Turning my back on a great opportunity?

[knewme]

I've been accepted, I'm registered, but I am considering walking away from a BSN program to pursue a MSW with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I know the BSN would be the logical and practical degree to pursue but the closer the start date the more my inner heart is quivering with dread.

So what do I follow- my head or my :redbeathe? I'm almost 40 so its not like I can do one and then switch careers to do the other. I know I could specialize in Psych nursing or would enjoy hospice, but I'm pretty sure I'll hate my life for the three or so years on a Med/Surg floor working nights and evenings to get the experience I need.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

If you have those kinds of doubts now then switch. Seriously. You will be much happier if slightly poorer. And the world needs good social workers.

[kcmylorn]

There are more jobs out there for social worker than for nurses- take a look at the state jobs, civil service commissions, or the federal job boards. Alot of social work position and the pay is not too shabby either. Social work is in a better place now than nursing is.

There's nothing logical or practical about nursing.

[27400]

Follow your heart. Nursing is not for everyone. If you really love the field your going to pursue, you'll put more heart into it and be more successful.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I know more social workers who became nurses than nurses who became social workers.

But, you need to follow your heart

[caliotter3]

When I was in the military, I once sat on a promotion board where a woman appeared before the board who stated she joined the military because she never could get a job with that degree. My sister-in-law has that degree and was laid off more than two years ago. She has had no job opportunities in all this time. Prior to the job that laid her off, she spent the better part of several years unemployed or underemployed. I do not see the opportunity for gainful employment there that one would look for at your age. That is just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

[knewme]

Thank you all for your honest opinions. Caliotter- may I ask where you are located? California, I'm assuming? I've done research in my area and there are jobs (albeit not nearly as many as nursing). I've had several people in the field tell me I'd be great. I've decided to slow down the decision making process and take a few more prereqs that apply to both fields. I dropped the BSN program gracefully and was encouraged to apply again. Having been essentially a SAHM for the past 10 years I'd like to work full time again for a year or two to get a better idea how it will affect the family before I commit to an expensive program in either area. I love Allnurses and will keep haunting the boards to see if I get a stronger "calling".

Thanks All!