Possible forced career change. Options?

[lita.librarian]

42 year old high school librarian, only been in the profession 5 years. MLMT with k-12 teaching certificate from GA State.

Looking at University of Alabama online or University of North Texas cohort here in Atlanta for MLS but also considering a PhD. In k-12 education getting another master’s is a waste of time, I should ‘step up’ and get the specialist’s or the PhD.

If I do go with a PhD, I can’t really pick up and move… though if it came to that, I would think seriously about working something out. I am not finding any info on online PhDs, is there such a thing? Not University of Phoenix…

My interests, I still love the school library setting but I am in a contract battle with the county and I might have to accept this phase of my life as over, in which case does getting the MLIS make more sense? It would be nice to have a job with retirement and benefits... I did get a late start.

My bachelor’s is in American Studies from UA, I love learning why we do what we do as individuals and as a society, which can be spun in many different research/specialty directions. Not scared of tech, wish I had oodles of cash to buy each new gadget as they are released. I play video games and would love to be in a position to bring more games into the classroom, as teaching tools (strategy, history, economics, etc.). That would be Information Tech, which I can do a specialist’s at West Georgia, mostly online… but outside of k12, is a specialist’s worth anything?

So. Suggestions? Is there a mostly online PhD program? Career options? Youth services, something that I can combine with my love of gaming and online ‘realities’ ..? Please inspire me… it’s a little depressing right now with no direction.

Thanks!

[Lolita]

I'm sorry. I actually don't have an answer for you- just a question. lol. Why are you changing careers? I am interested in becoming a high school librarian so I'm just curious. Thanks.