5 answers
Laken
Student
Martinsburg, West Virginia
1
Question
Updated
637 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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5 answers
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.
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.”
sadie saucier
Elandria Brzezniak
Psychiatric Technician
4
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Elandria’s Answer
I definitely agree with what Vianne already said here!
You said you wanted to keep your options open, and that you are currently uncertain in where you want to take your career. I relate to you, as someone also interested in the helping professions but finds it difficult to settle on one pathway. I am biased, but I recommend going into social work as well. Social work is an expansive field that offers so many different opportunities and pathways, and going into addiction counselling/support is one of them. You can do anything from working in public policy to being a therapist--and you can become several different kinds of therapists/offer several different kinds of therapy with additional education and/or certifications (ex.: music therapy, expressive arts therapy, couples therapy, EDMR, etc.). I've personally chosen social work over mental health counseling for its versatility.
I hope this helped, and best of luck with your education and career!
You said you wanted to keep your options open, and that you are currently uncertain in where you want to take your career. I relate to you, as someone also interested in the helping professions but finds it difficult to settle on one pathway. I am biased, but I recommend going into social work as well. Social work is an expansive field that offers so many different opportunities and pathways, and going into addiction counselling/support is one of them. You can do anything from working in public policy to being a therapist--and you can become several different kinds of therapists/offer several different kinds of therapy with additional education and/or certifications (ex.: music therapy, expressive arts therapy, couples therapy, EDMR, etc.). I've personally chosen social work over mental health counseling for its versatility.
I hope this helped, and best of luck with your education and career!
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
317
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
First of all, congratulations on earning your GED! Getting that done in your late thirties shows incredible resilience, drive, and commitment. You should be deeply proud of that milestone.
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed right now. You are standing at a crossroads, but the good news is that your natural gift—being a helper—is exactly what the world needs.
Let’s break down your options logically to help you find the fastest, safest, and most rewarding path forward.
1. Addiction vs. Social Work: The "Burnout" Shield
Your instinct about burnout is 100% correct. Addiction counseling is incredibly rewarding, but it has one of the highest burnout rates in the helping professions.
If you want options and a safety net against burnout, Social Work is the clear winner. Here is why:
Addiction Counseling is a "Specialty": If you choose the addiction track, your education and future job options will be heavily locked into rehab centers, detox facilities, and recovery programs.
Social Work is an "Umbrella": A Social Work degree allows you to work in schools, hospitals (no blood/vomit required!), foster care, senior centers, or government agencies.
The Best Part: Social workers can also work in addiction. If you get a Social Work degree, you can still feed your soft spot for addiction recovery, but if you ever get burned out, you can easily pivot to working with kids, the elderly, or in a school without needing a new degree.
2. The Truth About WGU (Western Governors University)
You mentioned seeing a video about getting a degree fast at WGU. WGU is a legitimate, fully accredited online university that uses a "competency-based" model. This means if you already know a subject, you can take the test immediately and move on, allowing you to graduate much faster.
However, there is a major catch for your specific goals:
WGU does not offer a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). They offer degrees in business, IT, education, and health administration.
To become a licensed social worker, you generally need a degree specifically accredited by the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education).
If speed is your number one priority, WGU does offer a Bachelor's in Health and Human Services, which could get you into general case management quickly. But if you want the official title and flexibility of a "Social Worker," you should stick to a traditional school or an online program specifically accredited for social work.
3. Your "No Blood, No Vomit" Nursing Alternatives
Since you originally wanted to be a nurse but can't handle the physical fluids, social work fits perfectly—it's essentially "nursing for the mind and lifestyle." However, if you still want to work in a healthcare setting, a Social Work degree allows you to become a Medical Social Worker.
In a hospital or clinic, Medical Social Workers:
Help patients navigate insurance and discharge plans.
Provide emotional support to families facing tough diagnoses.
Work in clean, quiet office spaces within the hospital, completely away from medical procedures.
Summary Recommendation
Given your desire for options, fear of burnout, and past history of being a natural helper, tell your school you want to choose the Social Work track. It keeps the door to addiction counseling wide open, protects you from career burnout, avoids the bodily fluids of nursing, and gives you the most flexible, respected credential in the human services field.
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed right now. You are standing at a crossroads, but the good news is that your natural gift—being a helper—is exactly what the world needs.
Let’s break down your options logically to help you find the fastest, safest, and most rewarding path forward.
1. Addiction vs. Social Work: The "Burnout" Shield
Your instinct about burnout is 100% correct. Addiction counseling is incredibly rewarding, but it has one of the highest burnout rates in the helping professions.
If you want options and a safety net against burnout, Social Work is the clear winner. Here is why:
Addiction Counseling is a "Specialty": If you choose the addiction track, your education and future job options will be heavily locked into rehab centers, detox facilities, and recovery programs.
Social Work is an "Umbrella": A Social Work degree allows you to work in schools, hospitals (no blood/vomit required!), foster care, senior centers, or government agencies.
The Best Part: Social workers can also work in addiction. If you get a Social Work degree, you can still feed your soft spot for addiction recovery, but if you ever get burned out, you can easily pivot to working with kids, the elderly, or in a school without needing a new degree.
2. The Truth About WGU (Western Governors University)
You mentioned seeing a video about getting a degree fast at WGU. WGU is a legitimate, fully accredited online university that uses a "competency-based" model. This means if you already know a subject, you can take the test immediately and move on, allowing you to graduate much faster.
However, there is a major catch for your specific goals:
WGU does not offer a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). They offer degrees in business, IT, education, and health administration.
To become a licensed social worker, you generally need a degree specifically accredited by the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education).
If speed is your number one priority, WGU does offer a Bachelor's in Health and Human Services, which could get you into general case management quickly. But if you want the official title and flexibility of a "Social Worker," you should stick to a traditional school or an online program specifically accredited for social work.
3. Your "No Blood, No Vomit" Nursing Alternatives
Since you originally wanted to be a nurse but can't handle the physical fluids, social work fits perfectly—it's essentially "nursing for the mind and lifestyle." However, if you still want to work in a healthcare setting, a Social Work degree allows you to become a Medical Social Worker.
In a hospital or clinic, Medical Social Workers:
Help patients navigate insurance and discharge plans.
Provide emotional support to families facing tough diagnoses.
Work in clean, quiet office spaces within the hospital, completely away from medical procedures.
Summary Recommendation
Given your desire for options, fear of burnout, and past history of being a natural helper, tell your school you want to choose the Social Work track. It keeps the door to addiction counseling wide open, protects you from career burnout, avoids the bodily fluids of nursing, and gives you the most flexible, respected credential in the human services field.
Shelly Lin
Forensic Consultant
79
Answers
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Updated
Shelly’s Answer
First, congratulations on earning your GED in your late thirties. That is a significant accomplishment and shows a level of perseverance that will serve you well regardless of the career path you choose. From what you shared, the consistent theme is not addiction counseling, nursing, or any particular degree program. It is your genuine desire to help people. The fact that former classmates thanked you for your support suggests that this has been a natural strength for many years. While addiction services clearly resonate with you, it sounds like you are already questioning whether you would want to focus on that area full time. To my knowledge, a social work track generally offers broader career flexibility, allowing you to work in areas such as mental health, schools, community services, healthcare, and addiction treatment, while also providing options if you decide to change directions later. I would also encourage you to be cautious about choosing a program simply because it is the fastest way to earn a degree. The better question is which path aligns with your strengths, interests, and long term goals. Based on your story, you do not sound confused about wanting to help people. You sound like someone who is thoughtfully trying to find the right way to do it without limiting future opportunities or risking burnout.