Is it too late to change my career path?
I’ve been working in social services for over 10 years now and still paying off student loans for my social worker undergraduate and graduate degrees but I’ve had it! My passion when I started all of this was to help people, support my community, and try to make the world a better place (misguided youthful dreams!). But all the frustration over the bureaucracy to get things done and inadequate financial benefits has caught up with me. I don’t think I can sanely keep this up another 30+ years but what kind of job or industry an I transition into with my background without going back to school or even worse… taking a paycut?
Hello Marcia,
How are you doing? I just turned 40 three months ago and I'm in the same boat as you. I've been in education for 16 years, 3 of those years as an educational administrator. I love what I do but, like you, i'm looking for something more. So, given I've worked with kids in K-12 setting and counsel their parents right along with them, I figured why not go into Psychology. So, I'm venturing off into school psychology but that will allow me to work not just in school setting but private corporations, hospitals and other settings where I'd still be helping kids but I'd be doing something different and opening up my opportunities for growth in a fresh new field.
Given you're in social services, you are not too far off from the career I'm getting into. You've probably taken a good number of the courses required in psychology (general, child or educational) that would allow you to get another credential under your belt without breaking the bank and start over fresh. The average salary for a psychologist is around $60,000-$65000. My friend works as a child psychologist in a hospital and makes about $85000. Whatever you decide it's never too late to make a change in your life.
Hello Marcia, Thank you for being a part of our Jobcase community! I think it is absolutely NOT too late to change your career path. However, I think it will take some work on your part. Think of some other careers you would be interested in and then start doing some research about those fields. You could even try speaking with people in that field about requirements and salary range, if they are willing to share.
I made a similar decision about my own social work degree years ago! When you think about all your skills, you'll find they're more transferable than you'd imagine. Break down everything you know how to do into 1 or 3 words each (i.e. interpersonal skills, problem solving, training new employees). Then think about what type of job would be satisfying. Don't consider education and salary specifically... just what you can picture yourself doing. We can then tailor it all down and figure out some feasible options! I'd love to hear from and work with you to make the change. If you'd like, please visit my website MentoringAmbition.org. Good luck!