Should I do a Social Work MA? I need your advice...

[NipSlipper]

I'm 39 yrs old. DC are 12 and 8 yrs old. I'm a Safeguarding Officer in a (large) education setting. I've been here for 3 years, and I've done shedloads of CPD in this area.

I got to this job having previously worked as a careers advisor in secondary schools (I have a postgrad diploma in Careers Guidance) and with the local Youth Offending Service (in restorative justice/reparations). I have also done lots of voluntary work with YOTs and in youth offending institutions.

However, I want to move on (and to be honest 'up'!) ...and the opportunities in education are limited. I earn 30k pa right now and would like to get closer to 40k in the next 5 years.

I don't really want to be a child protection social worker, in all honesty. But there are lots of jobs about that look interesting and have better salaries than my job that require a social work qualification, e.g. CAFCASS case workers, youth offending team workers etc.

The Masters is gruelling and two years full time. I'm under no illusions. And there is a cost .But if (if) I could commit to the cost and gear myself up energy-wise to do this qualification...would it be a good career move?

I am wondering whether its stupid to embark on this at my age...or not?

[Vetsandpets]

Can you not do one of the graduate entry routes into social work - DD recently enquired about one (she's third year uni) and was told that a large percentage of the people taking this route were 40+ years

//www.thinkahead.org is one of them but I think there are others.

[ImperialBlether]

My niece is a CPSW and nearly going crazy with the stress of it. The workload and responsibility is relentless.