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AIBU?

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Is it ridiculous to try and become a child psychologist at 42?

113 replies

Spookygoose · 17/11/2025 20:39

AIBU to even consider trying to do this? I’ve got a very high-paying but soul destroying career that I’ve begun to really hate (and which is completely unrelated to psychology). I want out and would love to train as a child psychologist. I own my own home outright & I’m married with one primary-age DD. I’ve got the funds to put myself through a psychology conversion MSc and then the 3 or 4 year doctorate to be able to practice as a licensed psychologist. However, I could not move to another area of the country for the doctorate (which I know is sometimes necessary). I live in the South East. I know doctorate programs are also ridiculously competitive and I’m not confident I’d be one of the most academically gifted students. My previous career was in the arts and I’ve always been creative but not amazing when it comes to maths and science. On top of that, even in the likely event I managed to get onto a doctorate not long after the MSc, is still be pushing 50 by the time I qualify. Am I dreaming or has anyone actually done anything similar?

OP posts:
CoffeeLipstickKeys · 17/11/2025 20:54

You need relevant work experience prior to applying for the doctorate
Also it’ll help you get a view of contemporary practice and assess if it’s for you
Not maths but a lot of stats, you’ll need to be adept as interpretation of stats , using stats packages eg SPSS.

SalmonOnFinnCrisp · 17/11/2025 20:52

User34735278 · 17/11/2025 20:47

Not ridiculous but I wouldnt do it. I tried for three years to become a clinical psychologist- getting onto the training is brutally competitive because there arent enough training places and that was with extensive experience as an assistant psychologist and a first class psych degree. You will have to then do placements all over and with a young child that will be incredibly hard.

I am honestly not trying to be negative here but its not an easy road and the job is stressful at the end of it.

This.

Its easy to say "wooo! yeah go for it sister - you are never too old!" then make a tea and watch the kardashians.

The job is vocational anf draining. 2 of my cousins do it - its also highly highly competitve.

I'm in a similar boat to you, when i make the move i want something that is quite "practical" / pragmatic and will take less time to train.

redfishcat · 17/11/2025 20:51

Try occupational therapy, they work in CAHMs teams and do parallel work that compliments the psychologists, but is much easier to get into.

Sailawaygirl · 17/11/2025 20:50

Have you considered speech therapy?

CoffeeLipstickKeys · 17/11/2025 20:48

User34735278 · 17/11/2025 20:47

Not ridiculous but I wouldnt do it. I tried for three years to become a clinical psychologist- getting onto the training is brutally competitive because there arent enough training places and that was with extensive experience as an assistant psychologist and a first class psych degree. You will have to then do placements all over and with a young child that will be incredibly hard.

I am honestly not trying to be negative here but its not an easy road and the job is stressful at the end of it.

Yes. Agree

User34735278 · 17/11/2025 20:47

Not ridiculous but I wouldnt do it. I tried for three years to become a clinical psychologist- getting onto the training is brutally competitive because there arent enough training places and that was with extensive experience as an assistant psychologist and a first class psych degree. You will have to then do placements all over and with a young child that will be incredibly hard.

I am honestly not trying to be negative here but its not an easy road and the job is stressful at the end of it.

CoffeeLipstickKeys · 17/11/2025 20:46

Bushmillsbabe · 17/11/2025 20:41

Have you considered Art Therapist? Supports children in a similar way to child psychology but may play to your strengths in being creative

Art therapy FT salaried posts are v limited it is competitive with not a lot of posts

Nn9011 · 17/11/2025 20:44

It's not ridiculous but I'd keep in mind that doctorate and masters are highly competitive so most people looking to go down this path will often have to work in a role for a year or 2 to get the experience to be able to get the places on the courses. You'll also be at the very bottom rung of the ladder, career and even pension wise.

shiningcuckoo · 17/11/2025 20:44

Or a play therapist?

CoffeeLipstickKeys · 17/11/2025 20:43

what related work experience do you have? Get some nhs experience see mental health frontline practice. Try get a job in CAMHS as a support worker or HCA
Are you aware how fierce it is to get on the doctorate? Most candidates don’t get on first go

Bushmillsbabe · 17/11/2025 20:41

Have you considered Art Therapist? Supports children in a similar way to child psychology but may play to your strengths in being creative

Spookygoose · 17/11/2025 20:41

*unlikely event, not likely!

OP posts:
JetSkiRentals · 17/11/2025 20:40

No go for it! It’s never too late!

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