No worries. I got my start in the field too late. I took the first job after getting my degree. Made just under minimum wage as a behavior tech for 5 years. After those years, no one would take me without my Special Education license. Took two years to get my Special Education license. Now I’m 7 years into a career and really haven’t made any gains financially, tenurally (if that’s a word?), or professionally. Got a job in Special Education after that, but now I’m 7 years late to the party. If I was on my true 12th year, my salary would be a lot higher. I know salary isn’t everything, and I truly enjoy the challenges the job brings. My background is in behavior, and I enjoy figuring out what motivates and drives people through studying it. But I’m at a point where, at my age, I can’t imagine this financial struggle keeping on for another 12 years. If I don’t shift gears, I don’t see getting ahead as an option.

If you are just starting out, and don’t mind a struggle for a year or two, then this is one of the best and rewarding careers you can grab. You have to be internally motivated though.