Full Careers

I have hard decision to make, will you help me?

I cannot decide whether to take out a VERY large student loan and get my B.S. in psychology (we're talking above 20k)--OR-- take out a much smaller loan and get a two year specialized A.A. If I go for the psychology degree, I might eventually go on for my Masters in counseling--which is a nice career. If I go for my two year, the degree is specialized but the industry is stable and the pay is good there too. There would not, however, be a need to work upwards towards a Masters degree. In this particular industry (which is Funeral Services) the degree is much less expensive, takes much less time. I would love psychology and counseling, but this huge loan is really bothering me. I suppose I could use my counseling skills in the Funeral industry. I have much compassion for those who have lost loved ones. Any advice out there for me?

Public Comments

1. OK - here is an honest response - I would do neither - I think they are both mistakes I would look for a field that has a lot more upward possible mobility If you want to stay in the counseling field go to Medical school and become a psychiatrist - you will have big loans but the payback is HUGE over your life
2. I think you should go for what will make you happy and most fulfilled. If you think that counseling is really your calling, go for it! But you may need to plan on getting your Masters. I've had a couple of friends with a BS in Psych who found it difficult to get jobs doing what they really wanted to do without a Masters. Of course the mortuary industry is always booming! So you'll have good job security. But only go that route if you're really into it. Having a huge loan to pay is one thing, but going through life with regret can be bad.
3. This may sound stupid to you now but think about what is going to let you enjoy your days, then go for it. Don't let money drag you into a area your not going to enjoy. $20,000.00 is not that much! Added: I agree with Mimsie you'll need a masters but worry about that later just before you start planning for you PhD.
4. I think you can be creative and avoid massive school debt if you try hard and make it a priority to avoid the debt. I was fortunate in that my parents were able to pay for school, but I see my friends who are walloped with school debt the size of a car payment every month and am so thankful that I don't have that burden. At the very least, if you got the two year degree that paid well, it would be an ideal job to work yourself through school on. You may find, on closer inspection, that licensed counseling is a lot more dark and depressing than funeral work, and if that is the case, you can continue in your profession with funeral services, OR, you can go back to school with a high paying job to support yourself. The reason I say this is that I considered going back and earning a Master's in Family Counseling, and after speaking with some professors, realized that it was too heavy for me emotionally to listen to dysfunction all day long. I am glad I figured this out before I had invested in pursuing a master's degree in the wrong subject. But since you know you would enjoy the funeral work, I'd start with that. An AA degree will apply towards a Bachelor's so you're already moving in the right direction.