Mature age (40) return to study. Financial implications

[laynie]

Considering returning to study a psychology degree at age 40. I know it takes 6 years to be registered. I have no debt, kids or dependants. I do rent and have a good deal at $390 p/W. Around 250k liquid at the moment.

I am wondering if this is going to screw me in the future? Main reason I am considering return is to do something where I can help people. Work one on one with people and earn a decent wage. The APS recommended rate is $300p/h these days. So when I finish people will likely be charging that or more per session.

I've taken 6 months off from my old job and I'm at a point where I just don't think I can go back to labouring, mining or an office job. I have no qualifications in anything. I've been fortunate in that I have been employed in lots of interesting jobs, but as I've gotten older I don't want to be doing high stress jobs where I am in charge of complex projects or on the tools.

 

[andeyolynn]

@laynie Diploma of counselling is 2 years online

You have to attend practical assessments

You also need to register once you qualify

Their material is sourced from Harvard

My mum studied it when she was 50 & ran her own business for 10 years

It’s not an easy course though she met a guy who had failed the prac assessment 4 times

https://www.aipc.net.au/courses/diploma-of-counselling

 

[sonnabendasw]

@andeyolynn Probably a dumb question but how do you fail a prac assessment in counselling?
Edit: 4 times too

 

[andeyolynn]

@sonnabendasw They were pretty intense apparently. I never took one so I cant really judge

 

[sonnabendasw]

@andeyolynn Fair enough!

 

[ericph]

@andeyolynn Hmm the link you shared says 12 months, online