I have gone back and forth for the past 5 years or so about changing careers.  My biggest problems will be the lost of income.  I currently have 18 years with the government in auditing, but I would really like to change to the education field, specifically as a guidance counselor for high school.  This would require a major pay cut especially since I leave in North Carolina.  I have a BS in Accounting and have no problem returning to school for my Master's. 

I have looked into getting a degree online in this field but it usually requires those that are already in the education field and the schools in my area that provide the Master's in School Counseling are at least an hour and a half away.  Not to mention I am a single mom raising two boys, 16 and 11 years old both actively involved in sports.

Just wondering if you have any suggestions for me.  I have already wasted much of my life staying in a job I do not enjoy ( ok despise) and with my 43rd birthday just around the corner I do not see me spending another 14 years of my life in this career field.  Fourteen years is my minimum retirement  to spend with the government to get full government benefits.  I am looking into doing a deferred retirement with the government, but I still have to pay the bills somehow.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks