To do a degree and have a career change at 37?

[Drogonssmile]

I am seriously considering changing my career path.
I am currently a medical secretary but have always had an interest in psychology since doing it at A level but university when I was younger didn't work out for various reasons.
I would like to apply part time at my local uni for a degree in Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling next year. It is a BPS accredited course and hopefully will lead to a new career.
I am aware that there will be more post grad study involved to fully qualify but having another 30+ years of my working life to go, I don't think it is too much of a problem.
I work 30 hours a week but that can be changed and I have two children aged 2 and 5 currently. I also have a husband, if that's any benefit (sometimes I wonder?!)

Am I mad? Is it doable?

I have no problem with career-changing at 37, but in your shoes, I'd make some enquiries about the demand for counsellors etc. I've a feeling that it's quite a saturated market, at least in some places.

Anyone can do counselling, although there are official accredited qualifications they aren't actually necessary to start up. In your shoes I would maybe do a basic qualification (certificate in counselling skills) alongside your job to dip your toe in the water and see if you like it. A colleague of mine went into counselling as a career change and spent thousands and thousands of pounds and after 6 months of volunteering as a counsellor (she couldn't get a paid job) she had to give it up as the secondary trauma was too much for her to bear and was really affecting her mental health.