2 answers
Laken
Student
Martinsburg, West Virginia
1
Question
Updated
467 views
Help me figure out my future?
I just got my ged in my late thirties. I signed up for human services because I want to help people. But now my new school is saying I need to choose between addiction or social work. Now I am confused because I do have a soft spot for addiction but I don't see it as full time. I want to have options in case I get burned out. I have always helped others. Looking back at my yearbooks so many said thank you for helping me. Back then I thought I'd be a nurse. But I can't do vomit or blood so I'd be no good there. I watched a video about getting a degree fast at WGU and I don't know I'm just confused!
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2 answers
Francisco Trindade
Vice President of Engineering
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Francisco’s Answer
Hi Laken, thanks for your question.
I'm not an expert in any of the areas you mentioned, but my advice would be not to see the answer to this question as a definitive one. You will have a long career where you will be able to change roles and disciplines as you and the industry around you change.
The best career advice I've received is to stop thinking about the 5 year plan, and instead just do what you think is interesting now and put as much effort and dedication as possible into it. You will learn what you like and dislike and can change later, but the time won't be wasted if you do it well.
I'm not an expert in any of the areas you mentioned, but my advice would be not to see the answer to this question as a definitive one. You will have a long career where you will be able to change roles and disciplines as you and the industry around you change.
The best career advice I've received is to stop thinking about the 5 year plan, and instead just do what you think is interesting now and put as much effort and dedication as possible into it. You will learn what you like and dislike and can change later, but the time won't be wasted if you do it well.
“I know addiction counseling doesn’t feel like your passion, but it’s actually one of the strongest foundations for social work. Addiction touches families, mental health, trauma, housing, and everyday life. Learning this doesn’t mean you have to work in addiction — it just means you’ll understand people better, communicate better, and be prepared for real-world situations. It’s a skillset, not a life sentence. And it will make you a stronger, more confident social worker no matter where you end up.”
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Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
316
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
Congratulations on earning your GED! I remember when I started studying health communication, thinking I wanted to work in healthcare. But over time, I found that I was most passionate about helping people through tough times. This led me to crisis intervention, mental health, and eventually social work. I've learned that it's okay if your path isn't clear at first.
If you're interested in addiction work but worried about being limited, social work might be a good fit. It offers flexibility and can lead to jobs in mental health, hospitals, schools, community organizations, case management, substance use treatment, and more. As a social worker, you can still help those with addiction, but you'll have other options if your interests change. You don't need to have your entire future planned out right now. Focus on what excites you about helping people, not just the quickest degree. The fact that you've spent years supporting others shows you already have one of the most important qualities for this field.
If you're interested in addiction work but worried about being limited, social work might be a good fit. It offers flexibility and can lead to jobs in mental health, hospitals, schools, community organizations, case management, substance use treatment, and more. As a social worker, you can still help those with addiction, but you'll have other options if your interests change. You don't need to have your entire future planned out right now. Focus on what excites you about helping people, not just the quickest degree. The fact that you've spent years supporting others shows you already have one of the most important qualities for this field.