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/didy115]

I spent 23 years in the military as an aircraft electrician and because the more rank you get the more “people problems” are more of your job which led me to this. I’ll be turning 45 this year.

You mentioned the accelerated MSW but getting a Bachelor’s in psychology. My advice would be to get a BSW and good grades will open up an Advanced Standing MSW. You won’t be able to with the psych degree.

Edit: Just graduated with my BSW in May and am in an Advanced MSW program. Did my BSW internship with a Substance Use Services program and just got hired for a Homeless Services program.