I have always been interested in social work, even though I have had great reservations about the career (because it is difficult to make a good salary, doesn't get much respect and case loads are too high, etc.). However, my mother really encouraged me to do it and I'm now halfway through an MSW (Master's) program.
However, the more I think about it, the more I'm realizing that I will *not* be happy with the salary I will be making. I know that you don't go into this profession "for the money," but while I don't want to be rich I want to be adequately compensated for my education and skills and I don't believe I will be.
What do I do now?? If I drop out, I will save loads of money (loans) but won't have anything to show for it. If I stay, I will have a Master's degree, but what can I do with an MSW if I don't want to be a social worker? I'm lost and don't know what to do. I have also considered doing occupational therapy, but that would require another Master's...Help!
2007-04-02 05:08:53 · 10 answers · asked by quirkyfunnyone 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Have you had these conversations with the faculty at your MSW program. It sounds like you have a VERY limited view of social work. Salaries are highly variable. But certainly an MSW in a hospital will generally make a similar salary to an OT. An MSW can go into policy, administration, clinical practice, program development and more. Salaries can range from mid-range (starting in the 40's and moving up into the 60-80 range. You might want to have conversations with your advisor and field faculty. As for not completing the MSW...You might look at transfering to another program if the program you are in does not meet your needs. You might also look at a joint MSW with another degree. DA
2007-04-02 16:38:01 · answer #1 · answered by Dr_Adventure 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately you're right. The human services profession is very underpaid. There are areas where you can make a decent salary with good benefits, but you certainly won't make great money. You can make pretty decent money if you can start and maintain a private practice, but that's very hard.
On the other hand, having a Masters Degree is an excellent job hunting tool, even if you go into a total irrelevant field. It shows that you were able to get an advanced degree and many corporations love that.
If you quit now, all the time and hard work you've spent so far will go down the drain. I think you should continue. Then get a job in the field when you first graduate. If you can't stand the work, then try something else, saying honestly on your interviews that you decided you wanted to try another field.
Best of luck either way!
2007-04-02 05:17:17 · answer #2 · answered by Glennroid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Finish your MSW - it's difficult to explain on your resume or an interview why you didn't complete your graduate degree (this is coming from a girl who dropped out of law school after one year). Just having a Masters will be a positive on your resume, even if you choose to go into a different field of business. Can you do private counseling with an MSW?
2007-04-02 05:16:11 · answer #3 · answered by Rachel S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, so you are not happy with the low pay and little respect you are going to get as a social worker? What makes you think that you will be getting decent pay and respect as an OT? I am an RN and I see very little in respect and pay in my job and I work with OTs and MSWs that get very little as well. If you want respect and pay, try a business degree. If you want to make a difference in someones life regardless of pay or respect than stay with your current plan or change to OT. Beware that you will not get more respect or decent pay whenever you are in a career dealing with medicine or the medical community. It is passion driven versus pay driven. Take some time off of school to really figure out what to do. I suggest talking to some people in both fields and career shadowing them to truly know whether or not you want to be an OT or MSW. Good luck
2007-04-02 05:20:12 · answer #4 · answered by angelwings 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many MSW's do private counselling and earn a decent income. You are not "stuck" working for a social service agency. Also, once you have a masters degree, it is easy to get another because you have many of the classes out of the way. I would finish the MSW and look at career options.
2007-04-02 05:12:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are the ideal victim of what our society says is the way to achieving the "American Dream" - go to school, get good grades so you can get a nice job! Unfortunately, this is more like the American Nightmare. The longer you go to school, the more programmed you will be to fail! Just look at the statistics! The more school you have, the more loans you owe the government. If you want to become a more loyal employee, sure, go back to school. If you are afraid of what others will think of you, sure, go back to school. If you want to become successful, avoid "formal" education and learn from someone who has the results you want in life!
Sure, you can get a Master's degree and become a slave to the Master - the system - that will teach you how to work hard all of your life and have nothing to show for it other than a degree. Or, you can stop worrying about what others think of you and do what makes you happy. Does success revolve around money? Of course not, if that is not what you desire, but if you want to be happy by doing what you love, who cares what everyone else thinks. Does your mother pay your bills?
Save your money, invest in yourself (not the government's loan programs) and find someone who can mentor you in what it is you want to do. Surrender your ego, stop worrying about what others think of you and follow your dreams.
To your success!
2007-04-09 16:31:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Check your options in the Business field with Health Care Management. Yes, unfortunately social workers do not earn as much as they should. However, maybe you should try private practice counseling.
2007-04-02 05:30:12 · answer #7 · answered by Lizzy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would finish what you have started because once done you will have accomplished something and you could use it for other things as well. Then if you change directions then possibly you will have taken some of the courses that you will need.
2007-04-09 03:14:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are correct..
You will be wasting your time & education..
Can you convert to some kind of Health Care management / administrative degree...
2007-04-02 05:13:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh no QUIT!!
2007-04-08 14:22:22 · answer #10 · answered by yellowdogman1 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋