Rebuilding Your Future: Education and Career Paths for Financial Independence
- Deborah Ann Martin
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
If your ex is required to financially support you for a period of time, you may be in a unique position to invest in your own future—whether that’s going back to school, learning a trade, or building up your professional skills.
Starting over can feel intimidating, especially after being out of the workforce for many years, or if you’ve been a stay-at-home parent. The fear of entering the workforce again can be overwhelming. You might be thinking, “It’s been so long, I won’t know where to start,” or “I don’t have the confidence to go back to school at my age.” But here’s the truth: It's never too late to start, and you’re more capable than you realize.
This time of transition is an opportunity to rebuild and pursue career paths that could bring both financial stability and personal fulfillment.
Education: A Step Toward Financial Independence
If you’re financially supported for a period of time (whether through alimony, child support, or a settlement), use this opportunity to invest in yourself.
Here are a few ideas:
Go Back to College: You may be eligible for grants, scholarships, or financial aid to help you return to school. Many schools offer programs for non-traditional students (those who haven’t been in school for years), so don’t let age or a long break from learning hold you back. Even if you're not pursuing a degree, you can take courses to improve your skills or explore a new field.
Trade Schools & Certification Programs: Short-term, focused training can lead to great job opportunities in industries like healthcare, tech, or skilled trades. Consider becoming a nurse, pharmacy technician, cosmetologist, or electrician—these careers often offer flexible hours, job stability, and strong earning potential. Trade schools are often more affordable and quicker to complete than traditional degrees, so they can be a great stepping stone to a career with less financial and time investment.
Nursing Programs: Nursing, in particular, has seen a rise in demand, and there are many pathways into this career, whether through associate’s degrees, accelerated programs, or certifications. Plus, many schools offer flexible, online options, so you can study while managing other responsibilities.
Online Courses and Certifications: If traditional schooling feels like too much of a leap, start small with online courses. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable classes on everything from digital marketing and graphic design to project management and coding. Gaining a certification can help you get a foot in the door in many industries.
Building Confidence: Small Steps Toward Re-Entry
While gaining an education is a powerful step forward, re-entering the workforce after a long break can also feel daunting. The confidence you need to make that transition comes from practice and gradual exposure to the workforce environment.
Here’s how you can start:
Volunteering: If you’re unsure about diving directly into paid work, start with volunteer opportunities. Volunteering in your community, at a hospital, school, or even with a local organization will give you experience, build your resume, and help you regain your confidence in a professional setting.
Freelance Gigs or Part-Time Work: If you’re not ready to commit to a full-time job, consider freelance work or part-time opportunities. These allow you to ease into the workforce and gain experience without feeling overwhelmed. Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, or local classifieds often have gig-based opportunities in fields like writing, editing, graphic design, tutoring, or even administrative support.
Networking: Building a network may seem challenging at first, but start small. Attend local meetups, join online groups related to your field of interest, or even reach out to former colleagues, friends, and family for advice and connections. You don’t have to find your dream job right away, but building relationships in your industry will help you get more comfortable with the idea of going back to work.
Overcoming the Fear of Returning to Work
Fear is natural—especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for many years. But here’s the thing: You’re not starting from scratch. Even if you’ve been at home for a long time, you’ve been building transferable skills: time management, organization, multitasking, and the ability to solve problems. Your experience as a caregiver, volunteer, or homemaker has value.
If you have these common fears:
You say: “I’m too old.” No, you’re not.
Self-Doubt: The fear of “I don’t have enough experience” or “I’m too old to start now” can be paralyzing, but it’s important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. No one is born with the perfect resume—every job, education, and experience you gain will add to your confidence and build your skillset. Take small steps every day to push through the self-doubt. Employers value experience, maturity, and reliability. You’re not behind—you’re just beginning a new path
You say: “I have nothing to offer.” Actually, you do.
Imposter Syndrome: Feeling like you don’t belong or that you’re not “good enough” for a role is something that many people face, especially when returning to work after a long break. But the truth is, you bring a unique perspective and skill set to the table that others might not have. The fact that you’ve been out of the workforce for a while doesn’t diminish your value; it makes your experience that much more valuable. Time management, problem-solving, communication, caregiving, and resilience from raising kids and home management—all of those matter in the workplace.
You say: “What if I fail?” Then you learn. And that’s not failure—it’s growth.
Be Kind to Yourself: Don’t expect perfection right away. The transition may take time, and that’s okay. Set realistic expectations for yourself, take one step at a time, and celebrate every small win along the way. Remember that you learn more from a failure then you do when you succeed the first time.
Your New Chapter Begins Here
You don’t have to go from stay-at-home parent to CEO overnight.
But each step—each course, side gig, application, or resume draft—gets you closer to financial independence.
It’s not just about income.
It’s about confidence.
It’s about control.
It’s about not depending on anyone else to shape your future.
The process of going back to school, building a career, or re-entering the workforce may feel overwhelming, but it is entirely within your reach. This is your fresh start. The journey may be hard at times, but each small step you take toward rebuilding your career will help you regain your confidence and independence.
Financial independence is not just about earning money—it’s about having control over your life and your future. With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can create the life you want. Take your time, be kind to yourself, and know that the fear you feel now is just a part of the process—and you’ve got this.
What You Can Try Today
Start small. You don’t have to do everything. Just try one.
Set One Financial Goal This Week: Save $20. Track expenses. Make a plan to cut one monthly cost.
Create a “New Beginnings” List: Write 5 things that excite or motivate you about this chapter.
Take 10 Minutes for a Confidence Boost: Look up a free class. Read a job description. Imagine yourself doing it.
Practice Gratitude Daily: Each night, list 3 things you’re thankful for—even if it’s just quiet coffee or getting through the day.
Start One Tiny Self-Care Ritual: A walk. A prayer. A podcast. A bath. Something that centers you.
You’re Not Alone in This
Starting over is never easy. But you are not doing this alone.
At Surviving Life Lessons, our support groups are full of people just like you—figuring out how to build a new life, one piece at a time.
Whether you’re dreaming of a new job or just trying to believe in yourself again, we’re here.
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