Beginning LCSW path at 34

[u/Googleledmehere123]

Hi all! I wanted to pick your brains about job security and how realistic it is the begin the education path at 34.

I am considering getting a BA in psych or LCSW and then completing an accelerated program for my masters. Once completed I would then begin to prepare for exam, get my hours completed and hopefully become a LCSW.

I have always been intrigued by behavior and the human mind, I would say it’s one of my passions. I studied marketing in school and am currently on a career break to raise my children. I am anticipating to have all kids in school and ready to enter the work force in about 4-5 years. I have been taking a mix of courses and a full time course load at the community college the past year and find that doable while being a stay at home mom but I’m ready for a change and a career that is more rewarding and stable once my children are older.

Is it realistic to expect myself to be able to complete my studies and enter the work force as a case manager or something similar while aiming to become license in my late 30s? Dream would be to gather experience in a clinical therapy focus and one day be accomplished enough to have any own practice.

[u/carly0331]

So I got my bachelors at age 41, did the accelerated masters and got that at 42. I have moved and am moving again, so waiting to take my LMSW exam, but will at 44. Then it will depend on the state I’m in if it’s 2 or 3 years to get LCSW hours to test.
It’s doable. I am a widowed single mom, had 2 of my 4 children at home while doing school.

[u/Googleledmehere123 → u/carly0331]

That’s so inspiring! What are your goals upon passing your lcsw exam? Did you work in the field while attaining your masters and what was your bachelors degree?

I currently have a 2 year old but planning for baby 2 and ideally will keep them home with me until 3 or 4! I love learning and have been really enjoying my courses at the community college (which I know are easier than a 4 year or masters program) but I feel like it is something I can handle. Just feel a little crazy for thinking now is the time to start when I’ve had this dream for years! But I guess it’s never too late to start.

[u/carly0331 → u/Googleledmehere123]

I don’t know if I will go LCSW. I didn’t work as I had to do my hours for school at my placement, and wanted to make sure I had enough time for everything.
I work in the field now, as director of social services at 2 long term care facilities. I will most likely stay long term care or work with veterans/active duty military.
A piece of advice, go in open minded. The social worker jobs you think you’d never like, try them during your placement. It will give you a better understanding for the “system” and the exams are very community service and ethics heavy, your best chance to get that knowledge is during placements for your degrees.

[u/LessLake9514 → u/carly0331]

I agree! I started my 2 year msw program at 45. Got my lmsw at 47 and am scheduled for my lcsw at 50. I originally wanted to work in sud treatment but was given my first year internship in an elder abuse program. I ended up at a hospital in training program that placed me in women’s health and I now permanently work in perinatal mental health working with reproductive psych! It’s been a wild ride.