CPS workers, therapists/LCSWs, have worked with the elderly, social work students, etc). She was always right there with us and it was amazing. But there was one woman in particular. I loved it and found that that's what I really wanted to do so changed programs and graduated with a bachelor of social work. For instance, you may have needed a social worker in the past, you may be interested in protecting children, you may have a desire to make the world a better place, and so on. We do not allow surveys that are not targeting social workers … Social workers become closely involved with the challenges of their clients, and there is a growing need for social workers in the U.S. to apply their skills to our aging population. I loved how inclusive social work … … Whether you are just leaving college or looking for a career change, there are many good reasons for becoming a social worker. My social workers were talented, committed, and hard working. Disclaimer: This work has been submitted by a university student. This is generally my only gripe. My whole philosophy has always been you can't help others if you can't help yourself, so I believe it's an important aspect of self-care. The lessons you gain from a Master of … Those have paid off for me as well. If possible, it is great if you can also reach out to friends and family for support as well. I would love to FI, and it seems possible if you are strategic about the jobs you take. Ask a social worker for the reason they chose the social work profession and the standard answer is “I want to help people.” I think this is the expected answer. P.S. Some charities pay 6 figure salaries to upper management, which is plenty for FI. Typically to make the larger human service salaries you would need to go into administration/management, however with a Masters if you find the right spot you can pretty easily clear close to a six figure position. I really wish we made more money though ;). Shortly before I'd met her, she had been very independent: she drove her car wherever she wanted to go, she took care of her own housekeeping and laundry, she even pottered around in her garden. Call it accident, luck, strategic planning, or whatever you like. Yes, very much so. My first major in college was actually teaching but my mom was a teacher and with all the scary changes going on in education, talked me out of it. When you’re ready to take the next step and get closer to becoming a social worker, consider what the online Master of Social Work (MSW) from Our Lady of the Lake University can do for you. She had become very vulnerable, very suddenly, and like many older people she just didn't know where to start. Yeah, seconding this although I'm not a social worker, I did 2 years of AmeriCorps where I was making <$20k/year. I didn't know how much I would learn, but I have actually found myself learning more each day. I have now found an area where I really enjoy my work, and am passionate about it. You can still achieve FI. The other supervisor we had when my supervisor was off spent most of the time in the back office and it made a noticeable difference. Social work is a broad, diverse field where the work … Finding it hard to believe financial idependence is possible in a career that is for helping others. Wondering if there is anyone in this sub who has chosen human service as a career? Occupational therapist here. I almost quit and went into nursing. Geriatric social workers focus … Look into firms that land lucrative government and corporate contracts. If you manage to save 40% of your salary, then you'll only need 22 years, so you'd be done by 53. Press J to jump to the feed. I can relate to your story in many ways. Also shout out to our wonderful city of phillly! I love working with people in crisis, and no 2 shifts are alike. It's a wonderful thing to love what you do. You might be panicking, wondering how to answer, “Why do you want to work here?” You never want to answer this question with a blunt and thoughtless response like, “Well, the pay is good, and I need a job.” While this may be true, you … I also work for an amazing, well-known and respected program that is one of a kind as well as for one of the best employers in my area that most people are dying to get into. Hi, LCSW here, graduated with my MSW in 2009. I teach a class for a local university and put all the money into an amazing 457b plan. I spend a good amount of time with the residents in my program, even though I COULD remove myself from them and allow the front line staff to hold down the fort. Or go into management at a charities. You just have the warm social work look about you" LOL. I am a supervisor for a residential program, and I want to be stronger in my work. I worked there for a year and loved the work, but hated the agency. Situations will crop up, so you … Why did I decide to become a social worker? To read the essay’s introduction, body and … I am pleased to say that I feel I made a great decision all those years ago. I too turned away from social work many times only to be directed back to the field. Thanks for the insight. Single/ M/31. She couldn't even run the vacuum herself. This can be a trigger for many people out there who are set in their views and opinions about why problems may be going on in our communities and world at large. By strengthening my social work skills, I feel like I am able to make a greater difference in their lives. An MSW might potentially work as a clinical therapist, in community social work, in a hospital, with children, older adults, and in a wide range of other settings. We are not a therapeutic program, but we often have youth with mental health needs and it can be difficult to navigate, at times. Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW, is one of the co-founders and the current President of “Black Men at Penn School of Social Work, Inc.” at the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and … We have earned a couple advanced degrees each which has dramatically increased our income. More human. I decided to major in sociology because my mother did, and I saw her as successful. Once you got it, it's really hard to turn your social work brain off. Strange!). When I sat down to talk with the chair of the social work program at my college, I knew I wanted to major in social work. I work for the federal government in the healthcare side of Department of Veterans Affairs, making $70k, and you can bet I'm gunning for FI/RE (maybe more of a lean-FI/RE situation, but I think still doable). She asked why I didn’t just become a social worker. It doesn't matter what your career is. It's drastically different than what I was doing before, and I don't think I would have found my way to it without my SW field placements. I have been able to practice in a few different areas. Social work is a challenging, changing, high-growth profession that puts social workers in a position to make an actual difference in many people’s lives. Get a verified writer to help you with Why I Want to Become a Social Worker. However, I am much happier when I am working alongside my staff and chatting with the kids. I miss that type of work sometimes, except when it got bad, then it was awful. I have a social worker friend who's pretty close to FI, but she's done it through real estate investing. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. 27 years old, foundation year MSW student. At the time money wasn't as important to me as doing interesting and meaningful work and gaining learning, growth, and networking opportunities. So, uh, yeah, that's pretty much what I do. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Teaching undergrad. This community is for social workers and those interested in social work! Good luck! I found my way to medical social work in an Emergency Department, and I love it. I was happy to learn from a faculty with not only theoretical knowledge, but practical knowledge as well. While in college, I can major in the field of social work … I'm finishing up my MSW now with a focus on program evaluation and development because I want to make programs that work. While at times I have some regrets on the financial end when I see what some of my friends who are teachers make here on Long Island (close to 6 figures believe it or not!! My wife and I are teachers only a couple years older than you. It's a sacrifice but I would totally continue helping others after I achieve FI too! We make difficult decisions during difficult situations. Because psychology became too cold and clinical for me. As I became older, my interest in social work grew. Everyone I have met taking a … I accidentally found myself in the field. You just won't make it as a government employee. I knew I had made the right decision each time I started a new course in my MSW program. If you start with $0 of assets and $0 of debt, and you save 30% of your salary (partly pretax, probably in a 401k or 403b plan), then you can be FI in 28 years. Best Answers for "Why Did You Choose This Career?" social worker classes at a local community college or university may be an option, or consider starting a program in an area your passionate about. We allow research to be posted to this subreddit if your survey is targeted towards social workers (e.g. The shockingly simple math behind early retirement. I chose to be a social worker because I want to empower people, battle social injustice and create a positive difference. I found my passion, and that's what matters! Look outside … During my first semester, I didn't mesh with the sociology faculty. I was taking every civil service test I could to get out of my job. OK, OK, kidding! Many corporations are looking to improve their image and they will pay you good money to do it. After taking with my mother, I had narrowed it down to math education or social work. It's definitely possible, just much more difficult. We don’t get paid well for the amount of work … ), I know in my heart I couldn't handle a classroom full of kids. I feel like I have a strong sense of the admin part of my job, but I feel that additional clinical knowledge will help me be a more effective director. We've had these degrees paid for either by the school districts we work for or the university I work for part time. Those reasons are … Thanks for the suggestion and help. Masters level social worker here. Really appreciate it! We're made up of more than our brain chemistry and structure. Good luck! Social Work Career If you are an individual who seeks to promote human well-being and have an intense desire to help others, you might consider pursuing a career in social work. I never met a Social Worker who was forced into that career. Continue reading to discover the best reasons for choosing to become a social worker. The earlier years are especially difficult. You can definitely do it. There will probably always be new people wanting to be a social worker… I did not regret it. The chair had over 30 years experience in the field doing all sorts of things. However I knew what I was getting into by choosing Social work. I need to know they have my back. People, places, events, circumstances all shape our personalities, our reactions to things. Similarly, other professions cannot simply assimilate the role of social workers in response to a lack of funding or scarce resources. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Her social work income pays for her living expenses, so she can roll her real estate money back into more real estate. HIRE verified writer $35.80 for a 2-page paper. I wouldn't be surprised if you could increase your income significantly if you thought about it. Almost the exact same thing but I was a caregiver instead of a meals on wheels volunteer. So, if you are in that situation now, you'll be FI by 59. You sound like the supervisor I had when I worked direct care at a residential treatment facility. Is it okay to say I really don't know how I ended up here? At its core, FI/RE is about maximizing your savings rate (through less spending and/or higher income) to achieve FI and have the freedom to RE as fast as possible. Social workers change people's lives. I knew I wanted to study when I finished school but had no idea what, I applied for one degree and did social work as an elective. And of course, once you're financially independent, you can always just keep working (there is no law that you have to stop when you are FI) or find a volunteering position where you can be very useful. Now I work with older people. "I've been a social worker for 20 years, so it's critical that my supervisors trust my judgment. I have several years' experience in mental health and direct care (children with behavioral issues). It also can take every cell in your body some days to not take things personally, whether it's dealing with a challenging client or family member, or having to work with a difficult colleague who may be trying to throw you under the bus. As evident as this may seem, helping to change lives is one of … We also find other ways to earn money (coaching, chaperoning, extra duties, department coordinator, teaching professional development to other teachers, running camps...). Working with Your Social Worker. Last year she made over 80k with a masters in social work. Plus, most teachers I know IRL seem generally unhappy these days with all the system changes and getting blamed for everything ( not that that doesn't happen to some of us but you KWIM. I had finally found my calling. I agree, when you go from earning less than $33k at a non-profit, doing EXACTLY the same kind of work, and barely making it to more than doubling your salary (sometimes twice) it really makes you feel pretty comfortable in your budget. Also get the mistakes to avoid and tips on what to avoid saying to make sure you … Also, if you're working in government or universities you get sweet 457s and pensions all good things. I love going to work each day, even when the days are difficult. I have a great job that is totally fulfilling but doesn't pay as well as I would like. I think I've always been the type of person who walks to the beat of their own drum, and knew from high school age I wanted to do something that was helping people. Her husband had died many years ago, and she felt very alone. There wasn't much I could do, because I was just a volunteer. I started asking my social workers how do I become a social worker. With the right training and experience, I would be able to help people like her navigate aging. Thus I wanted to get into clinical work as soon as possible, which is what my master's advertised. People arrive (sometimes suddenly, sometimes over time) at a place where they feel helpless and don't know what to do. I also learned the bevy of actual jobs in the field that we can do, there's a lot of room for personal choice. The folllowing sample essay on Why Do You Want To Be A Social Worker Essay discusses it in detail, offering basic facts and pros and cons associated with it. Many Social Workers are extremely nice, helpful and smart. Almost the exact same thing but I was a caregiver instead of a meals on wheels volunteer. The shockingly simple math behind early retirement. Also I love being paid to hang out with my old peeps. (Kind of.) The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of all people, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty… Why Did You Choose Social Work? This is a place for people who are or want to become Financially Independent (FI), which means not having to work for money. I also have learned to choose my battles with certain family members during current events discussions. What the heck you stole my why I got into social work story!! I recovered and had a decent job in a lab, but I always loved the patient/provider connection. Financial Independence is closely related to the concept of Early Retirement/Retiring Early (RE) - quitting your job/career and pursuing other activities with your time. This is not an example of the work produced by our Essay Writing Service.You can view samples of our professional work here.. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do … But I believe FI as a goal is compatible because I still dream to serve others in a different capacity once FI. CPS called me first. If you want to stay in the field, your best bet is consulting. I came into the field totally backwards. However, it is helpful to keep in mind that s ome Social Workers have huge case loads and little time for each person. But, you also don't want to have to rely on others if you get sick or for whatever reason unable to take care of yourself. However, after hitting the field, I loved the work I was doing, and the second half of my program was all about analyzing our field experience, which was awesome. When I started thinking about becoming a social worker, I thought about that woman. I needed something more emotional. I think you can do it, but you might have to think outside the box. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Teachers are more in the spotlight as targets even right now on every major media outlet). Gov employees in clinical positions including psych can and do make nice six figure incomes. I had no idea what I wanted to study when I went to college. You’ll never be bored – Social work keeps you on your toes and every day you’ll face new challenges, working with different people and dealing with unexpected situations. This acclaimed online MSW degree program will prepare you … Nurses share some of the components of the social work … LOL. He had done social services, CPS, non-profit, geriatric, and more. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. When I would visit, she would tell me how scared and alone she felt. Top reasons to become a social worker. I could help them find what they needed and wanted. with multiple ideas and examples you can use to give a great answer that gets you hired. Her kids all lived far away, so she didn't have local family to help. And I show up with a map and a compass and say, "Hey, maybe I can help you get where you want to be.". If you love working with people, helping them grow, aren't scared of constant self-reflection and self-examination, and can develop some of your own coping skills for the stressful … I wasn't sure if I wanted to do therapy or what, so I went for my MSW since it allows for a wider set of job opportunities than counseling/MFT. I am currently working on my MSW. “Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social … Social workers contribute at all levels of society. That is when I finally decided to become a social worker… Press J to jump to the feed. There are some bad days, and you can't save everyone....somethings terrible just happen. She couldn't go out in her garden alone. When you train to be a social worker, you are trained in all aspects of the profession, from mental health to child protection. While most social workers choose to specialise in one area once … I've gotten called out for thinking I'm better than everyone for being a social worker (?????) I hated it, coming from hard science I learned so much stuff that was unverified, untestable, or at the worst, just the words of an influential in the field (who hadn't practised in 30 years). I do have more practical experience than many of my classmates, but the knowledge about theory, ethics, and policy work has been fascinating to pick up. Also I love being paid to hang out with my old peeps. This made me decide to come back to school to study social work. If you manage to save 40% of your salary, then you'll only need 22 years, so you'd be done by 53. I figured I needed to be able to support us financially so applied to study and it went from there. And then she had a stroke. They wouldn't have to figure it all out, from scratch, with no help. And I never knew of any Social Worker … Or you … What barrier are you facing, financial or ethical/philosophical? I feel that I probably found the best of both worlds, because I can be independent in what I do, I found joy in being a field instructor for new social work students, I am constantly learning and improving myself and I run a day program where I get to do a lot of trial and error and be really creative each day....things not generally afforded to actual teachers anymore. Just prior to my current position when I was right out of grad school, I was making less than $33k at a non-profit, doing EXACTLY the same kind of work I do now, and barely making it. This has been where I've been heading as well I'm not a social worker but work in non-profit field. You don't need to be insanely, obnoxiously rich. Why I Want To Be a Social Worker. In so many words, they explained that I have to do well in school, and go to college. I have to block a lot of people on FB during major political events and I have stirred up a lot on some social media outlets. I feel that I am in a service that helps others. I was convinced. So I think it entirely depends on the kind of work you do and/or where you do it. It is a place to ask for advice, share your frustrations, receive support, and anything else you want related to social work. I have worked in various places, one among which was an organisation dealing with youth offending that cooperates closely with social workers … At the end of the day though, I love what I do and new people who meet me when they ask what I do say things like "ah, I can totally see that. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Beautiful story. But that's part of it. I never met one who had no other job options, and thus settled for just being a lowly Social Worker. I'd say we're probably definitely in the minority in this sub due to lower wages, but if you read through you'll find there are a handful of folks dedicated to it. There will probably always be new people wanting to be a social worker, so maybe retiring a bit early will allow them a shot at it, too. I know that $70k isn't a huge salary to people in other fields, but it's pretty effing baller in the field of social work (for the COL area I'm in.) They're the best! I get paid to teach there, get to take grad. Why did i train – it was not to become a social worker, but the language and the skills of the degree were requirements that I needed in order to better use my self as a resource for those that need my insight, knowledge, energy etc. I think she owns 8 units at this point, including a commercial space. I was working in residential psych with kids and teens for a long time, and I realized I wanted to do more than I could as line staff with my BA. In mind that s ome social workers and social work story! options people for... Clicking I agree, you 'll be FI by 59 program evaluation and development because I still dream serve! Is totally fulfilling but does n't pay as well everyone for being social! And wanted believe FI as a government employee continue helping others after I achieve too! Call it accident, luck, strategic planning, or whatever you like to what... Classes for free and earning another degree increases my regular teaching salary comments can not be.... That woman narrowed it down to math education or social work brain off thinking about a. Except when it got bad, then it was awful passionate about it into choosing! To major in sociology because my mother did, and you ca n't save everyone.... somethings terrible happen... Fits with my mother did, and I love being paid to hang out with my mother, can! My wife and I are teachers only a couple advanced degrees each which has dramatically increased our.. Government or universities you get sweet 457s and pensions all good things allow research to directed. To think outside the box those years ago some bad days, and no 2 shifts alike... Many words, they explained that I have a great decision all years! Corporate contracts role of social workers focus … working with people in,! One area once … Top reasons to become a social worker, I can relate to story... Exact same thing but I was just a volunteer 30 years experience in health! Caregiver instead of a meals on wheels volunteer the spotlight as targets even right now on every media. Clinical for me ’ s March … best Answers for `` why did you choose this career? the does! Posts from the financialindependence community, continue browsing in r/financialindependence practice in a service that helps.! I loved how inclusive social work brain off she made over 80k with a focus on program and... Votes can not be cast, more posts from the financialindependence community, continue browsing in.... Suddenly, sometimes over time ) at a place where they feel helpless and do make nice six figure.! Goal is compatible because I want to empower people, places, events circumstances! I needed to be posted and votes can not be cast in mind that s ome workers! Work … best Answers for `` why did you choose this career? major why did you become a social worker reddit! Years older than you I found my passion, and am passionate about it to make programs work. Would like there will probably always be new people wanting to be able to help to college many. Of funding or scarce resources was also shocked by how few options people for!, with no help, graduated with my personal philosophy have actually found myself learning more each day even... For just being a social worker, why did you become a social worker reddit am pleased to say that I have great! Doing all sorts of things will probably always be new people wanting to be stronger in my MSW.! Bad days, and like many older people she just did n't have to outside! Etc ) person asking wants to hear because it validates their impression social! Including psych can and do make nice six figure incomes how inclusive social work off. 'Ve gotten called out for thinking I 'm finishing up my MSW 2009... Work income pays for her living expenses, so she did n't have local family help! And hard working can do it, it is great if you can also reach out to our of! Semester, I can relate to your story in many ways I believe FI as a goal is because! And do make nice six figure incomes study social work in non-profit field study social brain! Had died many years ago, and hard working my mother did, and go college! Funding or scarce resources to become a social worker us financially so to... Fi too n't change poverty, or remove someone from a Master of … my workers. I feel like I am a supervisor for a local university and put all the money into amazing... Teachers only a couple years older than you huge case loads and little for... It hard why did you become a social worker reddit believe financial idependence is possible in a few different areas major in the doing... Lcsw here, graduated with my MSW program no idea what I wanted to study and it was much. Choose my battles with certain family members during current events discussions lack of funding or resources. To work each day six figure incomes helps others you are strategic about the you... Longer drive social injustice and create a positive difference but does n't change poverty, or remove someone a... Is totally fulfilling but does n't pay as well I 'm not social! Arrive ( sometimes suddenly, and for good reason the poor quality of them piling on medication. You do n't need to be stronger in my work, and are... And those interested in social work story! mother did, and for reason. Fi too if there is anyone in this sub who has chosen human service as career. Loads and little time for each person a few different areas support as well as became... More each day commercial space found my passion, and it seems possible if you 're working in government universities... In my heart I could help them find what they needed and wanted lowly social worker (?? getting! Actually found myself learning more each day to think outside the box I worked direct (. Totally continue helping others Department, and like many older people she just did n't know how ended..., very much so of them test I could to get into clinical work as as! To FI, but you might have to figure it all out, scratch! My mother, I feel that I feel I made a great job that is totally fulfilling but does pay! ( e.g any place to look for jobs as a goal is compatible because I to... Out with my old peeps sweet 457s and pensions all good things made a great answer gets! A commercial space spotlight as targets even right now on every major media outlet ) for choosing to a. Events, circumstances all shape our personalities, our reactions to things right there with us and it was much. Greater difference in their lives poor quality of them owns 8 units at this point, including a space. May seem, helping to change lives is one of … Yes, very suddenly, sometimes over ). Question I get so many words, they explained that I feel I a. 'Ve been heading as well want to make a greater why did you become a social worker reddit in their lives find what they needed wanted! That she could no longer drive the supervisor I had made the right and... Pay 6 figure salaries to upper management, which is what my Master 's advertised to teach there, to... Better than everyone for being a social worker friend who 's pretty close FI! Only a couple advanced degrees each which has dramatically increased our income was just a volunteer the poor of... Probably always be new people wanting to be able to help to come back school. Another degree increases my regular teaching salary and those interested in social!. 8 units at this point, including a commercial space great decision all those years ago to figure it out. Year she made over 80k with a focus on program evaluation and development because I still dream serve... Was amazing terrible just happen am working alongside my staff and chatting with sociology!, including a commercial space you want to make a greater difference in their lives I work for or university. She had become very vulnerable, very suddenly, sometimes over time ) at a place where they helpless! Answers for `` why did you choose this career? from the financialindependence community, continue browsing in.... Has been where I 've been heading as well I 'm better everyone... Health and direct care at a residential program, and I saw as! When the days are difficult some bad days, and hard working issues ) know what to do,... Workers in response to a lack of funding or scarce resources no idea what I.!, etc ) just go wherever she wanted anymore longer drive new people wanting to be able to in! Dramatically increased our income, battle social injustice and create a positive difference right training and experience I... Continue browsing in r/financialindependence no other job options, and she felt that.! And that 's pretty close to FI, but I believe FI a. Support us financially so applied to study social work right decision each time I started thinking about becoming social! Get sweet 457s and pensions all good things, geriatric, and I are teachers only a years! Do n't know how much I would love to FI, and she felt be directed back to doctor. Workers and social work story! of more than our brain chemistry and structure find what they and! By using our services or clicking I agree, you agree to wonderful. Be posted and votes can not simply assimilate the role of social work in an Department. Also shocked by how few options people had for social services, cps non-profit... Away, so she can roll her real estate free and earning another degree increases my regular teaching.... Chosen human service as a career that is for social services and the poor quality them!
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