The earlier years are especially difficult. I decided to major in sociology because my mother did, and I saw her as successful. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I feel that I am in a service that helps others. So I think it entirely depends on the kind of work you do and/or where you do it. To read the essay’s introduction, body and … Some charities pay 6 figure salaries to upper management, which is plenty for FI. 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. 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. Almost the exact same thing but I was a caregiver instead of a meals on wheels volunteer. But I believe FI as a goal is compatible because I still dream to serve others in a different capacity once FI. Her husband had died many years ago, and she felt very alone. She had become very vulnerable, very suddenly, and like many older people she just didn't know where to start. You don't need to be insanely, obnoxiously rich. By strengthening my social work skills, I feel like I am able to make a greater difference in their lives. Basically interacting with managers and finding providers for large companies. 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. Also get the mistakes to avoid and tips on what to avoid saying to make sure you … If you want to stay in the field, your best bet is consulting. Almost the exact same thing but I was a caregiver instead of a meals on wheels volunteer. As evident as this may seem, helping to change lives is one of … I think you can do it, but you might have to think outside the box. You just have the warm social work look about you" LOL. Everyone I have met taking a … Cookies help us deliver our Services. I needed something more emotional. When you train to be a social worker, you are trained in all aspects of the profession, from mental health to child protection. 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 … Cookies help us deliver our Services. ), I know in my heart I couldn't handle a classroom full of kids. 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. I've gotten called out for thinking I'm better than everyone for being a social worker (?????) There are some bad days, and you can't save everyone....somethings terrible just happen. Press J to jump to the feed. Thanks for the suggestion and help. 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. I am a supervisor for a residential program, and I want to be stronger in my work. 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'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. classes for free and earning another degree increases my regular teaching salary. 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. Hi, LCSW here, graduated with my MSW in 2009. My social workers were talented, committed, and hard working. My wife and I are teachers only a couple years older than you. Like a concierge customer service. However, I do realize that even the most-seasoned professionals make mistakes or can do … When I started thinking about becoming a social worker, I thought about that woman. P.S. I loved how inclusive social work … I chose to be a social worker because I want to empower people, battle social injustice and create a positive difference. I wanted to become a social worker because I already really enjoyed hanging out with old people, and I figured I might as well get paid for it. Social workers change people's lives. We are not a therapeutic program, but we often have youth with mental health needs and it can be difficult to navigate, at times. 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. OK, OK, kidding! Is it okay to say I really don't know how I ended up here? Thus I wanted to get into clinical work as soon as possible, which is what my master's advertised. 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. Know of any place to look for jobs as a consultant for human service professionals? She asked why I didn’t just become a social worker. 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 … Whether you are just leaving college or looking for a career change, there are many good reasons for becoming a social worker. It's a sacrifice but I would totally continue helping others after I achieve FI too! 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. Or go into management at a charities. And I never knew of any Social Worker … Yes, very much so. 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. CPS workers, therapists/LCSWs, have worked with the elderly, social work students, etc). Once you got it, it's really hard to turn your social work brain off. I can relate to your story in many ways. I love going to work each day, even when the days are difficult. This is generally my only gripe. I'm finishing up my MSW now with a focus on program evaluation and development because I want to make programs that work. I accidentally found myself in the field. Occupational therapist here. What the heck you stole my why I got into social work story!! And then she had a stroke. We don’t get paid well for the amount of work … 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. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the financialindependence community, Continue browsing in r/financialindependence. 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). 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. I started looking to change my major. But there was one woman in particular. 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. She had to rely on a neighbor for rides to the doctor - she couldn't just go wherever she wanted anymore. 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. I did not regret it. People, places, events, circumstances all shape our personalities, our reactions to things. I worked there for a year and loved the work, but hated the agency. I was very excited at the fact that I, an 18 year old freshman, did not have to choose what I wanted to do for the rest of my life at that time. 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 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. Thanks for the insight. Single/ M/31. As I became older, my interest in social work grew. Also I love being paid to hang out with my old peeps. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. My undergraduate is in neuroscience, and I was set up for medical school until a major injury changed my life (I'm kinda like Dr. Working with Your Social Worker. You can’t become a social worker by declaration any more than you can declare someone to be a physician or an attorney. While in college, I can major in the field of social work … The chair had over 30 years experience in the field doing all sorts of things. 27 years old, foundation year MSW student. There wasn't much I could do, because I was just a volunteer. However, I am much happier when I am working alongside my staff and chatting with the kids. Situations will crop up, so you … The shockingly simple math behind early retirement. I almost quit and went into nursing. What barrier are you facing, financial or ethical/philosophical? However I knew what I was getting into by choosing Social work. 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. Press J to jump to the feed. I was happy to learn from a faculty with not only theoretical knowledge, but practical knowledge as well. After taking with my mother, I had narrowed it down to math education or social work. I too turned away from social work many times only to be directed back to the field. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. So, if you are in that situation now, you'll be FI by 59. "I've been a social worker for 20 years, so it's critical that my supervisors trust my judgment. I miss that type of work sometimes, except when it got bad, then it was awful. Get a verified writer to help you with Why I Want to Become a Social Worker. 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. “Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social … Many corporations are looking to improve their image and they will pay you good money to do it. Continue reading to discover the best reasons for choosing to become a social worker. The shockingly simple math behind early retirement. I have now found an area where I really enjoy my work, and am passionate about it. 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.) 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. We also find other ways to earn money (coaching, chaperoning, extra duties, department coordinator, teaching professional development to other teachers, running camps...). 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. By how few options people had for social workers and social work,... Started a new course in my MSW program the person in environment fits! ), I thought about that woman gain from a Master of … my workers... Each person bad days, and I want to make programs that.. First semester, I would n't be surprised if you thought about that woman each. Was just a volunteer that gets you hired is plenty for FI warm social work!. To minimize your expenses and especially find ways to minimize your expenses and especially find ways to maximize your.! 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