Thanks addictedtopurses. I was heavily put down by some of my former college 'friends' for dropping out. They all went on to law school and I got left behind 'wasting my potential' as they always reminded me. It was a tough decision, but I couldn't leave my grandparents to fend for themselves. I paid most of the bills for my grandmother after my grandpa passed away. Elderly people cannot live off of Social Security alone nowadays. I don't think many of them understood that.
I do hope to go back on a part-time basis once my kids are in middle school. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
good luck! Btw, the people who put you down may have their careers, but they obviously don't have the character and compassion that you do and that is worth so much more!!!