32F considering BCBA — if you could do it again, would you choose this field? Coming from a different career.
I’m (32F) debating whether I want to go through with the BCBA process and could use outside perspective (Walden Grad Cert + Employment BCBA supervision, BCBA-D designation, pathway 2).
I’m a military spouse, and we’re likely settling in San Diego, but I still need a career that is portable, stable, and in demand in case we move again.
Current education:
• Doctorate of Education (Early Childhood Education) — finishing June 2026
• Master’s — Child Developmental Psychology
• Bachelor’s — Psychology
Experience (last ~10 years):
• 3 years — Community Outreach / Education Nonprofit Manager ($75k role, ended due to funding)
• 5 years — Librarian (managed different locations, youth services)
• 1 year — SPED Teacher (emergency role in Virginia, non-licensure, no credential, behavioral mild-moderate, 3rd -5th grade)
• 2 years — Early Childhood Education Teacher / Lead Staff
I’m trying to decide what makes the most sense for my next chapter and whether BCBA is worth pursuing.
Would love perspectives from people who became BCBAs later in their careers or pivoted from other careers.