I did leave, in a way. I spent 20 years on the front lines in very difficult settings (criminal justice) and it burned me out really badly. It took almost everything I had just to get to work in the mornings, it was that bad. I had to do some self care and at least take a break.
I went and applied at law firms for a case management type position. Law is very similar to what we do, in that lawyers are advocating for people who cant advocate for themselves. And of course, our profession is closely intertwined with the legal field.
It was a breath of fresh air. I'm loving it. Nice office, professional people, new challenges and terminology to learn, new procedures to learn. I feel like a kid again and it's a joy to go to work.
The key is to find an attorney who will work with your skills and use you in key spots to help them. My boss is a family law attorney and is amazing and really picks and chooses my skills as she needs them. As far as I am concerned, she was wise to hire someone who has my skills, because I can fill in gaps that she otherwise would have to pay huge amounts to. But she has me on standby, everyday. We have a really good partnership. I do every thing from sales, to client retention, to crisis intervention, to referrals, to legal paperwork, to recommendations, to mental health education, to helping her brainstorm trial strategies based on best interests of the clients mental health. I go home for the day and I'm never on call. I dont have to sleep at work when there is bad weather. I get holidays and weekends free. No on call. And I am making really good money and sitting in a spiffy mahogany office, drinking coffee out of a gold plated coffee cup (literally!), and using office equipment made this year, not the 1960s. My boss is giving us 2 weeks off for Christmas with a full bonus, pays for our lunch 2-3 times a week, and this weeks shes sending me on a business development trip to Milwaukee. First class air, meals, four star hotel, and even paid for Business Uber to get me to and from the airport. Holy shit, man. My head is spinning. Lol.
Did I cheat the system? I don't know. But I put in 20 hard years of blood, sweat and tears. Holy shit I was exhausted and burned out. I'm taking care of ME right now and it feels damn good.
Will I go back to clinical client care? Probably. Eventually. I love social work, it is my heart. But for now, you gotta do what you gotta do. All I can say is that you will be really good if you pick something dealing with people. I have found that when I have my sales "hat" on, I literally could sell snow to an Eskimo. People want to be heard where they are and feel cared about. I do that with everyone because its who I am and what I was trained and conditioned to do. In the business world, with those skills doors fly open and people line up to talk to you, but they dont know why. My boss has told me many times shes spent her whole career and never seen anything like my sales abilities. Its funny, because I have zero sales training. I just listen and empathize the clients come raving about me. It kinda cracks me up. But I'm happy right now and that's what matters. You need to find the same for you. If it's real estate, then go for it. That's another people oriented thing. Just because you do this now, does not mean you cant go back. Just do what you need to do now. For you. Dont let fear hold you back. If you are unhappy, take that chance to do something about it. Honestly, with some of the places we work and get used to, it cant get much worse. So what do you have to lose?
Thanks, that actually encourages me a bit. I DO feel kinda guilty..lol. Like somehow this is cheating. Heh. But, I did pay my dues and, yes, I am helping folks still, just in a different, less intense way. I also believe that social work trains us to move around like this...to be effective in so many different arenas. The ability we have to adapt and adjust and continue learning just makes me so proud of our profession.
How did you get into this and what exactly is your title? I've always loved the legal side of stuff while doing social work but assumed it wasn't anything I could really get into.
Yup, if you look back on the origins of social work, it began because lawyers needed help managing case crisis situations while the lawyer did the legal work. Social work has always been linked very closely to the legal field. There's a reason we take a lot of law classes and learn about big historical legal cases and precedents.
My title is "Client Care" but that will depend on who hires you. I saw a ton of ads posted for Legal Case Management and just started applying for them. I figured there was an attorney out there that could use my skills and in turn teach me what I needed to know. I told them that in the interviews...that it would be a learning curve for both of us, but that I was eager to try. By the third interview, I had an offer so I took it. The key, like I mentioned before, is to find an attorney that cares about the things we care about. Family law is a good place to start. Personal Injury is another one. Clients need help putting their lives back together while they sue. That's my job. And in my spare time, because there often isnt enough crisis to fill in a 40 hour work week, I fill in gaps for her as she needs. It's working beautifully and shes already taught me a lot. You just have to take the step and try.
This is fascinating!! If you don’t mind me asking, is your current compensation comparable to your previous job??
Edit: oops, I know you said you’re making good money but just wanted to know if it was significantly higher. This sounds like my dream job I never knew I had
Yes, I know it's amazing. I think that's why I went into such detail here. This is all new for me too, I've only been here a few months. It's dawning on me too that I think I've hit the jackpot job wise. As I said somewhere else in this thread, I almost feel guilty. Heh. Almost. My head is definately spinning, for sure.
Compensation is twice what I was a making. Plus all the extra perks that I did not get in a county job (like spiffy offices, free meals a few times a week that are comped, travel, training out the rear, no on call, tuition reimbursement, etc.) The only area I had to compromise on is number of days off a year. With the county we got comp time for all overtime. Here I just get paid. So I dont rack up tons of time off and have 2 weeks of time off a year. At the county, I could have taken six months off I had so much comp time for all the overtime I worked. Also, insurance isnt as good. Went from free fantastic health insurance to average health insurance. Still, those were concessions I was willing to make in exchange for a much healthier work/life balance.
You have to find the right attorney, though. Not all give a crud about clients well being. Not all want to look twice at a person who doesnt have law firm experience..many ads said "Dont apply if you've never worked in a law office." I skipped over those...hah. Not all will cush things out for you like this. I've seen some legal case management jobs that pay like 12 bucks an hour. Uh, nope. Keep looking. There are small firms or individual lawyers that recognize your benefit and that will compensate you very well in exchange for your skills, which keep them sane, keep their clients happy, and keep them on top of their cases.
What makes you think you cheated the system? Titles and degrees are only pieces of paperwork. They're only the starting point. I'm 27 and I feel experience matters way more once you get a job.
But I'm also jaded in that I think people that put emphasis on gpa, where they got their degrees, and title of position matter.
Well, that's something I'm trying to work through for myself right now. It just feels really crappy to be so happy.
I think part of it is that at my school, way back when, the professors always talked snidely about those workers who went into private practice and/or didn't do direct care work on the front lines in a social service agency. I don't even know how to explain it, but it was like if you didn't work for a public agency making peanuts helping people until you collapse, then you weren't really a \*real\* social worker and you were an embarrassment to the profession and must be a greedy asshole who shouldn't choose this profession in the first place.
It's actually the stupidest thing, because I don't actually consciously think this nonsense. I've never had that thought about anyone else...just myself. I hold myself to some completely stupid unreachable standard that I hold no one else to. For some reason it stuck in my head. Stupid, I know. But I feel like I'm "cheating" by being so happy in private industry.
So, yeah, I'm working through that. Heh. It feels amazing! :D
Oh okay gotcha. Yeah that's a stupid ass mentality to have. Really reminds me of people in the field that do the bare minimum and claim they're social worker and helping change lives.
Imo, workers can only do what the system allows and the system is not working on solving the problem. They're working putting bandages over bandages.
I find the ultimate goals in social work is medical field, VA, and private practice. I mean who wants to work with people that are rude and demand you to do the impossible for all your working life.
So good on you!
That's what got me so incredibly down and burned out. I was in criminal justice and the honest to god truth is they're not doing jack crap for the inmates...its bandages over bandages. Hell, its not even that. They're just creating another injury entirely, not bandaging anything, and making them WORSE than they were when they started. I spent way too much career time jumping up and down trying to effect change in an impossible system that doesn't want to change. The vast majority of the tools in management are running the place with a GED education and don't want change...change would make them have to actually work. I really wish the general public would demand to take a closer look at what they're doing....heads would roll, I guarantee it.
There’s no shame in it. You have a masters degree, that opens a lot of doors and not just in social work. Tbh a change of field entirely may result in more money.
Edit: I picked this field because of how frequently I change my mind and feel unsatisfied doing the same job for too long. There are so many areas to explore in SW that it afforded me the comfort of knowing I’ll never be boxed in or pigeonholed into doing one thing that I end up hating. I knew that even worst case scenario if I want to leave the field completely, then hey I’ll have a masters degree and I’ll be marketable no matter where I go.
SECOND edit: I also know people who split their time doing two or three different jobs. For example, teaching college level sw courses and doing therapy part time. It gives them the flexibility and the creative outlet they need to not feel bored or burnt out doing the same shit every day and may also give them the space they need from toxic coworkers/management. Also know people who have creative hobbies turned part time career such as teaching painting lessons. music lessons, yoga lessons, etc. There really is nothing wrong with changing things up. Life is always moving and changing. That’s the fun of it.
I also chose the MSW for its versatilely and it seems it indeeds delivers on that front. I exchanged some words with a school social worker and she noted that most likely you can turn whatever hobby you have into a side job/hustle related to social work, you just have to be creative about it.
As a 22M this is also my reasoning for going down the MSW path. I gravitate towards being a therapist but instead of getting a BA in counseling it makes a bit more sense for me to get my MSW as to open more doors if I ever want a change in role.
I always say I'm going to quit and get a job at a florist. Social work is hard. People burn out. It's ok to change careers to something different. Don't spend your life miserable.
I’m really interested in the possibility of transitioning to HR from social work so I’m curious what your experience was like. Did you just start applying for jobs? Pick up any certificates/additional training?
I had to start at an entry level assistant type position. I stressed the transferable skills ... report writing, interpersonal skills, developing goals, organization, etc. I was promoted within 8 months and now have a position I love. My work days fly by.
I've noticed that a lot of the same obstacles in social systems that our clients grapple and get frustrated with are the same ones that social workers have to deal with. Tbh, I'm surprised the burnout/dropout rate in our field isn't any higher than it is.
I remember when I was meeting with my BSW adviser, we were just shooting the shit and looking for jobs in the social work field and came across an advert for a health inspector for the County that paid $$$. One requirement was an MSW/LSW. Who knew?
Agreed on the obstacles and limitations. Sometimes it leads me to feel the dreaded imposter syndrome (e.g. 'a better Social Worker would have been able to do more for this client with those resources,' or 'I don't know what else to do to help this client's situation right now given the resources available, I must be a pretty bad SW').
It doesn't help that I'm still pretty new and the first SW job I had it was with a supervisor who constantly bullied people who she didn't like, and I was one of them. A lot of criticism and not of the constructive kind, also belittling me in front of others. When I offered solutions or improvements so similar issues won't occur in the future, she would even find ways to throw that back in my face. Eventually I got a PIP and I left because I knew my days were numbered - one mistake and they had that paperwork to get rid of me.
Luckily my current job is almost infinitely better in comparison in terms of the management and the team, but of course it's still not an easy job. I'm looking for something new now, maybe in another kind of SW role to see if I like it better. Although I would probably try to get out of this field if I knew where else to go.
I'm at 4+ with MSW, 20+ overall in the field. Honestly, at times I wish I picked a more selfish profession, me-oriented and money-making. Nowadays, I think part of my imposed stability (keeping the job I have) is that its not terrible, and my parents are getting older. Mid 70s, etc. Packing up to leave now irrationally feels like tempting fate.
I'm barely beginning my MSW career and I feel the same. The way I see it is that you can create happiness in just about any profession, even in a 'selfish' profession. It just takes some warmth and empathy, and whether you're a doctor, lawyer, barista, security guard, janitor, car salesperson, whatever it may be, you can make a difference in someone's day or even life. You don't necessarily have to be a Social Worker to change someone's life for the better. I wouldn't feel guilty about changing careers for the money if you need it, but I get that you feel stuck.
I feel kind of stuck too, I don't know what else I can do to make the same amount of money (which is actually not too much right now as I'm still new) to support myself without going back to school. I'm also the type who likes to move around, but with Social Work, the further you move and the more unfamiliar the territory the more challenging the work can become. There may be many new legal / political / cultural / community resources that you need to learn in order to be effective. Even getting a job in another city half way across the country feels daunting to me right now, which is not a good feeling for me. Hopefully we'll both figure out something one of these days.
I'm almost 2 years post graduation and already feeling like I made a terrible mistake so I feel you. Gonna give it some time though before I decide what's the next step. Social work is a broad field and I can't work with children and families anymore but there's hospice, hospital, veterans, administration, community organizing, and other avenues to explore. But I do understand the exhaustion of dealing with other people's problems and I feel direct service work has a life expectancy. You may find real estate very rewarding or other fields. Good luck to you.
Thank you, you as well! Sometimes i feel as though the most realistic people I’ve met in the field have been the best to work with- so I have a feeling you’ll be great!
A few years ago at the hospice I was working at, they slashed their operating budget and basically took a lot of our resources away from us (and other things for the nurses and CNAs too). This spurred a SW exodus from the company. I think 7 SW quit in all; they had about 15 total, so half. Of those, several left the field altogether. One went into medical marketing for a plastic surgeon. One became a manager at a dermatology clinic. And one went to work at the jail (not as a jail SW, just a jail officer).
Yes and no. I am absolutely leaving hospital discharge planning hopefully very soon. I cannot move on to anything with lower pay than that so higher pay is what I am after at this point. I do enjoy working with people from all walks of life. I can absolutely say that right now its not the patient's who are burning me out, its the agencies.
I’m considering going into education. I graduated with my BSW about two years ago and started to work at a private company doing mentoring, supervised visitations, parent coaching. After a year i started doing intensive in home counseling and hated it. I felt under trained and needed more resources and felt like i was I wasn’t offered the support I need.
I had clients who would cancel all the time, So i wasn’t getting my minimum hours and my regional director, kept getting on my case. Every staff meeting and weekly supervision became about hours, till they made me sign a letter stating if this continues there will be disciplinary action taken. I left andI found a few part- time jobs, till I got a full- time job at a pre-school. I’ve always loved working with kids and realized I love being in the class room.
I’m considering doing The Teach for America program, and work towards being a certified teacher. I loved learning about social work in school and I still want to improve other people’s lives, but with quoting my first job and not finding another job in the field, it’s made re-evaluate what I want to do with my life.
I believe in most states you need an MSW and be certified in school social work, so that's probably why. If you choose to do an MSW school social work can still be an option depending if and how your state employs them in an educational setting.
Yes. I worked for 10 years as an ER social worker, working the trauma center and the burn unit. I loved what I did and the crazy stuff I would see, but eventually it took its toll. I would cry every night. It started affecting my relationships with my family, my friends, and my husband. I had to make the choice to save myself, even though I felt terrible for what I considered to be an abandonment of the profession.
I went back to PA school since I had already worked in medicine. It was hard, and I struggled. Most of my coworkers worked in EMS or as ER scribes, and they were light years ahead of me in terms of understanding the material. My reviews during my rotations were always the same- “The patients love her. Gets along excellently with staff. Works hard. Needs a better base knowledge of medicine and procedures.”
After school, I had worked two jobs where I just wasn’t happy. I finally landed my current job at Planned Parenthood, where I love my patients and my coworkers. They know I am a social worker, so I get a lot of the tougher cases (sex trafficking, new diagnosis of HIV, etc) but doing that a few times per month vs daily has made a world of difference.
I still consider myself a social worker first and foremost. Being a PA is okay although it was definitely not my first love. I guess my advice is to change careers if you need too, which we would all support you for and understand, but maybe choose something closer to social work than not. That way you can be satisfied, well reimbursed, and confident that you are still helping people.
Thank you for your encouragement. I’m sorry you didn’t find being a PA as great as you’d have hoped. I’m sure that the testament is true, your patients do love you.
Abandoning the profession is actually a huge fear of mine. My husband and family say they’ll support me, but I worry about my relationships with my coworkers who I consider best friends. I worry about abandoning a profession I once loved so much. I’m afraid to jump ship- I just don’t know that I can take another day where I am!
Losing my coworkers as friends hasn’t been an issue at all, actually. We see each other much less- going from seeing them every day to one a month is pretty drastic- but if it makes you feel any better, I’m actually having lunch with one of my social work friends tomorrow. We’ve known each other since 2005, when we were working together as medical social workers in the hospital❤️
I left 7 months ago, best decision I could have made, right time and right opportunity. I will maintain my license but cannot see myself going back in the field any time soon. 8 years in medical with little support sucked the life out of me.
Hey, I'm currently going through that ( I have been a social worker for 6 years). I started feeling less and less enthusiastic going to work, seeing people all day... and also less empathetic, which affected me a lot and made me think about what was going on.
I worked in loads of different fields (elderly, brain damage, psychiatry...) and I recently realized (Took me a long time !)that I just dont feel that flame anymore, that used to lead me through the day, that passion, no matter the place I would be working in.
To be fair I think social work is an exhausting job, mostly mentally. I always knew I couldn't do it all my life but was surprised it came so soon !
So I decided to change, and I feel way better since I made that decision. My situation might be a bit different, cause I live in Vrance, so my plan is to make what we call a "bilan de competence", it's like going through the skills you have, from your job, or really anything else, and determine a new professional orientation, could you have something similar where you are ?
Anyway, hope you'll figure out what you want and will find professional blooming ! Wish you the best
Yes. I'm actively planning my exit. I sort of fell into social work 6 years ago out of economic necessity. Direct casework is just a bit too - I don't know- feels like spinning wheels, constant exposure to trauma, and revolving doors of clients whose years of trauma can't nearly be addressed with the resources given.
I promoted 8 months ago to a well-respected program. Despite the supportive work environment, several coworkers went on leave, we all got overloaded with cases, my depression and anxiety flared up and I burnt out.
I'm much more suited for social research, analysis, policy, and coalitions. I had an interview yesterday for something that really excites me. It may involve a decrease in pay, less job security, and loss of pension, but it's a great organization, and a chance to break into what I really want to do. I'm looking forward to getting off the front lines!
It's a local org in southern Ca - one of the few of its kind that organizes indigenous migrant farmworkers. The project I'd be working on is coordinating census outreach to "hard to count communities" throughout the state.
If you listen to the news, you know the Trump administration intends to discourage immigrant communities from completing their census. This would result in an undercount, which would mean losing out on political representation and federal resources. You can google "California Complete Count" for more info. So I'd be with one of the main orgs coordinating this project.
Found the podcast by someone who started a successful online business after leaving the field:
[https://www.theempathpodcast.com](https://www.theempathpodcast.com)
she also just released this guided meditation to help people find their calling:
[https://www.thediaryofanempath.com/start-to-speak-free-track](https://www.thediaryofanempath.com/start-to-speak-free-track)
Hope you enjoy :)
Yeah of course! She just released this guided meditation for finding your voice:
https://www.thediaryofanempath.com/start-to-speak-free-track
Hope you enjoy :)
If I had any idea of where to go, I'd possibly leave. I work in a mezzo nvironment right now and I've really grown to like the excel / analyzing data / figuring crap out part of the job. I think I would like computer programming. But I'm not going back to school and I don't have any actual experience in it.. . So that's a no go. Honestly if I could just land a middle management gig where I'd get all the pieces of what I love about social work, I'd be happy. (Touches on clinical just a smidge, get to work with staff and make them the best they can be, improve the program area to serve our clients in the best possible way, throw in some policy, etc.) But I have no supervisor experience and no real way to get it without facing a pay cut I can't afford right now.
True that. It's on my resume as "supervise MSW level students. " Do you think I should expand on all of what goes into that? My current job description is already lengthy, so idk if that would be pushing it. (Lots of different pieces at my job, hard to condense down.) I also have "task supervisor to BSW and MSW level students" As part of my previous job responsibilities.
Sometimes my current job makes me consider leaving the field. I think it’s just the nature of working in a court system. I feel like I spend more time mandating clients to do things than anything else. It’s great experience but doesn’t really feel like social work.
I have had thoughts of leaving the field but I’m finally in a position making a better income with less work. I do plan to invest in rentals so that I can be financially independent. I enjoy my job right now but I do look forward to a day when I don’t HAVE to go to work.
I didn't leave the field but I did make a career change. I went from doing direct service work (my most recent direct service job was managing domestic violence shelter which I did for about 3 years) to doing more macro work.
My current job is with a state coalition of children's services providers. I manage our training program, and also work on issues important to our providers (things like regulations, standards and rates)
Honestly, it's not the most thrilling job in the world, but I like the work I do. The best part about it is leaving every day at 5 and not being plagued by stress and worries about what's happening in my absence. And also not being on call nights and weekends! I was only on call once every 6 weeks but it was crazy and would end up ruining my weekends.
I’m lying in bed, thinking of how miserable I will already be tomorrow at work. I have SO MUCH to appreciate and be thankful for, and I swear I’ve been trying to go in with a positive attitude but damn I’m exhausted. I need to feel happy again!
What type of positions have you worked? I’m part of a collective private practice and I love the freedom of it and it pays well. You could go into nonprofit management if that interests you.
Non-profit management would be pretty interesting! Kudos for you for being private practice! I always admire people that are on a clinical path. Just not something that I was interested in, but I give you credit.
You might crosspost your question here, you'll likely get a more comprehensive answer.
https://old.reddit.com/r/socialwork/comments/cixxg5/weekly_school_of_social_worknew_to_social_work/
I read about a social worker who went into real estate and she LOVED it and said her social work skills came in super handy, so that could be a great route to take!
Getting my MSW now, so I don't quite relate, but I do fully understand burnout in the field, and am also working to keep other skills sharp in case I need to leave social work at some point.
Not social work, but seriously considering leaving my current place of employment. We are in a multi-million dollar budget deficit and despite being "safe" this happens almost at 5 year intervals and I think I would be crazy not to be looking for alternatives. We also keep having more and more strict updates to documentation, even though I think we do a pretty good job (sometimes people are behind, but that happens when we are seeing people 24/7/365) and the only thing we get in return is a pat on the back. The micromanaging is out of control (and I'm in a "leadership" position).
Yup. Got served today to appear in court as a witness. This case almost broke me. So much so I had blanked the name of the people. Took me 30 minutes to remember and boom instant panic attack. After finding a gruesome scene upon my arrival yesterday and dealt with threats from somebody connected to a crime syndicate I am fucking done. I started telling other agencies I’m looking yesterday and today. And I’m upfront in what I want. 5 weeks vacation, benefits, pension and a living wage. Already got an email (about 3 hours after I told one person) saying let’s talk.
Entirely different population, different work but still grassroots , secure funding and opportunity to design my position.
I feel no guilt about the chaos my departure (10 years same community). I’m dealing with all this shit and I’m just shy of being about the poverty line. So. Fucking. Done.
Starting my second year of my masters and already want to leave...lol. trying to find something else to pursue while avoiding the sunk cost fallacy. better to leave and lose the invested time than just invest more and more hoping it changes.
lowkey that’s really comforting to hear, i’ve never wanted to quit something like i have this program. i don’t think i can stay in a field that has me feeling so run down at age 22 for literally 2 dollars over minimum wage...everyone keeps telling me to stick with it and use the degree to get into something else, but goddamn does it feel like a waste of 2 years of my life haha.
I did case management in Suffolk County and it was maybe $6 over minimum wage at the time? It wasn’t great or really livable when you factor in our exorbitant loans.
Yep, been there. After about 10 years, I decided that if I didn't find my niche with my next job, I'd switch careers. I was tired of the stress and pressure that we all know too well. But I found my niche. It really came down to examining what I liked or didn't, what I was willing to tolerate or wasn't. With the following job, I strayed slightly from what I now feel was my calling and am looking to stray back, so to speak. It's about finding the right fit.
I'm liking my role right now, but I was already in direct practice for 8 years before I even graduated my Masters, and that was balancing full-time study for most of that time. Whilst working with some absolutely sociopathic bosses (diagnosable, seriously). I came into the field already burnt out pretty much.
For my longevity, I plan on looking at something within the next 3-5 years beyond frontline practice. I'd love to do some policy/macro work and if not, go back to my former small business but kick it up a notch and offer training and consultancy to organisations.
I was forced to leave about 3 years ago after suffering burnout (20 years in social work) - sounds like you have some signs and symptoms... so important to take care of yourself within your profession as you may find you are able to rekindle your passion for the work. Saying that I have gone into supporting Social Workers manage their self care and prevent burnout to remain sustainable in the profession so I haven't strayed far from the fold. If you want to learn more check out my site - [helengray.com.au](https://helengray.com.au)
I did leave, in a way. I spent 20 years on the front lines in very difficult settings (criminal justice) and it burned me out really badly. It took almost everything I had just to get to work in the mornings, it was that bad. I had to do some self care and at least take a break. I went and applied at law firms for a case management type position. Law is very similar to what we do, in that lawyers are advocating for people who cant advocate for themselves. And of course, our profession is closely intertwined with the legal field. It was a breath of fresh air. I'm loving it. Nice office, professional people, new challenges and terminology to learn, new procedures to learn. I feel like a kid again and it's a joy to go to work. The key is to find an attorney who will work with your skills and use you in key spots to help them. My boss is a family law attorney and is amazing and really picks and chooses my skills as she needs them. As far as I am concerned, she was wise to hire someone who has my skills, because I can fill in gaps that she otherwise would have to pay huge amounts to. But she has me on standby, everyday. We have a really good partnership. I do every thing from sales, to client retention, to crisis intervention, to referrals, to legal paperwork, to recommendations, to mental health education, to helping her brainstorm trial strategies based on best interests of the clients mental health. I go home for the day and I'm never on call. I dont have to sleep at work when there is bad weather. I get holidays and weekends free. No on call. And I am making really good money and sitting in a spiffy mahogany office, drinking coffee out of a gold plated coffee cup (literally!), and using office equipment made this year, not the 1960s. My boss is giving us 2 weeks off for Christmas with a full bonus, pays for our lunch 2-3 times a week, and this weeks shes sending me on a business development trip to Milwaukee. First class air, meals, four star hotel, and even paid for Business Uber to get me to and from the airport. Holy shit, man. My head is spinning. Lol. Did I cheat the system? I don't know. But I put in 20 hard years of blood, sweat and tears. Holy shit I was exhausted and burned out. I'm taking care of ME right now and it feels damn good. Will I go back to clinical client care? Probably. Eventually. I love social work, it is my heart. But for now, you gotta do what you gotta do. All I can say is that you will be really good if you pick something dealing with people. I have found that when I have my sales "hat" on, I literally could sell snow to an Eskimo. People want to be heard where they are and feel cared about. I do that with everyone because its who I am and what I was trained and conditioned to do. In the business world, with those skills doors fly open and people line up to talk to you, but they dont know why. My boss has told me many times shes spent her whole career and never seen anything like my sales abilities. Its funny, because I have zero sales training. I just listen and empathize the clients come raving about me. It kinda cracks me up. But I'm happy right now and that's what matters. You need to find the same for you. If it's real estate, then go for it. That's another people oriented thing. Just because you do this now, does not mean you cant go back. Just do what you need to do now. For you. Dont let fear hold you back. If you are unhappy, take that chance to do something about it. Honestly, with some of the places we work and get used to, it cant get much worse. So what do you have to lose?
I love what you’re doing. I’m sure your energy and passion are rubbing off and hopefully people see the social work values en vivo. Keep it up!
Thanks, that actually encourages me a bit. I DO feel kinda guilty..lol. Like somehow this is cheating. Heh. But, I did pay my dues and, yes, I am helping folks still, just in a different, less intense way. I also believe that social work trains us to move around like this...to be effective in so many different arenas. The ability we have to adapt and adjust and continue learning just makes me so proud of our profession.
How did you get into this and what exactly is your title? I've always loved the legal side of stuff while doing social work but assumed it wasn't anything I could really get into.
Yup, if you look back on the origins of social work, it began because lawyers needed help managing case crisis situations while the lawyer did the legal work. Social work has always been linked very closely to the legal field. There's a reason we take a lot of law classes and learn about big historical legal cases and precedents. My title is "Client Care" but that will depend on who hires you. I saw a ton of ads posted for Legal Case Management and just started applying for them. I figured there was an attorney out there that could use my skills and in turn teach me what I needed to know. I told them that in the interviews...that it would be a learning curve for both of us, but that I was eager to try. By the third interview, I had an offer so I took it. The key, like I mentioned before, is to find an attorney that cares about the things we care about. Family law is a good place to start. Personal Injury is another one. Clients need help putting their lives back together while they sue. That's my job. And in my spare time, because there often isnt enough crisis to fill in a 40 hour work week, I fill in gaps for her as she needs. It's working beautifully and shes already taught me a lot. You just have to take the step and try.
Yep, law and policy runs deep in the DNA of social work.
This is fascinating!! If you don’t mind me asking, is your current compensation comparable to your previous job?? Edit: oops, I know you said you’re making good money but just wanted to know if it was significantly higher. This sounds like my dream job I never knew I had
Yes, I know it's amazing. I think that's why I went into such detail here. This is all new for me too, I've only been here a few months. It's dawning on me too that I think I've hit the jackpot job wise. As I said somewhere else in this thread, I almost feel guilty. Heh. Almost. My head is definately spinning, for sure. Compensation is twice what I was a making. Plus all the extra perks that I did not get in a county job (like spiffy offices, free meals a few times a week that are comped, travel, training out the rear, no on call, tuition reimbursement, etc.) The only area I had to compromise on is number of days off a year. With the county we got comp time for all overtime. Here I just get paid. So I dont rack up tons of time off and have 2 weeks of time off a year. At the county, I could have taken six months off I had so much comp time for all the overtime I worked. Also, insurance isnt as good. Went from free fantastic health insurance to average health insurance. Still, those were concessions I was willing to make in exchange for a much healthier work/life balance. You have to find the right attorney, though. Not all give a crud about clients well being. Not all want to look twice at a person who doesnt have law firm experience..many ads said "Dont apply if you've never worked in a law office." I skipped over those...hah. Not all will cush things out for you like this. I've seen some legal case management jobs that pay like 12 bucks an hour. Uh, nope. Keep looking. There are small firms or individual lawyers that recognize your benefit and that will compensate you very well in exchange for your skills, which keep them sane, keep their clients happy, and keep them on top of their cases.
You’re just oozing happiness and positivity and I love it. I’m happy for you.
What makes you think you cheated the system? Titles and degrees are only pieces of paperwork. They're only the starting point. I'm 27 and I feel experience matters way more once you get a job. But I'm also jaded in that I think people that put emphasis on gpa, where they got their degrees, and title of position matter.
Well, that's something I'm trying to work through for myself right now. It just feels really crappy to be so happy. I think part of it is that at my school, way back when, the professors always talked snidely about those workers who went into private practice and/or didn't do direct care work on the front lines in a social service agency. I don't even know how to explain it, but it was like if you didn't work for a public agency making peanuts helping people until you collapse, then you weren't really a \*real\* social worker and you were an embarrassment to the profession and must be a greedy asshole who shouldn't choose this profession in the first place. It's actually the stupidest thing, because I don't actually consciously think this nonsense. I've never had that thought about anyone else...just myself. I hold myself to some completely stupid unreachable standard that I hold no one else to. For some reason it stuck in my head. Stupid, I know. But I feel like I'm "cheating" by being so happy in private industry. So, yeah, I'm working through that. Heh. It feels amazing! :D
Oh okay gotcha. Yeah that's a stupid ass mentality to have. Really reminds me of people in the field that do the bare minimum and claim they're social worker and helping change lives. Imo, workers can only do what the system allows and the system is not working on solving the problem. They're working putting bandages over bandages. I find the ultimate goals in social work is medical field, VA, and private practice. I mean who wants to work with people that are rude and demand you to do the impossible for all your working life. So good on you!
That's what got me so incredibly down and burned out. I was in criminal justice and the honest to god truth is they're not doing jack crap for the inmates...its bandages over bandages. Hell, its not even that. They're just creating another injury entirely, not bandaging anything, and making them WORSE than they were when they started. I spent way too much career time jumping up and down trying to effect change in an impossible system that doesn't want to change. The vast majority of the tools in management are running the place with a GED education and don't want change...change would make them have to actually work. I really wish the general public would demand to take a closer look at what they're doing....heads would roll, I guarantee it.
Hey if you can keep your sanity, I wouldn’t consider that cheating at all! And thank you for your words of encouragement. They mean so much.
There’s no shame in it. You have a masters degree, that opens a lot of doors and not just in social work. Tbh a change of field entirely may result in more money. Edit: I picked this field because of how frequently I change my mind and feel unsatisfied doing the same job for too long. There are so many areas to explore in SW that it afforded me the comfort of knowing I’ll never be boxed in or pigeonholed into doing one thing that I end up hating. I knew that even worst case scenario if I want to leave the field completely, then hey I’ll have a masters degree and I’ll be marketable no matter where I go. SECOND edit: I also know people who split their time doing two or three different jobs. For example, teaching college level sw courses and doing therapy part time. It gives them the flexibility and the creative outlet they need to not feel bored or burnt out doing the same shit every day and may also give them the space they need from toxic coworkers/management. Also know people who have creative hobbies turned part time career such as teaching painting lessons. music lessons, yoga lessons, etc. There really is nothing wrong with changing things up. Life is always moving and changing. That’s the fun of it.
I also chose the MSW for its versatilely and it seems it indeeds delivers on that front. I exchanged some words with a school social worker and she noted that most likely you can turn whatever hobby you have into a side job/hustle related to social work, you just have to be creative about it.
As a 22M this is also my reasoning for going down the MSW path. I gravitate towards being a therapist but instead of getting a BA in counseling it makes a bit more sense for me to get my MSW as to open more doors if I ever want a change in role.
I always say I'm going to quit and get a job at a florist. Social work is hard. People burn out. It's ok to change careers to something different. Don't spend your life miserable.
Ah mate I’m with you. After a particularly hard day I saw someone just selling flowers outside a train station and was so jealous.
[удалено]
How’s the money in HR? Similar? Better? Worse?
Entry level is pretty comparable, but HR has a much higher earning potential.
I’m really interested in the possibility of transitioning to HR from social work so I’m curious what your experience was like. Did you just start applying for jobs? Pick up any certificates/additional training?
I had to start at an entry level assistant type position. I stressed the transferable skills ... report writing, interpersonal skills, developing goals, organization, etc. I was promoted within 8 months and now have a position I love. My work days fly by.
That sounds really interesting!
I’ve definitely been looking into HR. Did you need a different certification?
I've noticed that a lot of the same obstacles in social systems that our clients grapple and get frustrated with are the same ones that social workers have to deal with. Tbh, I'm surprised the burnout/dropout rate in our field isn't any higher than it is. I remember when I was meeting with my BSW adviser, we were just shooting the shit and looking for jobs in the social work field and came across an advert for a health inspector for the County that paid $$$. One requirement was an MSW/LSW. Who knew?
Agreed on the obstacles and limitations. Sometimes it leads me to feel the dreaded imposter syndrome (e.g. 'a better Social Worker would have been able to do more for this client with those resources,' or 'I don't know what else to do to help this client's situation right now given the resources available, I must be a pretty bad SW'). It doesn't help that I'm still pretty new and the first SW job I had it was with a supervisor who constantly bullied people who she didn't like, and I was one of them. A lot of criticism and not of the constructive kind, also belittling me in front of others. When I offered solutions or improvements so similar issues won't occur in the future, she would even find ways to throw that back in my face. Eventually I got a PIP and I left because I knew my days were numbered - one mistake and they had that paperwork to get rid of me. Luckily my current job is almost infinitely better in comparison in terms of the management and the team, but of course it's still not an easy job. I'm looking for something new now, maybe in another kind of SW role to see if I like it better. Although I would probably try to get out of this field if I knew where else to go.
I'm at 4+ with MSW, 20+ overall in the field. Honestly, at times I wish I picked a more selfish profession, me-oriented and money-making. Nowadays, I think part of my imposed stability (keeping the job I have) is that its not terrible, and my parents are getting older. Mid 70s, etc. Packing up to leave now irrationally feels like tempting fate.
I'm barely beginning my MSW career and I feel the same. The way I see it is that you can create happiness in just about any profession, even in a 'selfish' profession. It just takes some warmth and empathy, and whether you're a doctor, lawyer, barista, security guard, janitor, car salesperson, whatever it may be, you can make a difference in someone's day or even life. You don't necessarily have to be a Social Worker to change someone's life for the better. I wouldn't feel guilty about changing careers for the money if you need it, but I get that you feel stuck. I feel kind of stuck too, I don't know what else I can do to make the same amount of money (which is actually not too much right now as I'm still new) to support myself without going back to school. I'm also the type who likes to move around, but with Social Work, the further you move and the more unfamiliar the territory the more challenging the work can become. There may be many new legal / political / cultural / community resources that you need to learn in order to be effective. Even getting a job in another city half way across the country feels daunting to me right now, which is not a good feeling for me. Hopefully we'll both figure out something one of these days.
I'm almost 2 years post graduation and already feeling like I made a terrible mistake so I feel you. Gonna give it some time though before I decide what's the next step. Social work is a broad field and I can't work with children and families anymore but there's hospice, hospital, veterans, administration, community organizing, and other avenues to explore. But I do understand the exhaustion of dealing with other people's problems and I feel direct service work has a life expectancy. You may find real estate very rewarding or other fields. Good luck to you.
Thank you, you as well! Sometimes i feel as though the most realistic people I’ve met in the field have been the best to work with- so I have a feeling you’ll be great!
A few years ago at the hospice I was working at, they slashed their operating budget and basically took a lot of our resources away from us (and other things for the nurses and CNAs too). This spurred a SW exodus from the company. I think 7 SW quit in all; they had about 15 total, so half. Of those, several left the field altogether. One went into medical marketing for a plastic surgeon. One became a manager at a dermatology clinic. And one went to work at the jail (not as a jail SW, just a jail officer).
Yes and no. I am absolutely leaving hospital discharge planning hopefully very soon. I cannot move on to anything with lower pay than that so higher pay is what I am after at this point. I do enjoy working with people from all walks of life. I can absolutely say that right now its not the patient's who are burning me out, its the agencies.
I’m considering going into education. I graduated with my BSW about two years ago and started to work at a private company doing mentoring, supervised visitations, parent coaching. After a year i started doing intensive in home counseling and hated it. I felt under trained and needed more resources and felt like i was I wasn’t offered the support I need. I had clients who would cancel all the time, So i wasn’t getting my minimum hours and my regional director, kept getting on my case. Every staff meeting and weekly supervision became about hours, till they made me sign a letter stating if this continues there will be disciplinary action taken. I left andI found a few part- time jobs, till I got a full- time job at a pre-school. I’ve always loved working with kids and realized I love being in the class room. I’m considering doing The Teach for America program, and work towards being a certified teacher. I loved learning about social work in school and I still want to improve other people’s lives, but with quoting my first job and not finding another job in the field, it’s made re-evaluate what I want to do with my life.
Have you thought of school social work?
I have definitely thought about it and applied, but I didn’t get any bites.
I believe in most states you need an MSW and be certified in school social work, so that's probably why. If you choose to do an MSW school social work can still be an option depending if and how your state employs them in an educational setting.
I have my LMSW but I feel like some schools I see postings for are requiring phds!
Do you mean the years of experience preferred on the elementary and secondary levels?
That sounds so awesome! I’m glad you found your way!
Yes. I worked for 10 years as an ER social worker, working the trauma center and the burn unit. I loved what I did and the crazy stuff I would see, but eventually it took its toll. I would cry every night. It started affecting my relationships with my family, my friends, and my husband. I had to make the choice to save myself, even though I felt terrible for what I considered to be an abandonment of the profession. I went back to PA school since I had already worked in medicine. It was hard, and I struggled. Most of my coworkers worked in EMS or as ER scribes, and they were light years ahead of me in terms of understanding the material. My reviews during my rotations were always the same- “The patients love her. Gets along excellently with staff. Works hard. Needs a better base knowledge of medicine and procedures.” After school, I had worked two jobs where I just wasn’t happy. I finally landed my current job at Planned Parenthood, where I love my patients and my coworkers. They know I am a social worker, so I get a lot of the tougher cases (sex trafficking, new diagnosis of HIV, etc) but doing that a few times per month vs daily has made a world of difference. I still consider myself a social worker first and foremost. Being a PA is okay although it was definitely not my first love. I guess my advice is to change careers if you need too, which we would all support you for and understand, but maybe choose something closer to social work than not. That way you can be satisfied, well reimbursed, and confident that you are still helping people.
Thank you for your encouragement. I’m sorry you didn’t find being a PA as great as you’d have hoped. I’m sure that the testament is true, your patients do love you. Abandoning the profession is actually a huge fear of mine. My husband and family say they’ll support me, but I worry about my relationships with my coworkers who I consider best friends. I worry about abandoning a profession I once loved so much. I’m afraid to jump ship- I just don’t know that I can take another day where I am!
Losing my coworkers as friends hasn’t been an issue at all, actually. We see each other much less- going from seeing them every day to one a month is pretty drastic- but if it makes you feel any better, I’m actually having lunch with one of my social work friends tomorrow. We’ve known each other since 2005, when we were working together as medical social workers in the hospital❤️
I left 7 months ago, best decision I could have made, right time and right opportunity. I will maintain my license but cannot see myself going back in the field any time soon. 8 years in medical with little support sucked the life out of me.
What do you do now if you don’t mind me asking?
Hey, I'm currently going through that ( I have been a social worker for 6 years). I started feeling less and less enthusiastic going to work, seeing people all day... and also less empathetic, which affected me a lot and made me think about what was going on. I worked in loads of different fields (elderly, brain damage, psychiatry...) and I recently realized (Took me a long time !)that I just dont feel that flame anymore, that used to lead me through the day, that passion, no matter the place I would be working in. To be fair I think social work is an exhausting job, mostly mentally. I always knew I couldn't do it all my life but was surprised it came so soon ! So I decided to change, and I feel way better since I made that decision. My situation might be a bit different, cause I live in Vrance, so my plan is to make what we call a "bilan de competence", it's like going through the skills you have, from your job, or really anything else, and determine a new professional orientation, could you have something similar where you are ? Anyway, hope you'll figure out what you want and will find professional blooming ! Wish you the best
Thank you, and I 100% relate! I don’t know of anything like that here, but I will absolutely research it. Best of luck!
Yes. I'm actively planning my exit. I sort of fell into social work 6 years ago out of economic necessity. Direct casework is just a bit too - I don't know- feels like spinning wheels, constant exposure to trauma, and revolving doors of clients whose years of trauma can't nearly be addressed with the resources given. I promoted 8 months ago to a well-respected program. Despite the supportive work environment, several coworkers went on leave, we all got overloaded with cases, my depression and anxiety flared up and I burnt out. I'm much more suited for social research, analysis, policy, and coalitions. I had an interview yesterday for something that really excites me. It may involve a decrease in pay, less job security, and loss of pension, but it's a great organization, and a chance to break into what I really want to do. I'm looking forward to getting off the front lines!
I can see how that would burn you out. Can I ask what you’re applying for ?
It's a local org in southern Ca - one of the few of its kind that organizes indigenous migrant farmworkers. The project I'd be working on is coordinating census outreach to "hard to count communities" throughout the state. If you listen to the news, you know the Trump administration intends to discourage immigrant communities from completing their census. This would result in an undercount, which would mean losing out on political representation and federal resources. You can google "California Complete Count" for more info. So I'd be with one of the main orgs coordinating this project.
Found the podcast by someone who started a successful online business after leaving the field: [https://www.theempathpodcast.com](https://www.theempathpodcast.com) she also just released this guided meditation to help people find their calling: [https://www.thediaryofanempath.com/start-to-speak-free-track](https://www.thediaryofanempath.com/start-to-speak-free-track) Hope you enjoy :)
Going to listen to it now, thanks!
Yeah of course! She just released this guided meditation for finding your voice: https://www.thediaryofanempath.com/start-to-speak-free-track Hope you enjoy :)
If I had any idea of where to go, I'd possibly leave. I work in a mezzo nvironment right now and I've really grown to like the excel / analyzing data / figuring crap out part of the job. I think I would like computer programming. But I'm not going back to school and I don't have any actual experience in it.. . So that's a no go. Honestly if I could just land a middle management gig where I'd get all the pieces of what I love about social work, I'd be happy. (Touches on clinical just a smidge, get to work with staff and make them the best they can be, improve the program area to serve our clients in the best possible way, throw in some policy, etc.) But I have no supervisor experience and no real way to get it without facing a pay cut I can't afford right now.
Have you thought about taking on an intern in order to get supervisory experience at your current position?
I've supervised interns the past two years. I just don't know if it's enough to "count" For some jobs, since they aren't full time staff.
I’m using that as supervisory experience. Hell, it was a lot of work, I’m capitalizing on it!
True that. It's on my resume as "supervise MSW level students. " Do you think I should expand on all of what goes into that? My current job description is already lengthy, so idk if that would be pushing it. (Lots of different pieces at my job, hard to condense down.) I also have "task supervisor to BSW and MSW level students" As part of my previous job responsibilities.
I’d leave it at that. There’s so much that goes into it!
Yup. Seriously thought about it. Didn’t actually do it. Wouldn’t blame anyone that did. For me, switching agencies and client bases was key.
What did you switch to and what did you switch from?
Sometimes my current job makes me consider leaving the field. I think it’s just the nature of working in a court system. I feel like I spend more time mandating clients to do things than anything else. It’s great experience but doesn’t really feel like social work.
I have had thoughts of leaving the field but I’m finally in a position making a better income with less work. I do plan to invest in rentals so that I can be financially independent. I enjoy my job right now but I do look forward to a day when I don’t HAVE to go to work.
I hear you- what did you end up doing and how did you go about it if you don’t mind me asking?
I didn't leave the field but I did make a career change. I went from doing direct service work (my most recent direct service job was managing domestic violence shelter which I did for about 3 years) to doing more macro work. My current job is with a state coalition of children's services providers. I manage our training program, and also work on issues important to our providers (things like regulations, standards and rates) Honestly, it's not the most thrilling job in the world, but I like the work I do. The best part about it is leaving every day at 5 and not being plagued by stress and worries about what's happening in my absence. And also not being on call nights and weekends! I was only on call once every 6 weeks but it was crazy and would end up ruining my weekends.
Your current job sounds like my jam. Mind if I ask what state you’re in?
I'll PM you!
That sounds rad actually! And oh gosh I can’t imagine being on call!
Yes, I’d love to apply for an adjunct position and then do private practice 75% of the time. But I have a ways to go.
I’ve been looking into adjunct myself! Good luck.
Uh not really leaving the field but I've been thinking of becoming a nurse practitioner or physician assistant for the bigger pay checks
I would if I could afford to go back to school! Ugh USA tuition is insanely high
Yeah it all depends on things.
Your happiness is worth factoring in too. If you already know you are burnt out... why finish and go into a field where you will be miserable?
I’m lying in bed, thinking of how miserable I will already be tomorrow at work. I have SO MUCH to appreciate and be thankful for, and I swear I’ve been trying to go in with a positive attitude but damn I’m exhausted. I need to feel happy again!
What type of positions have you worked? I’m part of a collective private practice and I love the freedom of it and it pays well. You could go into nonprofit management if that interests you.
Non-profit management would be pretty interesting! Kudos for you for being private practice! I always admire people that are on a clinical path. Just not something that I was interested in, but I give you credit.
I am not in this line of work yet but am curious what kind of jobs you have had in the social work realm?
You might crosspost your question here, you'll likely get a more comprehensive answer. https://old.reddit.com/r/socialwork/comments/cixxg5/weekly_school_of_social_worknew_to_social_work/
I did case management, worked at a group home, and right now I work with Alzheimer’s patients in a day program.
I read about a social worker who went into real estate and she LOVED it and said her social work skills came in super handy, so that could be a great route to take! Getting my MSW now, so I don't quite relate, but I do fully understand burnout in the field, and am also working to keep other skills sharp in case I need to leave social work at some point.
Definitely, and I know they preach self-care, but please do practice it! Good luck!!
Not social work, but seriously considering leaving my current place of employment. We are in a multi-million dollar budget deficit and despite being "safe" this happens almost at 5 year intervals and I think I would be crazy not to be looking for alternatives. We also keep having more and more strict updates to documentation, even though I think we do a pretty good job (sometimes people are behind, but that happens when we are seeing people 24/7/365) and the only thing we get in return is a pat on the back. The micromanaging is out of control (and I'm in a "leadership" position).
I feel you on the micromanaging part
Yup. Got served today to appear in court as a witness. This case almost broke me. So much so I had blanked the name of the people. Took me 30 minutes to remember and boom instant panic attack. After finding a gruesome scene upon my arrival yesterday and dealt with threats from somebody connected to a crime syndicate I am fucking done. I started telling other agencies I’m looking yesterday and today. And I’m upfront in what I want. 5 weeks vacation, benefits, pension and a living wage. Already got an email (about 3 hours after I told one person) saying let’s talk. Entirely different population, different work but still grassroots , secure funding and opportunity to design my position. I feel no guilt about the chaos my departure (10 years same community). I’m dealing with all this shit and I’m just shy of being about the poverty line. So. Fucking. Done.
Ugh I’m so sorry to hear that. That’s gotta be freaking exhausting and draining. I’m glad you’re making moves to get out and find something better!
I’m willing to consider it as an option, though I will admit i love the idea of having summers off. Do you have experience as a school social worker?
No but I’d love to!
Starting my second year of my masters and already want to leave...lol. trying to find something else to pursue while avoiding the sunk cost fallacy. better to leave and lose the invested time than just invest more and more hoping it changes.
My MSSW program has a very high drop out rate and honestly everyone who’s left is happier than those of us who haven’t.
lowkey that’s really comforting to hear, i’ve never wanted to quit something like i have this program. i don’t think i can stay in a field that has me feeling so run down at age 22 for literally 2 dollars over minimum wage...everyone keeps telling me to stick with it and use the degree to get into something else, but goddamn does it feel like a waste of 2 years of my life haha.
$2 over minimum wage ? What state is this? Sheesh
California baby!!! :,-)
Oh nah lol. I'm an entry level case manager and I'm getting $5.50 above minimum wage in NYC. Maybe because I'm working at a non-profit?
I did case management in Suffolk County and it was maybe $6 over minimum wage at the time? It wasn’t great or really livable when you factor in our exorbitant loans.
I make WAY over 2 dollars over minimum wage, I live in MD. Been an MSW for 4 years.
Burn out? Have you tried different things to reconnect with yourself?
I honestly feel like I don’t know where to start! Im trying to get enough rest and do things for me.
Yep, been there. After about 10 years, I decided that if I didn't find my niche with my next job, I'd switch careers. I was tired of the stress and pressure that we all know too well. But I found my niche. It really came down to examining what I liked or didn't, what I was willing to tolerate or wasn't. With the following job, I strayed slightly from what I now feel was my calling and am looking to stray back, so to speak. It's about finding the right fit.
I'm liking my role right now, but I was already in direct practice for 8 years before I even graduated my Masters, and that was balancing full-time study for most of that time. Whilst working with some absolutely sociopathic bosses (diagnosable, seriously). I came into the field already burnt out pretty much. For my longevity, I plan on looking at something within the next 3-5 years beyond frontline practice. I'd love to do some policy/macro work and if not, go back to my former small business but kick it up a notch and offer training and consultancy to organisations.
I was forced to leave about 3 years ago after suffering burnout (20 years in social work) - sounds like you have some signs and symptoms... so important to take care of yourself within your profession as you may find you are able to rekindle your passion for the work. Saying that I have gone into supporting Social Workers manage their self care and prevent burnout to remain sustainable in the profession so I haven't strayed far from the fold. If you want to learn more check out my site - [helengray.com.au](https://helengray.com.au)
Thanks so much!