Should I go back? MS in Counseling
greetings everyone. I (f23) am looking for some advice whether going back to school is the right decision, in this economy. I live in the US, in a northeastern state. I have my B.A. in psychology, and I have some experience in social services, mental health, and working in childcare, and a few years in beauty (skincare, makeup, etc.) sales. I have always dreamed/planned on going to school to become an adolescent mental health counselor; I have already been accepted into a Master’s program this fall. When planning for the next 3 years (it’s a projected 3 years + 1 semester program) I am dreading if I am able to afford it. I’m afraid I will put myself in a bad financial situation and struggle to graduate. I have about $20k in federal sub/unsubsidized loans for my undergrad degree. I’ve worked 35-40 hours/wk, during the last four years to pay for school, and my living expenses. I get basically no help from my mom. I am no contact from my biological father. I live with my partners family, living with my mom is an option but not a good one for my mental health. I currently pay rent, my expenses (car insurance, gas, food, etc.) and trying to pay down my student loans. As the deadline gets closer, I’m so worried about my mental and physical health. I have been pretty burned out from leaving a toxic job (finally at a better one, but I had to take a pay and benefits cut) and I am have anxiety and depression for which I have been unmedicated. I lost my PCP last year, and I won’t have an appointment with another Dr until this July. I want to take some time off of working before school to help my mental health, but also this would put me in an even worse financial situation (I have no one supporting me).
All this being said, I am worried about going back to school. I have always supported myself with little/no help from anyone (family, partners). I anticipate the cost of this degree being another 75k, without carrying insurance or needing to pay for supervisory training (which will happen around year 2/3). I don’t know if I can afford it. but this has always been my career goal
I am considering if going back to school is a good decision (given how expensive and unpredictable the economy is currently). I’m afraid : of not being able to finish/ afford to finish school I won’t be able to work enough to support myself, or finish my classes. I took 15 credits a semester in undergrad, while working multiple jobs.- but I’m tired!
I also want to be able to move out into an apartment with my boyfriend in the future, have any expendable income, etc. I know going back to school would prohibit that for years. I am beginning to worry if this is the right choice, and whether I should try to pivot and find a new career? I’ve never really considered other career options, and I don’t know if having a B.A. in Psychology will be too limiting.
I am just asking for some other perspectives. I should to talk with my mom about this (not that she helps at all financially), but I am afraid of telling her I’m basically giving up on my dream. I need a few more opinions, before I’m able to approach her.
Thank you all for reading and giving advice!! I really appreciate it!