Karen with child #3 with you both possibly out of work you'd get good aid for school. Maybe you can talk to the financial aid office about what to do with her. She may be able to stay on where she is. I wouldn't worry too much about her just yet. She may also be able to declare herself independent and not have to rely on your income for her so she can get more aid. Then maybe she can check in with her brother if he wants to stay. It's asking a whole lot from her, but they may be able to help each other out a bit maybe even share an apartment. (When my husband and I moved in together it saved his mom $400 a month in food and housing costs with him out of the dorms even with her paying us $400 a month to help with rent since he was only work-study)
As far as teaching being his love I understand. My husband went on to grad school to teach since he taught in the colleges continuing studies program and loved it. But he's told me he's nervous about doing it since it would mean we'd be moving a lot, and dealing with tenure is something he doesn't want to do. and most schools don't give benefits to adjuncts.
Has he thought of high school? That may be a more stable job. I know it's completely different type of teaching, something he may not want, but it's an option that may allow you to stay local too.
I don't like an office job, I'm too stiffled, but I love where I work. I work in the library and it's fun. Not my dream job by a long shot, but I'm even wondering about going back to school and maybe going for my MLS. But with my health I'm not too sure about it right now. But with college layoffs a couple months ago got me thinking, if I get laid off I'll go back to school and see where it takes me.
Take a bunch of deep breaths and try to think of it in a positive light. I know I sound crazy and I'm never one to take my own advice, but worry has never gotten me anywhere but a belly ache. Take some time to really think. I know you still have one kid at home, but this may be the time to start fresh again. Your husband could even go back to school for his PhD and expand his knowledge of something he really loves. You never know.
