[bulrusmama]

Any and all social workers please respond. I am currently in my Jr. year of college to be a s.w. I've always wanted to work for the state, but I'm kind of having second thoughts. I keep reading how most people do not like their s.w. and do not trust them. How do you deal with this? Also, the pay really sucks for all the hard work you have to go through to get a degree. I'm still going to get my degree, but do any of you have any advice?
bulrusmama

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

Run away as fast as you can!!! No, just kidding.

It is the same way with teaching. You love the work, hate the stigma, not much support being thrown your way (or praise), and the pay stinks for the hours you put in and how it affects your home life.

BUT, that being said, certain people really put thought into what they do for a living and are called into positions like yours. It is a calling indeed and if you are committed to doing you job well then for the love of God....PLEASE finish up and get in there fast. We need you. It has to change from the inside. You have seen both sides and have been on this forum consistently (I think reading these posts for a year should be the senior year requirement!). You are just the person for the job!

Kim

[AngelArrow]

I am a 3 rd year sw major. I deal with negativity by not letting it bother me. if you want to work for the state you are like a car salesmen meaning bad reputation. However, I like it I can not complain you will to two field internships which are 400 level classes. The field range from CPS to substance abuse what you like they will try to find it for you. State I assume CPS first semester training second semester you get only 5 cases. The money is in school sw and medical sw, which are MSW not BSW. I am also a client and an sw major my attentions are not to change the world or to get rich I chose sw because, I like people. Do I think the system is all bad no does it have flaws "yes" I am family intervention and crises intervention also so known as on going. How do I deal with my emotions I have my own life and I to alot of sports what is boils down to is what you can handle. You have to take care of yourself. I hope this helps you a little and I hope you come join us to speak for does that can not speak for themselves. Allways shades of grey in life never just black and white. Good luck to you in making your choice.

[AngelArrow]

I love the last post just wanted to add it, but you are so right. LOL

[bulrusmama]

Thanks, guys! I will stick with it, I truly believe God is directing my path in this. We are on our third adoption and my husband is afraid I will want to keep going if I get into this field. Poor guy!
bulrusmama

[plum93]

I have been a social worker for almost a year now. It's something I had always wanted to do. All I can say is it has its ups and downs. My caseload varies so much with what's going on week to week it's always different. I have had the chance to meet so many wonderful people and kids through the job. However, on the flip side I have seen the worst of the worst. I haven't really had any experiences regarding people not trusting me on the job so I can't speak to that. It's been a great learning experience and certainly eye opening but it's becoming a struggle lately to not feel burnt out on a daily basis. I am working on my MSW and plan to eventually move into medical social work but this has given me some great experience. I definately reccomend trying it out because the social work field is so broad you will be able to apply your experience to any area in it.

[AbqLiz]

I am a social worker, MSW, who works for CPS and I am somewhat surprised to hear people say that social workers have a bad reputation. I would certainly say that, in general, state employees (all of them, not just social workers) have a bad reputation but no SW's specifically. That is not to say that I haven't met my share of bad SW's but you will find bad apples in every field.

What I love about being a SW is that the job opportunuties are so varied. You can work in schools, hospitals and even private practice with the right licensure level. I live in the southwestern US and the pay here for MSW's is pretty good and there is also plentiful and interesting contract work available for those who are motivated.

If you want to make a huge amout of money, it is probably not the field for you. If you want to make a decent living and you can treat disadvantaged or oppressed or suffering people with humanity and compassion, it's a great opportunity to help people and have an interesting career.

[momagain5]

have you considered working for a adoption agency as a social worker.we loved our sw.as a adoptive parent,i think you would be a great asset to a adoption agency.and what could be better than helping build forever families.

[hesabanana]

I am a Masters level social worker. Since I graduated in 1995, I've worked in a crisis center, community mental health clinic, housing agency, prison, and state psychiatric hospital. I have been a New York State employee for seven years; my salary nearly doubled when I joined the state, and I make a very nice salary with great benefits. State employees do get a bad rap, but I find that as the "old timers" retire, a new crop of really dedicated staff has replaced them. I get great supervisory support, and my colleagues and I are really at work for the right reasons. In fact, I just started an ACT team and was able to choose my staff....they are fabulous and we really enjoy our work and our work environment. I would encourage you to continue in social work, and to consider the MSW degree, which broadens your opportunities and is licensable.

[bulrusmama]

I am planning for my MSW. I want to work in all kinds of areas! I want to do adoption stuff, foster care stuff, just about anything, it all interests me. I am 41 years old and am in my Jr. year of college. Oh how I wish I had listened to my heart and NOT my guidance counsellor when I was 18 years old!
bulrusmama