old dog, new tricks

[groupiedoo]

Hi I've been a sahm for twenty five years and am thinking about starting a course in counselling at college, by the time I get properly qualified I will be knocking on fifty, is this a daft idea and am I getting carried away with myself,? I feel it's last chance saloon to try and get a career for myself but am terrified and excited in equal measure, has anyone done anything similar,?

Thanks for reply beer, nothing ventured nothing gained I suppose!

Not daft at all. In fact your age will be seen as a plus by colleges and eventually clients. You can't teach life experience! Go for it.

I hope that it's not a daft idea because at 42 I've just signed up to do the same thing. Go for it and good luck!

Not daft at all. Most counselling courses won't take anyone under the age of 23/24 so you are likely to find a broad age range and definitely people the same of similar age. I qualified now and in my v. late 40's!

Check out the British Associating of Counsellors and Psychotherapists website (bacp) for information and the only other advice I would give is - normally you are required to complete a placement, perhaps year 2 - year 3 - look into it early as it can become quite competitive in class so get yourselves organised - check out your GP surgeries or find out where the year above you got their placements, etc.

It will be very rewarding and you, hopefully, will meet a lot of new friends as well as doing something you enjoy. Good luck x