I am in no rush to switch but as time goes on I see in many ways that I feel called to be a mental health counselor otherwise known as a therapist.
I am wondering how much I should save up to prepare for the tuition for the degree ($60k+) and 2-3 years of truly poverty wages (as low as $20/hr) before I can start my own business/private practice and then earn about what I make now.
I was thinking I should save up the tuition plus 2 years of rent. Does that seem reasonable/wise?
It will take a long time to save up but like I said I am in no rush. I like my current job well enough. But if I knew I would die tomorrow I would regret that I never became a mental health counselor.
How much should I save up to transition to a temporarily lower paying career? (Therapist)
byu/anthrobymoto inpersonalfinance
Posted by anthrobymoto
3 Comments
Do you have dependents you’re providing for or some other reason you can’t just make it happen?
You have student loans, you could shop around for a cheaper degree, you could work while you’re in school, etc.
I am looking to make a similar switch and looking into art therapy and MSW programs. I don’t think anyone can give you a magical # since a lot of it is going to depend on what your living expenses are like now, any debts you have, etc. As I prepare I’ve been looking into the costs of programs I am interested in as well as researching salaries for roles that interest me. I’ve also been having a LOT of conversations with people in the kinds of roles I want to have. I think that’s been helpful to narrow in more on what to expect and what I might want to do.
Can you choose a cheaper school or negotiate financial aid. You don’t need to pay $60k for an MSW and it isn’t like you clients even know whether school A is better than school B (or even where you went to school in most cases).