Hi S.,
I'm sending Kudo's your way for furthering your education! I think that's awesome. An education is something that no one can ever take away from you.
I work in a sort of accounting role now. However, I have a four year degree in Social Work. And I have to say that they are as different as night and day regarding the type of work, satisfaction level, job market etc.
I studied social work because it was a personal passion. Not because it would bring home the bacon. And way back when I was in college I was determined to do what "I wanted" not what dad/mom wanted.
So, I'll try to make this a short story. When I graduated there were no jobs for social workers with just a 4-year degree. I could start somewhere for very little money and work my backside off. Yes, I'd probably get a "star in my crown" for the work I would have done but it would have been stressful, demanding and even in some cases, dangerous work. So I worked for 1 year out of college as a nursing home social worker.
After a year, I found a job where I could train specifically for my current position. So now, I've been in the finance field for over 14 years. I do many things in accounting and finance but I don't have any sort of degree in accounting. I'm making a very healthy salary and absolutely love the job. I wouldn't go back to social work even if I had to.
Think long and hard about what you want to get out of furthering your education. And about what you really want to do before you sink money into your next career. Then make your decision from there. Because looking back, I wish I had listened to my dad.....
Good Luck!
D.