Hi there, hoping someone can give me advice on this issue i have.
I'm currently working in a primary school as a pastoral assistant (ELSA), i basically work with children who have additional needs such as autism, ADHD, behavioural problems, anxieties etc. The year before this i was a teaching assistant supporting in class, however i was over the moon to be offered this role as i have been picturing myself going down the mental health route for a while now and i think the experience of this will help massively. My issue is as much as i love this job the pay is TA pay which to be honest is awful and i can barely just pay my bills every month never mind actually do/buy things that bring me joy and I don't have a partner so no extra income there. I don't mind getting a part time job but don't want to be working two jobs long term. I've looked into child psychology as that would be my dream job but 7 years is just too long to be studying whilst working two jobs. Was wondering if anyone knew any other mental health jobs working with children which wouldn't take as many years studying. I know it's a bit long but any advice would be appreciated, just want as much info as i can as I don't want to waste anymore time.