Changing careers by getting your Masters Degree

Question: Hi I would like some help on where to go for career enhancement. Every search I have done online takes me to sites of people just wanting to do interest inventories or a site wanting to promote their own business/school. I am a teacher. I went back later in life to get my degree currently 43. I have been teaching for 4 years. In that time I taught 4th grade, a GED teacher , and for the last for 2 1/2 years alternative middle school I enjoy my job but the company is struggling and I am maxing out in pay at 40k. I have to start on my masters later this year and I don't know if I want to invest my heart in a career field that will leave me struggling financially. I live in Massachusetts where rent and home prices are ridiculous plus still paying off student loans from my Bachelors. I also want to adopt. I enjoy what I I do but can't get ahead. How can I take what I have learned and build upon it for a job that will allow me one day to have a home/family of my own without being completely poor. I need to find someone who will help me decide on a masters program to build. 

Answer: A good place to start would be the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 edition. This is published by the Department of Labor. You can find it here: http://www.bls.gov/oco/

For hundreds of different types of jobs—such as teacher, lawyer, and nurse—the Occupational Outlook Handbook tells you:

• the training and education needed
• earnings
• expected job prospects
• what workers do on the job
• working conditions

In addition, the Handbook gives you job search tips, links to information about the job market in each State, and more. You can also view frequently asked questions about the Handbook.

I do not know exactly what your undergraduate degree is, but would guess Education. I would take a look at Service, Professional, and Sales categories on the left navigation bar.

good luck.