[splitimage]

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?

[Bill3]

You like your life but you are kind of bored, so some change might be worth considering.

Option 2 seems to give you what you are looking for: something you think you'd like, better income, something beyond what you have now.

Option 3 does seem daunting, not least because you can't start it, if you are accepted, for another 18 months. That's as much as 15 percent of your expected work life just waiting to begin! Until then it does nothing to help with being bored. How long does that program run, and how does the expected increase in pay upon graduation compare to the $36K up front?

From your post, you sound drawn to option 2, not option 3.

I would also consider to what extent (if at all) the social work program, with its likely social (being a mature student) and academic stress, could affect your mental health and stability.

[divine1966]

Pursuing masters would make sense if you plan on working long time. If you think you only have ten years of working life left, you might not get a return on the money. Community college seems to be a more reasonable route.

[rechu]

First of all congratulations for all you have accomplished.


I did a 2-year MA program in my late 20s while working 25-30 hours a week. I found it challenging to juggle everything then, when I was younger and had more energy. One semester was really tough because I also had to do an internship as well that wasn't close to either my home or university.

It sounds like you're leaning towards the community college program. I think it makes the most sense give your retirement time frame and the cost of the Masters degree. Wishing you the best with making your decision.

[splitimage]

Thanks everyone,

I've crossed off the MSW. Just can't see myself doing it.

I've applied to the addictions and mental health counselling program and to another similar but slightly more general college program at another community college.


I'm researching the heck out of both programs and colleges. One of my considerations is location. The one school, which has my preferred program is an hour commute on transit,each way, assuming no delays and I'm concerned that might be too much to handle on top of a heavy course load. The other college is a 20 min walk away.


I'll keep you posted.

[Tart Cherry Jam]

Agree with the above but do want to put it out there that people in cognitive occupations in general tend to work until later in life and gradually reduce hours as they get older, instead of abruptly retiring. Maybe in 10 years you will work less than full time but still work. Yes, community college sounds like that sweet spot you are aiming for