Confused single mom-to-be about college major/job..help?

I am currently attending college for music therapy (was hoping to work with autistic children).
I have about 25 college credits, if that even matters.
However, I am now pregnant (unexpected) and I need to find a major/job that makes more money. (Music therapy is LONG schooling for not so much money, and for criticizers out there, I broke up with my alcoholic controlling boyfriend only to find out 2 days later that I was pregnant, even though we used protection, so please no rudeness.)
I love worknig with people, organizational skills, etc.
I've thought about nursing (L.P.N) but some family members say they "can't see me doing it -- that I'm not the 'nurse' type."
Any reccomended associate degrees, experience, or what I should do?
Thank you so much for your time

I do have family that are willing to help me out, but I don't want to be reliant on my parents forever...

That is a highly personal decision. I do know many many people who are in your situation or worse - going to school, working full time with 1, 2 or 3 kids (although to be fair they are usually married).

Your best bet is going into a 4 year degree with the highest potential for earning money. I agree, music therapy, while interesting and socially benign, will never be worth the expense and you need to think about your child first. You could go into business administration, or communications, or market research - develop a skill that people will be willing to pay for.

Finally, ignore people who "can't see you doing" some line of work. They only know who you have been, not what potential you have to be. And do not be concerned with leaning on your parents. You need their help - you're pregnant, a single-mom-to-be, trying to make a better life for herself and child. There has never been a more desperate time for your parents to help you out. If that isn't enough, take out low-interest loans. Suck up the fact that the next 4-5 years will be extremely rough and develop skills that people will be willing to pay for.

How about Childrens advocate or something in the Juvenile Justice system?

If you had a 4 year degree i would say go in for the government. IRS would be your best bet with money AND your people skills. Yes continue going for what you're going for. That way down the road when you're done with college you can take just about any route in life you want. And i want you to know that you go for what YOU want. Not what your family sees you doing and not doing. Follow your dreams don't stop them because of your baby. (BTW i am so happy that you're not going to abort the baby.) Depending on where you're at you can find a job quickly if you're in a BIG area. Just keep your head up and whatever comes into your path Take it! I honestly say this and mean it. GOOD LUCK!

What about a dental assistant? You will work closely with people, and it's only a 1 year course (2 at the most) in most colleges.

Talk to your counselor and see if they have access to an interest inventory. They are forced choice questions that when all is said and done, can give an indication, based on your interests, what jobs might match up. This is not an aptitude test so it will not tell you what you are good at, just what you might enjoy doing based on your answers. check out http://www.kuder.com/PublicWeb/aboutus.a... for more information (here you can pay for one as well). Then go to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ and click on the A-Z Index link and look into what is required for different jobs that may have come up on your interest inventory. Browse the OOH in the meantime and get a feel.

Hi Peace,

You are absolutely not the first person to be in this position, and I really commend you for looking into setting yourself up with the best pay/benefits for you and your child. If you are just looking for something that is the length of an associates program, I would recommend something like a business admin. or secretarial route. I have had some great admin. jobs that paid anywhere between 30-40k, depending on your location. They often have good benefits and the hours are not bad. You can also look into some work-study for some extra $$ while you are completing your schooling.

The other recommendation I would have is not to give up on school. You should be able to get plenty of grants and assistance to stay in (and you could pursue alternative/adult courses in the evening). I went back to school and got certified in elementary education because it would give me the same hours/time off as my kids and allow me as much time as possible with them. It's not the highest pay in the world, but it's a steady job that gives you time with your child (which will be very important later on). Maybe you could pursue a degree in music ed.? The jobs aren't quite as easy to get as a general ed. degree, but it might be worth a shot since it's something that interests you.

Above all, do your best to stay healthy and positive...take care of yourself!