My name is Jackie & I'm a SAHM of a 10-month-old boy, Holden James. I graduated with a B.S. in Fitness & Nutrition from Purdue in Dec 2009. I planned to find a job  with my degree after graduating (I was working at a restaurant until I was 8 months pregnant), but have not had any luck at all! I feel that my experience for the past 10 months staying home with my son, breastfeeding, and regaining a healthy lifestyle has enriched my life tremendously! I have completed 2 half marathons since giving birth, and am so proud of my accomplishments as a strong mom. However, student loans are KILLING me, and I can't find a relevant job! Anyone have any suggestions?

Hi Jacquelyn,

Congratulations on running 2 marathons.  Congratulations even more on giving birth and breastfeeding (you cannot train for those) but they are truly wonderful accomplishments.  I'm so sorry you're having a hard time finding work.  I'm afraid that's all too common these days.  My niece went to school and got a degree and ended up as a dog groomer.  Good job that's taken her places and she's happy but it's not the occupation she spent so much money to get.  Anyway, I have a job that is in the same general field of interest, I'm a health coach.  I know that's an overused title but I basically help people who are struggling to eat right and may be dealing with health issues that can be controlled and reversed by changing habits.  I help them learn to eat 6 small meals a day and I teach them some very practical lifestyle changes that are easy for them to incorporate.  I love it and I have many close friends who are making more money than people with degrees.  Anyway, I present it as an option for you.  I work from home because I have 2 children and right now it works great for me.  Let me know if you would like any additional information, otherwise, keep up the good work with Holden and maybe we'll be chatting sometime soon.