This has been a interesting thread to read.

Dogmama, glad to hear that there may be some windows opening up for you with the dog training.

I am 56, and teach middle school science. Theoretically could retire from teaching in July of this year. But the AZ state retirement isn't enough to live on with our current expenses ( about 6 more years on our mortgage, kids not totally independent) so I can't just retire. I'm finding teaching is more and more demanding as a profession. Classes are bigger, so much emphasis is on test scores, and money is pretty tight. I am in a district that has been ranked #1 in the state, and they expect a lot of the teachers. It can be more physically demanding now that I'm a little older - sometimes it's harder to hear students, for example and I'm on my feet all day.

I have been trying to think about what kind of career change I might be able to make and not sure. I have my MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and worked as a field biologist before becoming a teacher. I don't know what kind of opportunities are out there for a person with my skills and background.

My husband works at a community college and I can take classes for $10 plus books- but am not sure if they offer an career programs that interest me. I briefly looked at the para-legal program but don't think I'm really suited for it, and heard there aren't that many opportunities any way.

I did speak to the executive direction of the Tucson Audubon Society (large, well-organized, well-funded, many programs), as I have lots of natural history education and research experience but of course the job opportunities might not come up at an appropriate time.

Any way- just wanted to join in the discussion...