Looking to get involved in social work, local MSW program deadline is quickly approaching!

Hi, I graduated from college a year and a half ago with my BA in American Studies with an Education minor with the intention of being a history professor, originally. I have been working at a pet cemetery for the last year, and I really enjoy helping people in crisis.

In the last week or so I've had a crisis of employment. Professorship can wait, I find working with people far more rewarding. Particularly, I would like to work with veterans (I have personal experiences with that). I've read through the subreddit, and I've been working on trying to volunteer at the VA and the DAV, applying for a new entry level job at treatment centers, and hospitals. The next VA volunteer orientation is in January.

However, I was looking around at masters programs, and my local MSW has a deadline of Februrary 3rd. I feel stuck between applying so there is a possibility I could be in school this coming year, and rushing the whole thing and wasting my money.

I know that if I waited for the following year, it could either be better because I'll have more under my belt, or crap because I'll be stuck in the same place. I made an appointment for prospective student advising in two weeks, and gonna go to the MSW information session next week. Last year I told myself I'd prepare for the following academic year, but it was dead in the water. I feel a bit like a let down at the same crummy job that pays nothing. It's hard to get out of the rut.

If I took some gen ed community college courses, would that be beneficial to my grad school application for the following year? (edit: upon quick research, my community college has an addiction studies program, which would be handy when dealing with cases)

Any opinions would be welcoming!