Why You Should Consider a Career in Counseling

Becoming a counselor is hard work, but for many, it is worth it. The route to qualification is lengthy and will require you to earn a higher qualification, such as a masters in counseling. However, once qualified you will get to enjoy a wide range of perks including high job satisfaction, job security, and regular career advancement opportunities. Completing a masters in counseling and being awarded licensure is not easy, but you will be rewarded with a long and meaningful career in your chosen field of counseling. If you’re thinking about training to become a counselor, here are the top reasons why you should consider a career in counseling. 

One of the key reasons why students complete a masters in counseling and choose to go into counseling is because of the possibility of achieving high job satisfaction. Counselors provide valuable support and help people overcome life’s challenges. This may include family relationship issues, addiction, or mental illness. Counseling is a meaningful role that has a positive impact on people and society as a whole. Performing meaningful work gives counselors a sense of purpose and makes them feel valued in the workplace. For that reason, counselors with a masters in counseling typically have high levels of job satisfaction. 

Job satisfaction is crucial and should play an important role in helping you choose a career. According to data by the Center for Retirement Research, the average man retires at 65, and the average woman retires at 63 in the US. This means that you are likely to spend the majority of your adult years working. How you feel at work is important, and job satisfaction can affect more than just your working life. Various studies have found a connection between low job satisfaction and health. A recent study by Ohio University found that poor job satisfaction can cause long-term health problems, especially for your mental health. The study found that being unhappy at work can increase your risk of mental illness such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and depression. 

Doing meaningful work, such as counseling, is a great way to improve your job satisfaction and gain a sense of purpose and fulfillment from your working life. This, in turn, should benefit your overall health and wellbeing.

Another attractive benefit of earning a masters in counseling and becoming a licensed counselor is that you will have access to a wide variety of job opportunities. Counseling is a hugely diverse sector, and qualified counselors can choose to specialize in an area that is well suited to their interests and skills. When students enroll in a masters in counseling, they can choose which area of counseling they would like to specialize in. This allows graduates to expand their knowledge and experience in their chosen field. Some of the most popular counseling specialisms include family counseling, grief counseling, substance abuse counseling, and school counseling. 

Licensed counselors can also choose to work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, prisons, and mental health facilities. They can also go self-employed and open a private practice. This will be discussed in more detail below. Students should explore the different areas of counseling and have a good idea of which field they want to specialize in before enrolling in a masters in counseling. Counselors can switch to a new specialism once qualified, although they may be required to complete extra training to prepare them for a new role. 

Licensed counselors are in high demand across the board, and the counseling sector has been growing year on year. Government statistics suggest that there will be increasing demand for counselors over the coming years. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that job opportunities for career counselors will increase by 8% by 2029, while opportunities for rehabilitation counselors should grow by 10%. This is a lot higher than the average that is expected across all other occupations. 

Growing demand for counselors means that graduates with a masters in counseling typically enjoy enviable job security. This is one of the biggest benefits of pursuing a career in counseling, as losing your job suddenly can have a significant impact on your financial position and quality of life. Newly qualified counselors should find it relatively easy to secure employment and build their experience. High demand also means that licensed counselors have the freedom to relocate and find job opportunities in new locations. This is the perfect time to earn a masters in counseling and join this dynamic and expanding industry. 

A traditional campus-based masters in counseling requires one or two years of full-time study. This makes a counseling qualification unattainable for some people, i.e., those already in employment or with families. Luckily, technology has made education a lot more accessible, and there is now an excellent selection of online courses that offer distance learning. Choosing to study a masters in counseling via remote learning has several advantages. One of the best things about distance learning is that you can pick a study schedule that fits in with your schedule and commitments. Online courses are also generally cheaper, and you will have the flexibility to study at your pace, from anywhere that suits you. Distance learning has plenty of advantages and has become a hugely popular alternative to conventional classroom-based programs. 

That said, studying for a masters in counseling is in no way easier, and you need to be extremely organized and efficient with your time management. Here are a few tips to help you achieve distance learning success if you’re studying for a masters in counseling online.

Having access to online courses and qualifications has made it possible for anyone to train as a counselor, even those with commitments preventing them from enrolling on a traditional course. While distance learning offers convenience, it’s important to remember that online courses are in no way easier. In some ways, remote courses like a masters in counseling are more challenging, as you must plan your study schedule and be more driven to complete learning tasks. You can read blogs and visit student forums for more tips on how to achieve your distance learning goals and earn a qualification like a masters in counseling online. 

Most counselors complete a masters in counseling and gain licensure before applying for entry-level positions in their chosen field of counseling. Lots of counselors choose to remain employed by organizations, while others decide to open a private practice and offer their counseling services on a self-employed basis. There are various pros and cons to becoming self-employed, and counselors should weigh these up carefully before launching a private practice. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of opening a private counseling practice.

As mentioned, professionals with a masters in counseling are highly sought-after and enjoy good job security. There are also plenty of opportunities for development and advancement in the counseling sector. The opportunities available will depend on the field that you choose to specialize in, but most fields offer senior or managerial counseling roles. Progressing into these positions can increase your salary, boost your job outlook, and improve your overall working conditions. 

Counselors with a masters in counseling can increase their chances of securing a senior role by earning a higher qualification, such as a Ph.D. in counseling. Completing a Ph.D. is a big investment, but it is one of the most effective ways to enhance your skills and credentials. Having this qualification should set you apart from your peers when applying for the top counseling positions. It may also put you in a stronger position when negotiating your contract terms, i.e., salary and other job perks. Another advantage of enrolling in a counseling Ph.D. is that you will have the opportunity to become a leader in your chosen field. A Ph.D will teach you specialist skills in your chosen field beyond what was learned during your masters in counseling. 

Most counselors receive an attractive salary package, along with various other job perks. The average counselor salary in the US is $74,700, according to payscale.com. That said, counselors can boost their earning potential with additional certifications and qualifications such as masters in counseling or a Ph.D. Counselors can also expect to receive higher compensation to reflect the number of years spent working in the industry. Counselors may be able to achieve a salary increase simply by asking their employer for a raise. You should always do thorough research before approaching your employer to discuss a potential salary increase. This will help to ensure that the salary you request matches your skills, qualifications, and level of experience. 

Job market analysis will also give you a realistic expectation of the value of your work.  As well as an attractive salary package, qualified counselors often receive attractive job perks, which may include paid overtime, bonuses, and private healthcare. 

In today’s society, many people fail to achieve a work-life balance. Demanding work schedules and commitments can be difficult to manage, but you mustn’t let work consume your life. Fortunately, many counselors enjoy a good work-life balance and manage to maintain a clear separation between their clinical practice and personal lives. Most counseling jobs require standard 9-5 hours. However, counselors may be required to work outside of these hours on occasion, i.e., to respond to a client emergency. Working outside of normal working hours can be inconvenient, but the time can then be taken in lieu, which can be beneficial when you have family commitments during the day. 

Many counselors also receive generous vacation allowances. For example, school counselors typically get the school holidays off, including the summer break, between 6 and 14 weeks, depending on the school and state. Counselors can use vacations to enjoy time with their families, go on holiday abroad, or invest in personal growth and development. Counselors can refer to blogs and articles offering advice on how to achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

Counseling is a popular career path for good reason! Counselors enjoy dozens of benefits, including high earning potential, job security, and a fantastic career outlook. Becoming a counselor also allows you to help people overcome life’s challenges. You will make a positive impact on others and get a great sense of purpose and fulfillment from your working life. There are plenty of advantages to counseling, although you must be prepared to work hard to become a qualified counselor. Training in counseling is a lengthy process that will require you to earn a masters in counseling and meet the criteria for licensure. Becoming a counselor is demanding, but the potential rewards are well worth the time and effort for many people.