I just need to vent. So I have recently have been thinking about going back to school to get a Master's in Counseling with the end goal of becoming an OCD therapist. Becoming a therapist is something I've been thinking about for a few years now. The past few days the intrusive thoughts have been super intense. Things like "You are too old to think about going back to school. You missed your chance? Why would you even think of becoming a therapist when you are so screwed up yourself? How do you intend to pay your rent, keep food on the table, work full time, and go to school? You aren't smart enough to get a Master's and you will just end up flunking out. You know your parents won't support you in this. I had a rough night last night because I ruminated about this for about 4 hours last night. There's a part of me that wants want to try, but there's a part of me that thinks "Why bother?" I haven't made a decision one way or the other. I have really good benefits at my current job including 401k. But my current job is not something I am passionate about and is not a good fit for my personality. But its a big decision.

It sounds to me like you are very passionate about going back to school to get your Master's. Don't let your negative thoughts ruin this for you. And definitely don't let thoughts of what your parents may or may not say to you get to you, especially without talking with them first. It is a big decision. I'm sure you are not too old to go back to school. Nobody's too old. I will say a prayer for you to make the right decision. Remember you have to be happy with your own decision.

I’m actually in your similar boat. I’m a little younger, but still a decade older than the median of grad students. I’m pivoting away from work that I thought was my dream work to study and become an ocd therapist as well. I worried about the loans- but then it’s loan. It’s owed to the government, not to the school. You have as much time as you need to pay it back. And the investment in yourself is much more valuable than the money… I also thought about, how can I help others when sometimes I feel like I can’t help myself. And you know what? In my acceptance paper I wrote about being a wounded healer. The perspective of someone who has been in the trenches and really understands the fight. We need more of that in our mental health system. We need people who get it on a deeper and visceral level. Not just intellectual and conceptual…. And I thought about my age. But then I realized life isn’t about a timeline. It’s about getting up and moving and being present with your task. And connecting and having a relationship with what you are doing and those around you. So I went for it, and I got accepted. And I’m starting in April. And I’m taking the risk. Will it work out? I don’t know, but I’m excited for the adventure and the momentum of having a path that my soul is asking for . I wish you the same

I met a woman in my history class who had retired from her old job and come back to college - you're never too old for learning. It sounds like you really want to become a counselor, and that is a good dream to have - if you're not passionate about your current job, then there's nothing wrong with changing careers. I would simply advise caution. Put some serious thought into how you're going to make your dream happen and what it's going to take so you have a plan of action. Whatever you decide, I wish you luck and success. <3