<p>If you are a social worker, would you do it all over again if you had the choice? I got into a top program with a scholarship but my parents are concerned that I won't be able to make ends meet when I'm done with school. I would really like to get a masters in education and social work and do mental health work with college students. I was shocked that I got into this program and am just waiting to hear from one more. My friends tell me to do what I want, it's my life. I just want to be fulfilled, but I am concerned about the lack of money. But I did go to an in-state undergrad while my brother went to the University of Chicago ;-)</p>
<p>Thanks for the help!</p>
<p>Kizzy, since your mom is a LCSW, you know the limitations of field low pay, bad hours. In Ed dept, there is a 2 track field to work in higher Ed. One can go the administrative route, eg admissions, or the Dean/counseling route.
Still, why not talk more with your mom and her colleagues?</p>
<p>At the university where I am employed, certain positions require a master’s degree. A former Director of Residential Living had her MSW.</p>
<p>This was about 8 years ago; don’t know if the economic woes since then have changed things. But often in the educational setting there is fluidity in administrative positions as long as a higher degree exists.</p>
<p>I have a curious overlap into the field of SW with my degree. I actually have a masters in clinical psychology, yet work with social services in evaluating kids for abuse and neglect. I will say that in hindsight, though a harder track it has been good. I can do testing and therapy in my practice, but also do the work I love in the field. I think easily you could get a job within social services with a bachelors in psych. Until you decide on a graduate track…MSW…LPC…LPA or even PhD. I guess what I am saying is that sometimes, your degree doesn’t as much define what you are and what you do day to day as you do. As a single parent, I am thankful that testing and such can pad out the income. School psychology is another SW like field you may consider as well.Hope it helps.</p>
<p>I have a BA in social work as well as an MSW. I’ve been a social worker for 23 years.
I think you are right to consider the level of income you may earn. Social Work can be very rewarding, but it is also very challenging on an emotional/mental level. I have joked that a social work student is indoctrinated by their program, but I don’t think I am too far off. I think the person who will succeed in social work is someone who is truly dedicated to the work. The great thing about being a social worker(with degree(s) and license) is the broad variety of settings one can work in.<br>
Have I wished I followed a different path for better income? Yes, especially as I research the cost of college for my Sophomore S. I earned my MSW at Boston University, and I recall a program for a dual degree in Social Work and Law. I would guess there are other dual degree programs out there. I agree with others who have responded that talking to social workers and researching your options is a wise idea.</p>