Unsure what to pursue

[Ideas]

Thank you for your brainstorming, SolarKat.

I'm not in a city, but I will be down the road. Your idea of the alternative education is the kind of idea I do need, to help me generate other ideas. It seems unlikely to go beyond a side job for me. I'm afraid I can't sustain much in-person.

You're right, Excelsior's BSN is hard! And I know that, but I guess I conveniently forget!

If you're really sure that online employment is where you're bound, then there still are freelance options - graphic design, marketing, etc. I fear that it's *all* going to be competitive, though. And there are still going to be expectations, metrics, etc.

Right. I can do ok via freelancing, but it's not what I prefer, for many reasons. However, it is one of the few options I see that's realistic. Some degrees or certifications could make it easier. I'm not sure which one(s) could help most. For the last 2 months, when trying to select programs, I don't think I've been realistic enough about my future... more on that later.

I wish I had a strong interest in the tech work from home, or could write happily full-time.

I am nearly done with Gen Eds It is mostly brushing up on a few topics and testing out.

I think others have mentioned in other threads that a masters with no experience is a big risk for a company to hire...so it, alone, probably won't solve your dilemma.

To advance in the competitive economy, there's just a certain amount of "paying your dues", like everyone else starting at the bottom of the ladder. I'm not sure there's really a workaround to that.

I agree. Yesterday I talked to a friend who used to be in HR, and they seem to have the same initial reaction as me. They think there must be one type of job that I can do, that fits my needs and preferences. But, I am starting to think there is not (besides freelance, or getting an IT degree to try and get a full-time online job).

Although the reality has been hitting me again, this isn't my first time at this. I've been trying to browse and come up with non-freelance career options for a long time. If there truly isn't any other option with high likelihood of working, I better focus on picking an IT degree.

One good tidbit from the HR person. The employers are motivated to meet a certain quota of employees from disadvantaged groups. I guess that's what I've been wondering about - how I could have any small chance of competing against someone with the years of work experience, when disability keeps me from getting that. I guess this quota thing gives me some chance. As you said, there is no skipping over the requirements. I still have to be reasonably similar to the competition.

Perhaps something like graduating, and getting 2 years of work/volunteer experience, but spread out over 3 years, so I get breaks. You're right, I need more info on some of these aspects, but I was glad for my friend's info. However, maybe it's not enough for my particular situation. I am sure it can help many other disabled people. I am still hoping to have another idea or two.