I'm putting this here, instead of school/study issues as it's a bit broader than just the school piece.

Ok. So I've been mentally stable and sober for over 6 years now, and back in the workforce part time for just over 3 years. Honestly my executive functioning is probably the best it's been in 20 + years. I have at least 10 more years to work before I contemplate retirement.


My current situation is I have 2 part time jobs, both as a peer support worker. In one role I support callers on a mental health telephone support line, and in the other I facilitate 12 step meetings for people with concurrent disorders. I like both jobs. I also do some work that falls somewhere between volunteering and consulting that I go get paid for, but the hours are really irregular. I also still get some payments from my provincial disability plan and they cover my meds, dental, and glasses. Work pays 21/hour and my other stuff pays 25-30/hour. I'm doing ok financially, but that's primarily due to my being in ultra affordable housing that's run by a Catholic charity.

But I'm kind of bored and would like to have more income from either a better paying job or closer to full time hours.

So I've been contemplating going back to school.

The program I'm primarily considering is an addictions and mental health counselling program at a community college. It would be 4 semesters all back to back, and would cost approximately 10 K. I know someone who graduated from the program and he said it was really good, and he found full time work in the addictions field within 4 months of graduation. I know there are jobs out there and the ones I've seen advertised seem to pay 23-30 hour depending on the type of agency. I could start this program, this fall


My brother is strongly pushing me to consider pursuing a masters of social work as that would pay significantly more. I've looked at the program in my town, and to be honest it looks kind of daunting. Looking at the application process suggests that they're not really set up to accommodate mature students, and I'm not sure I'd get in, I also wouldn't be able to start it until fall 2026. Cost would be about 36K I kind of feel that if I were 20 years younger I might be more inclined to pursue that.

So my options are

1. Keep doing what I'm doing and do some more practical certifications that would allow me to get more into facilitation that I could do as a consultant. This is the easy option, and I'm generally happy with my life right now.

2, Do the community college route. This would allow me to move into more formal addictions work which is something I think I'd like.

3. Go the MSW route. this would be the most work, and the most risk.


Sorry this has been so long. typing it out has helped me.

Thoughts anyone?