Grad School MSW?

[beanca3017]

I will be graduating from UCONN this December. I really enjoy working with people, helping others and making positive change in peoples lives. I believe social work would be a good career path however, I have been discouraged by many friends and relatives. They advise me not to go into the field because I will be burnt out. Is there any positivity for MSW grads? If so what are some good schools to apply to  in New York? 

[Sassafrass333]

I will be graduating from UCONN this December. I really enjoy working with people, helping others and making positive change in peoples lives. I believe social work would be a good career path however, I have been discouraged by many friends and relatives. They advise me not to go into the field because I will be burnt out. Is there any positivity for MSW grads? If so what are some good schools to apply to  in New York? 

 

I agree that this field can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining - so that's why it’s important to have a balance between work and your personal life. It might be a good idea to work for a few years in the field to see what population you're a good match with and determine if you really want to pursue a MSW.

 

Were your friends and relatives social workers? And were there other reasons besides being burnt out? Also, SW don't get paid a lot either...

[beanca3017]

Well my mom is a social worker and she now suffers from depression, but social in CT are paid fairly well. I do agree that I should perhaps work in the field as opposed to jumping directly into grad school upon graduation. 

[jenny2589]

Social work can burn you out if you are not careful. Please do not be discouraged if it is what you want to do.  Social work is not for everyone. Most are called to the field. Examine your reasons. Scratch salary off the list. Then ask yourself if you want to do it.

 

I have been in this field since 1995. By 1998, I burnt out and took a different career path.  By 2008, I realized that nothing made me happier then social services. I took a job, low paid, just to get back in. Now I am looking into another degree -- MSW.