie. San Francisco).

I really want a job that will allow me to still interact with dogs on a daily basis. However, I do see the need for financial security that would allow me to continue having all the dogs that I have (and hopefully my own house with a yard to put them in someday!).

I have thought about doing Occupational Therapy; they are using Animal Assisted Therapy more often in this field, and of course I would love to bring one of my own, certified and trained dogs to work!

Really I have no idea though...which brings me to my question, what do you want to be when you grow up? (Or if 'grown up' anything you wish you could change to?)

5 comments:

Emily said...

Guide Dog Mobility looks like tons of fun to me. That is what I want to do, but I still have a while ;)

lindsey said...

I thought I wanted to do Guide Dog Mobility and it's definately still a possiblity...but I love kids so much, I'm not sure I could be happy with the adults at Guide Dogs :) Hehe...actually, I don't really know what I want to be/do...I have my teaching degree...so what now?

Sarah and the Pack. said...

Teach! That would be so fun to work with kids, what age group do you like? Would you work with disabled kids or just in the normal system?

Guide Dog mobility does look fun, but like Lindsey said, you would have to work with alot of adults.

Hmmm...maybe pediatric nurse focusing on rehabilitation using animal assited therapy?

lindsey said...

I actually teach blind kids...my degree is Special Education for the Visually Impaired. I actually think I'm going to go back and do Orientation and Mobility...then I would teach half-day and do O&M the other half...as long as I can incorporate the dogs...it's all good! :)

OH, and I like all ages. People say I'm very good with the young kids...but I had a blast when I taught high school and middle school for my student teaching! :)

Kelsey, Keno, Mallory, and Chappelle said...

I plan on going to San Francisco University to get a masters degree in Guide Dog Mobility/Orientation. But before I do that I think I'll get a Bachelors Degree in Equine Studies at our local University. I understand what you mean about the job field, and salary, not too great, but hey if it's what you love. ;) And yes if you want to work with children, that probably wouldn't be the best route. Myself, I would rather work with adults. Love kids, but....