Wow. How a propos.
I am 43 and finishing grad school with 6 kids. IT has been very tough. I went back to school (and even finished my undergrad) late in life because financially my husband is not well enough to work much of the time.
Anyway, what is dspressing is that in my field I can barely break the 40K mark-- with a MASTERS. WHat is even more pathetic is that a person with a doctorate in my field is barely making 43K... with all of THAT!
I probably would have done something in computers if I had realized... I really did not realize how tough the market was when I went back to school. I though things were going to be relatively easy for me, but they are NOT!!!
If you guys are the praying kind, pray that the right position will open for me so that I can provide for my children. I will be graduating in May. THANKS.
What's your field?
I am about 9 months away from finishing my dissertation work myself and will be thinking good thoughts for you as you get ready to graduate.
What field are you in? I read that, with a little thought, academics in almost any field can do some consulting on the side, it isn't limited to the obvious fields like business or ed. Maybe once you get your feet wet you can start consulting and increase your income? Also, some of the online schools will take people with masters degrees to teach online courses. This might be more doable for you w/6 kids than adjuncting at the local community college, but you could try that for extra money as well.
I don't have 6 kids, but I was widowed young and have had to take care of my 1 boy so I kind of have an idea what you're going thru. Hang in there.
I prayed for you. Kudos for what you have done. May you be able to get something that would help support your kids and may your DH be well again.