thank you! I think it's hard sometimes having an advanced degree because people don't want to hire me - except for academics.

I don't want to teach in public schools around here in the chicago area - I don't consider it safe. actually any big city would feel that way for me. maybe really young kids would be okay, but I don't think I could handle the attitudes that high school or even jr. high school kids have. I taught freshmen composition at the junior college and those kids were just out of high school - often they were difficult to motivate, and sometimes argued too much and skipped class. I had some great students, too, but overall that age is hard for me. Also since I have a master's and not a certificate, I'd have to go back to school again if I wanted to teach public school. I can't do any more school. I would love to teach college again but it's hard to get a full time job.

you should go for the master's - I was glad I did even though now I don't really use it much.