Hey everyone,
I just recently graduated with my MSW and got my LMSW and am feeling incredibly disheartened by the job prospects. The pay in my state is low and even with the LCSW, I don't see it raising much. I'm feeling torn about what to do because as much as I like helping people, I also like being able to have a life outside of work.
Everyone that I speak to tells me about the chronically overworked/underpaid social worker and I don't think my passion burns bright enough to deal with that amount of financial and emotional stress for the rest of my life. I selfishly enjoy taking long trips (2 weeks minimum), having my evenings and weekends free, and not working myself to the absolute bone. Further, I've been interviewing for a variety of positions and there's an underlying sense of martyrdom that you have to suffer tremendously in order to “earn” the better-paying positions.
Is there anyone who has pivoted out of social work? Do you regret it? What can you do with a LMSW that pays higher and allows work flexibility?