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,?

[groupiedoo]

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

[applecharlotte]

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.

[MotherOfChickens]

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!

[cankles]

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