I would suggest you start looking for online/correspondence options if going back to school isn't really an option. My mother is just starting to study to be a counsellor and she is doing it by distance. Its not easy because you need self discipline to study but if it is something you want then go for it! I teach university so I am all for people going to school when they find something they are interested in

I personally would look into the community colleges many now do offer online courses and you have alot of General Ed Classes to take if you want to get a Bachelor's in Social Work. You would need to ask what 4-yr colleges the Gen Ed classes are transferable to in order to complete the degree but it would help give you some ideas.

I am a social worker. I have two Bachelor's degrees, one in Sociology and one in Psychology. I would first recommend that you don't go that route and that you get an actual BSW. I went to Purdue, they didn't offer a BSW and told me there that it would be the same. It's not.

Second, before you lay out that kind of cash for a degree, sit back and look at the income level of a social worker. If I had gotten a 2 year nursing degree I would be making twice the money that I make as a social worker. When I was young and idealistic I thought money didn't matter. Now I wish that I would have looked seriously at all the degrees available, the income levels, and made a more logical choice. I love my job, I love helping people, but I could help people in more profitable ways than by going into the worst neighborhoods there are and risking my own safety while making 30 grand a year. And, now that I'm in my 30s I'm thinking realistically about working when I'm 55 and this type of job is unappealing at that age.

I agree that you should do your gen ed courses online or through a community college. I did a lot of my gen ed courses at a techincal school because the schedule was more flexible (I worked full time through college, it can be done). I actually took classes there and at Purdue at the same time. The school counselor told me I couldn't do it, but I did and I still have the same piece of paper as had I taken all of my classes at Purdue.

That's my advice. Feel free to private message me if you want to talk about it some more. Best of luck!

First of all, congrats on choosing something that you want to do! That's usually the hardest part!

I would recommend the same things as they did above about researching degrees, programs, etc - you can do almost all (if not all) of it online, but that may not give you the best "feeling" for the job. Secondly - do you want to be a Social Worker with a city/county system, or in a school? That's also another option. I would take a few days of vacation (or "sick days"), and spend some time shadowing and talking to social workers in different areas. See what they really do, and what a 'typical' day is like.

If you decide to do it online, you can do the work when it works for you. You are free after 7 pm, and seems you have Fridays and Sundays free. I teach 2 online classes for a university here and most of my students cram everything into 1 or 2 days a week for ALL of their classes!

Best of luck in whatever you do!

I can't really help but want to wish you best of luck. Studying at college requires some effort =)

I just decided to go back to school, and am taking online classes as well as regular classes, both through community college. I'd start there. Also, in many professions, you can "job shadow" to see if it's what you really want to do. I would get the gen. ed. classes out of the way on line, then see a career counsellor to try to get hooked up with a job shadow deal to see if SW meets your expectations. I will say that online classes are much more time consuming than I thought, so be prepared. Good luck!!

Atleast your boss is cool with taking classes at all Also, you say you aren't a morning person. I would imagine that social workers have to get up early most days (court appearences, trying to meet with uncooperative parents early in the morning before they leave the house to avoid you, etc.) It stinks to get up early, but maybe it's better to become a morning person now, than attempting to in a few years!
Yes, taking on class a semester will take you a while to get an AA. But in 5 years, you will be 5 years older, with or without an AA. Which scenario sounds better to you?
Good luck, and look into getting financial aid. They'll give it to almost everyone; it's how I got through!

Hey! Before you look into any kind of general counseling degree--you need to understand the requirements for licensing in your state. You'd think that any school would already be meeting requirements for different states, but this just isn't so. If you need to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to practice, for example, there are many requirements that have to be met. It all varies depending on the state you live in.

I would definitely try taking some courses at a community college--and I wouldn't take out any student loans to do it until you see what it's really like to be back in school. If you weren't really gung-ho about school before, you may find it a challenge now. But try it anyway! Don't be held back!

Jay

First two years of college can be done at a community college for almost all schools that have SW degrees. Also, be aware - many, many states have certification requirements. In MI, a masters (MSW) is required for most jobs - even entry level ones. And - as has been already stated, SW jobs do not pay well. That being said, it IS a rewarding career in other ways. I do believe it takes a "calling" to become a SW.
I wish you luck, and encourage you to follow the advice above - talk to SWers in your state, find out what the requirements are.

I read everyones responses and I want to thank everyone for their advice. I think I am going to hold off on going to University of Phoenix. It is quite expensive and a friend of mine found a aite that talked about all the negatives about the school.

It is cheaper for me to go through the community college to get the general Ed classes done first. This way I can pay for it because I am almost done paying a loan and I really don't want to worry about paying another one for a while.

I worked at a homeless shelter before as an Assistant case manager and loved it. I left because I didn't like the way they treated the residents. I stayed in touch with about 3 of the families that lived there. One in particular who had 2 daughters and a son. She passed away almost a year ago due to Ovarian cancer.

I know it does not pay much and yea I have that state of mind that I would love to work in that career no matter the money.

But I really appreciate everyones response and I will continue to attend the community college I like online.

Thank you!!!