should I go for MSN in education?

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 1, 2012

1. Have you considered a career in Staff Development or Continuing Education? Not all education jobs are for schools of nursing. Some of those other jobs pay better than typical faculty jobs. Don't limit the jobs you consider to only those in academia.

2. Some teaching jobs have GREAT benefits and retirement plans. Sometimes, what you lose in cash salary, you get back in benefits. Don't overlook the importance of those things (or their financial value).

3. Your concern seems to be more for opportunities in the future, not so much for right now. Right now, you can make the most of your high compensation and save money for the future. Play your cards right, and you will be able to afford the lower salary of a faculty job when you get older.

That's the situation I am in. I am currently working full time in Staff Development for a hospital -- working Monday through Friday -- days only, no holidays, flexible schedule when I want it, etc., making about $85K in a town with a cost of living that is approximately the national average. I teach an ocassional class on the side for a local nursing school. I have managed my money well and am now in a position that I could (and will) take a lower paying or part time job in a few years to ease into retirement. A part time teaching job (which would give me access to health insurance) is a very real prospect for me. The loss of income won't be a disaster because I have prepared for it.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Sep 5, 2012

Amen llg!! I have been working that plan myself.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 5, 2012

My sister worked that plan successfully as an elementary school teacher. She supported herself on her teacher's salary -- and got great benefits such as tuition reimbursement for her Master's and a state pension plan. She also precepted students studying early childhood education at a local college and taught an ocassional class there.

In her early 50's, she "retired" after 30 years of teaching grade school -- taking her pension and keeping her access to the group health insurance in the school district where she taught -- and where she now teaches ocassionally (1 or 2 days per month) as a substitute teacher. She also continued to teach ocassionally at the local college. Between the pension and the part-time work, she makes almost as much as the average full time teacher -- not quite, but enough to live comfortably. And she only has to work a few days per month.

I won't have a pension, but I have a healthy retirment fund. I'm still working full time in my hospital job ... but in a few years, I'll be looking to move down to some sort of part time employment -- either in a hospital or for a college. I am hopeful that my experience teaching 1 course per year at a local university will give me a few extra options.