Self-care for social workers (and other licensed professionals) is crucial! That’s why I started my channel to talk to social workers and other licensed professionals.
Thanks for your brilliantly supportive and in-depth overviews of the profession which has the element of a vocation of service at its core which you articulate so well. I’m a British Social Worker working in London and I found myself talking to some Social Work students about the importance of being fit and well. Indeed being physically fit is a real buffer against emotional trauma and sometimes I get it right and sometimes not! Part of this is walking and reflecting on your own practice. It sounds almost naive but walking is a supportive Social Work practice. Thanks so much for your videos
Thanks for the video, it seems like the experience of social workers in the US is similar to some in Europe. Always a fight between funding from the government because they have lack of understand of the socio economic factors for why people need help.
determine if there's other areas at the agency (your job) that might interest you. Learn about the area(s), requirements and keep an eye out if there's an opening. I learned from a former co-worker that in order to reduce the likelihood of burnout, it's important to move around. If there isn't an area of interest within the agency, plan your exit strategy and look into other areas of social work (it's not only child protective services) #beaheadofthecurve
Hello, Gabby. Last summer, I officially bowed out of social work for the most part after 24 years of working as a therapist in mental health and substance treatment in outpatient facilities as well as residential/in-patient treatment facilities. Frankly, the politics and the heightened drive for profits on the part of the agencies just wore me out. I enjoyed working with my clients. I am a helper. However, the paperwork and staff meetings doubled and even trippled as the pay remained the same. The stress of large case loads went up as the pay remained the same. I just lost the will to do it anymore. However, all is not lost. I still enjoy facilitating education groups on substance abuse and mental health, but on my own terms without the bureaucratic nonsense. Very good video. Enjoy your day.
Thank you so much for your honesty, and I understand you completely. I have past experience in case management and behavioral health work. It can be a lot to deal with...What you are doing sounds awesome. Kudos to you for making the best decision for you.
Exactly. Glad you found another avenue to go down where I still have yet to do that since 2017 and afraid of going back in due to the level of burnout I had
Tips I would give after 20 years and then severe burn out would be: 1. Ask if you can sit in a meeting before fully accepting the job. If you hear client bashing and if that seems to be acceptable, then you know they are not client centered and have lost sight of their point and purpose as an agency to help others. 2. Do not be a part of the problem, speak up! You see a bad social worker and you say nothing, then you become a part of the problem and this will eat at you. The directors will admire you and see you as a leader/advocate for both the agency and the clients. But you have to be careful of how co-workers may react. This is the same exact dynamic in policing. 3. Ask for raises! Write up all the reasons you feel you deserve a raise and present a letter to whomever would be able to make that happen. I was doing it every year for a while and they never turned me down especially with my list of responsibilities they kept adding for me. Always advocate for yourself as much as you do your clients! 4. Refuse certain dangerous situations. You don't have to always be tough. Put your foot down and insist on a police escort or simply do not proceed. You can be traumatized in social work if you say yes to every situation. 5. Pay close attention to what your body is telling you. Sometimes your body feels the burn out before anything else. 6. Make sure you have good boundaries with both your co-workers and your clients. Try not to share too much and remember that you're going to work not to make friends but to help others. It's okay to make friends but don't get sucked into the clicks. Crossing boundaries can backfire. 7. Learn the tricks of how to build trust quickly with clients and also how to engage so clients want to work more as a team opposed to you doing all the work. That could be a whole video in and of itself. 8. Try to find a way to stay on top of deadlines and paperwork. Assign yourself specific days to get caught up. 9. Be a team player and usually coworkers will try to return favors if you helped them out in the past. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours goes a long ways. 10. Build strong relationships in the community. Having good resources is one of the most important tools for social workers. It takes a village!
Wow #4 resonates with me so much. I wish someone told me this earlier. I would feel guilty saying no because I felt like I wasn’t doing my job/helping the client. This needs to be talked about more in social work.
@@vintsymedel2967 Girl, it took me years to learn this. My first job I literally ran from. It was a court order emergency guardianship in Detroit to remove a client from drug dealing home....by MYSELF. So many times my life was threatened. Just had interview this week for another social work job and I lost interest the more I could tell they weren't aligning with the job description. I'll stay as a photographer and volunteer for the homeless until I find a job that is appropriate. Not settling.
Learn the tricks? I think you have an all around good positive attitude but I think people forget to really get to know “the families their dealing with” have compassion be understanding and really stay in touch with your end goal! Most importantly “Treat people like people”That’s a very touchy situation. I think keeping families together should be at the for front of their mind set. I didn’t hear a lot of who you’re dealing with though…
I think an important factor in burnout is how we are socialized to take care of ourselves as social workers. Often times social workers are advocates of self care but do not do a good job with this themselves. Having a good self-care routine and staying connected to friends and family and not always pushing myself to do everything has helped me in my journey of getting my masters and now I'll be pursuing my PhD in social work to focus on research.
Yes! I love this. So true! I also think the flip side is that our environment isn't always set up for it. For example, I have many social work friends who are expected to work and be on call 10-12 hours a day, and their team doesn't respect their personal life.
@@MindyourSociety you are definitely right and I have experienced this myself working in direct practice. Overworking yourself is like the "norm" and if you try to build good boundaries around your free time it's kinda like your seen as not doing enough because everyone else's doing too much.
The Code needs to be updated to add self care. There is no virtue in working long hours and not taking care of yourself as it eventually leads to burnout. The Code MUST BE updated to add self care
I was a social worker for ten years. Its not natural to be dealing with problems 24/7 for a start. Some sort of balance is needed and thats what you cant really get being a social worker. I am much happier living a simpler life.
@@jessicat2304 I went to hospitality - kids club activities, and then school age care (after school care). Currently teaching as a homeschooler and hopefully have a work from home thing set up soon using creativity.
You make a great point that it's not natural to deal with problems 24/7. It's an overload and can lead to a nervous breakdown. In addition, being too focused on others' problems and concerns whilst neglecting your care and issues. With casework, there's always work and worry outside the office, on your days off, like writing reports, court summaries, child and family studies, documentation, etc. Work doesn't end at the office, and you're on call at all times if there's a crisis. With that, there's documentation whether it's from a text, call, or visit. It is more work and more to worry about. You have to manage all of this mentally and try to organize tasks and compartmentalize so that it doesn't stress you out. This explains why it's a salary position because casework is neverending and there's always something to do and worry about.
I’m so sorry. I hope you find your field💛 I was thinking it might do the same for me no matter how much I want to help others. I can tell it’s very stressful.
When I was spinning in the midst of a dark social work maelstrom, it was easy to forget what sunlight looks like... almost like Sméagol disappearing under the Misty Mountains. When I eventually plucked up the courage to leave SW after many years, I felt like Bilbo leaving the Ring at Bag End and then heading off to Rivendell.
Both school teachers and social workers suffer financial marginalization from the Government. If there are more social workers and teachers, in politics, at the decision-making levels like in the senate, then their remuneration would be tremendously improved and there would be lesser issues that require advocacies. Social workers should be in huge numbers at the legislative and executive arm of Government.
@@MindyourSociety Yes, that’s the only solution. Globally, there are more women than men in teaching and in social work. Unfortunately, there are more men than women in politics. Gender stereotype is a problem. Women should get more involved in politics especially at the helm of affairs. That way, fields where there are more women will benefit more. Industrial action like strikes and protests also helps. If they don’t join politics, they will keep agitating and advocating till eternity.
Naive There are reasons that SWs are kept in the dark about how to change law.... Do law if you want to change or influence law. Read law books on regulatory law to save yourself from kangaroo court s they have for social work whistleblowers in the UK Managers don't want to support you If you're failing and burnt out, it gives managers something to talk about and do
I've had some crappy social workers I've dealt with homelessness for years but I had one social worker that put me on a good path she got me all of the resources I needed she got me a apartment and got me a lot of funding to move in and I made sure to thank her she moved alot of pieces for me and I saw how powerful knowledge and a few phone calls can make I was blown away by how fast she got me in a apartment when the other social workers were dragging their feet. I know have a passion to help people get on their feet there's no better feeling to me then seeing someone get their life back.
@thefaithfulbrother Good job paying it forward, Sir. You and your successful story keep some of us going when we see many people we don't succeed at helping as much.
I definitely relate to the third reason. When I was getting my BSW, my program only informed us about licensure and I thought that was what I wanted to do (although my heart was always in macro). When I was doing my clinical field placement for my MSW, I quickly recognized that direct practice was not for me and it caused me to panic since I felt I invested so much in something I did not want to do. I am volunteering now with an agency doing advocacy work, and searching for jobs that pertain to case management, since I enjoyed that type of work with clients during my generalist field placement in undergrad. The strength of Social Work is that it is a malleable career: If you feel you are in a rut with a population or setting, you can change. All issues are related, and you can bring your knowledge from one area to another. I am grateful to have supportive parents, friends, and I exercise regularly. Running is what got me through 2020, haha!
Yes direct practice is not for everyone. I wish we were given more info about alternative career paths for social workers. Which is why i am so passionate about making my videos, focusing on macro! And I hear you about exercise. Regular walks and yoga for sure got me through this "pandemonium" 😅
@Natasha social work is definitely a malleable career which I love. I wish BSW and MSW programs had option more options for people to have other focus areas. I think sometimes the program structure can make you feel like you should go down a certain path even if it's not truly what you want. I'm glad your finding your authentic way in this profession :)
I got burned out after 20 years because of every job having unethical social workers and having to report them. The clients didn't burn me out, it was protecting my clients from toxic coworkers. Lots of very dysfunctional individuals in the field abusing their power and so many in management who truly are not client centered. I was over it. I would be interested in being an auditor or in policy to stop some of these programs that waste tax payers money.
THIS!!! YES YES YES YES!!!! I posted a comment very similar except yours was more concise lol this is exactly why I find Social Work to be so toxic, not the clients but the administration!
@@Char_LotteRose It's horrible. I could never turn my cheek to it. Every single job this was an issue. I even had social workers buying drugs on the job while training new social workers AND buying drugs from clients. I had coworkers sleeping with and blackmailing clients. I can't make this stuff up. I really don't know how I survived 20 years.
@@thecrowsnest6963 I have wrestled with the idea of going back to school and or in the field again. I had an interview two months ago and I realized I needed that interview to put the final nail in the coffin to end that chapter. When they asked me, Name a time when you had a difficult client and how did you handle it", I literally had some PTSD from thinking back and trying to remember the best example. So many close calls and threats to my life. Trapped in cars with clients with knives, trapped in hotel while 8 months pregnant with a client who had a machete, having to take down clients myself, etc. It's too much stress for me at this point. I was a bad ass without a gun then with a ton of street smarts lol now I'm older and wiser needing peace. I could have gone clinical but honestly I could never sit in a room 45 minutes after 45 minutes listening to lies so they can continue to get their medicine. I should have went on to get a masters in policy. Good luck to you. I just wish that someone was real with me before I made my decision. Even my professors never taught self-care mental health days and how to handle unethical social workers.
I'd suggest social work is like being a lawyer but you also have to keep a big smile on your face! I left social work after 27 years; older people, mental health, substance misuse, young offenders and child protection. A lot of frustrations and joys (heavy emphasis on the former). I now give private music lessons and it's now virtually all joys. Social work has provided me with extremely effective social skills which of course is of immense benefit in a teaching capacity. I now *NEVER* finish my week feeling utterly exhausted.
I have heard quite a few times that social work is the easy way out. I never understood the reason in needing to have a masters degree for something that was considered the "easy" way out, other than money for big organizations, in terms of education. I then realized that it was a predominantly woman driven field, then it all made sense. You make a woman work extra hard in earning her MSW or related degree, feed her scraps, and have her in the mindset of chasing a check, only to get her to lose her license. In my opinion, society doesn't see the value that they perceive to be "natural" gifts for women. I was told I should want to be a psychologist, because that's more masculine, and I would be a doctor, not a mid level. I turned away from it for that reason, several years ago. I went into another field that wasn't my passion. I don't believe in turning women into modern day slaves, in order to feed my fragile ego.
Also one of the key factors that have contributed to the SW expecting low-pay is that the field was started by very privileged WW who came from secure economic family backgrounds. At the time (early 1900s) they could afford to take low-paying jobs because it was considered noble to sacrifice for the good of others. But in today's economy, the low pay is a great way of both keeping people from LSE backgrounds out of educational and work opportunities while people from wealthy families maintain a status quo.
Reasons: 1.People enter thinking they are going to save the world and people will appreciate your efforts, that’s not the case. 2.The starting pay is low and unmanageable caseloads are crazy. 3.Too many needs and lack of resources. I am in a rural area. We don’t have public transportation in many areas or resources the cities have. 4.you find out that many people don’t trust you…they see you as part of the system. 5. I don’t think low pay is because of women being in the field. It lack of funding. Law Enforcement is mostly men…and I have met Cops that made less than I was making. 6. Thinking of Cops…that brings me to #6. Lack of safety and support. When you are going into homes with a known history of DV/SA and physical abuse, removing children…and living in the same town. I can tell you SW should NEVER replace police. That’s just ridiculous. 7. Society and many SW’s in the field forget we are suppose to EMPOWER and not ENABLE. Too many of the you SW’s I know are enabling and encouraging dependency.
Burn out was always worrisome for me when I decided to pursue a social work undergrad degree. I’m currently looking into going back to school to get my MSW and your channel is such a wealth of knowledge. Im currently a school administrator looking to one day make a shift ♥️
I don't know if a social worker, therapist, or LPC should replace police officers, but I do think they should work alongside officers (especially with reports involving mental health)
yha joining is a good idea but not replace police office cause well that's not what being a social worker is about and police officers or the police department is just in a different category.
Absolutely they should not. What they should have is a social work team that works and responds with a city police department. Sometimes clients are unable to be calmed down no matter how skilled a social worker is. I'm a social worker so this is my informed opinion. There have been multiple times that I was grateful that there were police available. Granted, some police departments/cops have a tendency to use brute force and trigger clients in a way that merely escalates things, so more training and letting social workers talk to clients first in situations is the right approach.
This does exist with ACT and MCT all over the nation. I was on these teams. We were contacted after 911 calls or police requested us for substance abuse and or mental health crisis calls. We also helped to train the police for CIT training (certified intervention training).
My spouse graduated as a social worker over 4 years ago and haven't found a job because everywhere he goes, they require he has an additional letter on his title. He graduated with a Master Degree....so, Let me explain, first of all, if you are trying to become a social worker, think twice. You are going to have a looooong road ahead of you, many tests to take, loops to go through, moneys to pay, and lots of headaches. I'm not trying to discourage you but it is better that you are aware of what you are getting yourself into before you do. My spouse wishes he would have known. He spent years studying, traveling hours to go to college every day, paid thousands and thousands of dollars in college that he still owes, and as of today, he has not found a job yet. So, going back to the additional "letter". When you graduate and you get your diploma, do not think you can immediately find a job, NOPE. You are going to need to get licensed, meaning you need to take tests that YOU have to pay for, and NO, they don't care that you don't have a job to pay for these tests. The tests are HOURS long and if you are not a good test taker, then you are screwed. I will never understand why they have social workers, teachers, psychologists, etc. go to college to come out and not be able to find jobs because they need to take tests!!! WHAT IS COLLEGE FOR, THEN? A complete waste of time. You could have had the best grades, like my husband, who graduated SUMMA CUM LAUDE, but if you do not take these test after you have graduated, then you are not working, period. Then, why go to college? Why don't they just give tests to everyone and whoever passes the test, get the job? Because let me tell you, You could be the most competent, intelligent, skilled, etc and you could have went to the best college and graduated with honors, but if you don't take tests after you have your DIPLOMA in hand, non of that matters. I know some people might say, well if you can't pass the test, then you shouldn't be working but the point I am trying to make is, what is the purpose of a test when you went to college and you took tests constantly that demonstrated you were competent enough and you got a diploma because you demonstrated knowledge! THEN, WHAT IS THE POINT OF COLLEGE???
Wow. Thank you for this, I think you just saved me $30k and lost time, I was just preparing my application to a MSW program. I agree, why require all these tests after graduating? Why not allow people to try to pass the test without the degree or not require the test if you have the degree? College is a racket for most fields, that’s why.
Great video! School social worker here making 70K 3 years post my MSW and summers off! Good work life balance…. It also helps feeling like I’m part of a team (OT, SLP, and Psychs).
They're supposed to help people, but it's not always the case, especially when social workers lie on reports and the client has evidence and a good barrister. They'll pay for what they've done to those poor families.
After being in the field of health care Social Work for 10 years.....burn out is real. Especially in different states coming from NYC to Austin, TX. I am not planning to stay in this field within the next 2 years I am transitioning out. Great skills I have learned but for the amount of work we have to do and no ability to move up in the profession has been incredibly frustrating. The expectation for you to fix all the problems of the world and be the magic worker, it is not feasible. Truly there is only so much you can do to what is in your capacity to do and that is to do the best you can with what is given to you. No matter how much you give, the burn out still continues even with the amount of self care that you give your self. To me it's not worth it anymore.
You beautifully articulated word for word exactly how I feel. I'm constantly burned out and drained working in this field. It's set up to fail with the lack of support and resources. It's completely unrealistic with all the bureaucratic nonsense, endless documentation, and high case loads. I agree we did learn valuable skills but it isn't worth it.
I just love how intentional you were when deciding to go into the field of macro social work. Your point about the important of knowing ALL of the options within social work, is such a great one ☝🏾. That’s definitely a way to avoid potential burnout
I left because it shouldn't take a masters degree and massive student loan debt for me to earn a livable wage. No its not about the money but I'm not trying to be homeless and starving either. Pulled off 30k more a year EASY when I left and will never look back. The politics, money-hungriness (especially with nonprofits), red tape and toxic work environments were not worth it.
Becoming a social worker was the worst decision of my life. It is definitely not for everyone. And many social workers go into the field because they are codependent... thinking their self worth and identity are about helping others. But if others decide that they don't need your help.... (working with mandated clients like mine) your identity gets free to realize that your self worth is not defined by your ability to help others or in others needing you. And you become sort of this free agent. Anyway I am leaving the field of social work as soon as I can after making this realization after 8 years in the field.
Wow. I am sorry to hear it was the worst decision you made. And I agree! Many social workers are co-dependent and hope to find self worth in helping others. I was actually just thinking about this the other day. It can be very harmful to the self esteem to this. Also, have you considered non traditional areas of social work? You don't have to have a social work title to have a job helping others and that is focused on bettering communities. In my macro social work playlist, i talk about more non traditional jobs. I just wanted to offer that. Thanks for watching and i'm wishing you the best with whatever comes next.
Hey what did you end up doing if you dont mind me asking a year later😅 I'm on this video after only 3 years in the field but its because of my hospital job and not so much social work but social work too .. hope all is well !
@jerry Bustid Hi Jerry. Sure! I actually moved on to a for-profit mental health clinic and am working as a licensed clinical social worker in the role of clinical therapist.
The burn out occurs in any job bc as Americans we are expected to work work work until you drop with the knowledge that should u die or quit they will replace u immediately. Others countries get upward of two to three months off whereas we only allowed to get two weeks off and we battle with using them as sick days or vacation which basically never gives u a mental break from your 40 or more plus job a week.. on top of taking work home to complete. This is how humans get burnt out.
Great video! I’ve worked in community mental health for 7 years, and while the work is definitely rewarding, it is very stressful and agencies always try to lowball the therapists! My issue is, I no longer want to spend my time giving my all, blood, sweat and tears to an organization. If I’m going to give that much of myself, I want it to be my own practice. The only problem with an MSW program is that it does not prepare us for the business side of social work, for example, starting a business, obtaining an LLC, establishing/ developing policy, obtaining the correct paperwork, etc. Not to mention marketing yourself as a business. Honestly, it barely prepared us for the clinical or legal sides of social work either. My MSW program was very generalist in nature, although it proclaimed itself to be clinical. Most of my clinical training was on the job, through CEU trainings and through the “school of the hard knocks” over the past 7 years.
Hello my name is Lakeia Jimerson. Social is hard, it requires you to put yourself in a position to empathize with other people and to do so you have to become vulnerable. Self-care is important in order to help others you must help your self, that means your emotional needs and eating healthy and exercise. You also have to say no. Setting appropriate boundaries. It is a thank less job.
Great video Gabby! I’ve been frustrated and burned out by just my grad school experience. I’m still on this social work journey even if it takes me longer than usual to get my MSW. But I’ve also made peace that I can do what I want without that social work title because what is important to me is continuing to work for social change.
So you are able to stop taking classes and start back at a later time? I'm just starting MSW and we are not allowed to do that. You start with a set of cohorts and finish together.
I really wish I had watched your videos before attending graduate school. I greatly appreciate your candidness about this field and what the role entails. I think your videos are going to help a lot of people determine if they are a good fit for this career path.
I really wish society would recognize social work as a valuable career field and pay sw accordingly. I’m hoping as people start to realize the importance of mental health and inclusion it’ll change. There is no logical reason social workers, especially those with graduate degrees, should be paid pennies in the field. It deters people from becoming social workers and fuels the stigma that all social workers live in poverty and are not bright. Ive personally noticed a diff in people’s reaction when I tell them I’m a clinical social worker versus a therapist. They are more impressed with therapist. It annoys me so much. Social work isn’t an easy field, not everyone can do it. For ex. Clinical sw is challenging to study. Also while there are job opportunities that pay over 60k, they are few, are often given to other professionals (nurses for example), and/or require licenses. In order to become an LCSW, making 70/80k+ a year a sw must first obtain a lmsw and 3000 clinical supervision hours postgrad in some states! This requires time and money. And as you e mentioned burnout. It’s overwhelming and ridiculous tbh.
SW isn't that badly paid Managers who are not SW trained are better paid but better connected... It's not What you know, but Who you know and who you're sleeping with that count
It's cultural to a great degree. America's culture tends to shape its economics; namely the views we have of the poor, mentally ill, addicted and needy are part of our worship of rugged individualism and Protestant ethic. These views then are reflected in supply and demand and market value for social work services. It's compounded by the fact that social work education is basically a gamut of superficial and surfacey takes on various theories in sociology, anthropology, economics, and psychology. There's no official "social work" canon or skill set that sets us apart from other professions and we've been notoriously bad at defending our roles from takeover by nurses, psychologists, and bachelor's level workers. Social work praxis tends to be very superficial as well, and people also only change or improve when they want to. Institutional barriers, structural realities of capitalism, and clients' own psychological and material barriers tend to make change grueling and hard to effect with what tools social workers have at their disposal. We are seen as part of a system and barely fostering immediate, effective change for the people we work with, and this is another reason behind our low market value. Social work schools tend to be easier than associates' degree programs at community colleges, and tend to take in anyone with a 2.5 GPA and a sob story. They are not critical, they are not difficult work, they are very superficial and in many cases you can get by with a 4.0 without doing much of the reading. In the field, we tend to be dumped with a lot of busywork and we aren't valued for our clinical skills. We're paid to document and bill for dubious services, not for our clinical acumen. It's incredibly silly work and anyone with a even an associate's degree can do it. And the poor educational standard for social workers is an indirect result of the economics of social work which is tied to America's cultural views on underserved populations.
I've been working as a care coordinator in the mental health field for over 7 years. I just graduated with my MSW in May. I am currently preparing to take the ASWB master's exam. Unfortunately, I am feeling stressed out, burnout and overwhelmed. I have to motivated myself on a daily basis to stay in this field.
Same here. I constantly have to motivate myself to even go into work because it's extremely draining. There's such a high case load demand of endless people to help with no support .
I regret being a social worker. i am extremely stressed to the point where I don’t want to do anything after work. i have no work life balance.. we can only take pto if a co worker covers our shift no matter if it’s for bereavement or sick time.. i think that that’s ridiculous. we get hit with random projects that need to be done at urgent times and high case loads. at this point working at Target would feel better.
I feel you. Its just not the mental health problem but in my opinion the form of measurement. You can measure success in business and finance but not in the field of social work. You can work you butt off and still get paid exactly like someone who doesnt work as hard or as good as you. Thats really bothering me. I dont know what the next step could be to go foward. I even thought about accepting an offer from a friend to work for an insurance company. Not as a social worker. Just because i have more options to go from there
I definitely felt that way in regards to social work being an easy field. I wanted to be a midwife and I didn’t want to take more science classes so it was between social work and teaching. I chose social work. All in all, I enjoy helping people so social work grew on me. It’s super challenging but the clients keep me going
Im in the same situation now i want to be a nurse but i don't wanna take science so im trying to be a social worker or childcare but idk what to do now i really want someone to help me what course should i take im on my Level 2 health&social care course , so i want to know how many years does it takes??
@@avinomer2794 nurses work very hard . Stay in their feet 12 hours , no time to pee , or have lunch abs a lot of responsibility! Science course is not the most difficult part in nursing school!
Hi Gabby! I just have to say, I really appreciate you and all the work you do to keep us informed and inspired to be self aware as we enter this amazing and difficult field. Thank you! 🙏❤️ ( also you’re gorgeous and your content is such a breath of fresh air!) 🤗
Aww thank you for such a kind comment! I’m happy these videos are helpful. Sometimes I’m nervous to put them out because they aren’t always flowery and happy. But I think we have to know all sides!
In my opinion, our American society, has an issue when it comes to careers and expectations. All healthcare, social services, humanitarian careers are always being seen as symbol of “savior”, glamorized, social status or an easy way route. Therefore, it is a necessary condition that our educational system as well as RU-vidrs, such as yourself provide the real insights of the nuances of these careers. Furthermore, unfortunately whenever someone wants to pursue any career within the STEM field, the same system also perpetuates the psychological abuse in terms of grades and demands to be seen as “intellectual” and “good enough” to pursue those routes and lastly bureaucracy. Personally, I have decided to pursue a Master in Clinical Social work and Bioethics as an stepping stone to acquire the skills and work on the field to further pursue a PhD in Philosophy and Cognitive Neuroscience because to become a better ethicist, researcher, and professional you must learn how to work hands on with real social issues to be able to provide better outcomes.
I don't get it, I keep hearing people say it's low-paying, but yet when I see jobs in my area for MSW, the salary is around 70-90k a year...? why does everyone say it's a lower-paid career?
It's low paying for a few reasons. One, the loans required for the salary make it a bad investment. Two, areas with high demand for social workers often have high cost of living, which puts social workers squarely in working class or lower middle class brackets. It's almost impossible with loans to raise a family with good opportunities for the kids or to buy property and amass wealth that is crucial to being middle class. It's full of risk and burnout is part of the field, each job has an expiry date due to burnout, escalating demands and general down-flowing toxicity and bad politics. It is not unionized and as a lobby, NASW's track record is dismal. The populations you work with are undervalued and the market value for social work skills is generally low, social work lacks "professional" status or distinct body of work and skills, thus making social workers replaceable by nurses and other workers who can do therapy or case management. Ideally if you're going to graduate or professional school, it's to become middle class. You don't get enough money with these constraints to own property or invest. It's why most social workers are attractive women who can marry rich, or gay men who can marry rich. Men often don't enter the field because women with high paying jobs still seek men with pay higher than them, due to sexism.
Hey! Excellent interview! You explained everything to a T! Thank you for your insight. I used to be a social services case manager in the foster care division. It was very bittersweet! It was definitely more cons than pros. I was so emotionally immature at that time. I had to leave! It was way too much for me! Things could be really smooth one day the next day everything is falling apart. I didn’t understand how I could live life it that manner. Fast forward 4 years later , I reapplied, I have been offered a position however the anxiety and stress is all coming back and I haven’t even started yet. It’s really scary to know that this career choice I made wasn’t the right fit. 😢
Abusive work environments (agencies not clients); Abusive work environments (clients), notably agencies foremost. Toxic and abusive government agencies (severe in Canada). The fact that licensed professionals are grouped in with trade school ineptitude in the field (which are government lapdogs that do unimaginable harm to the public), in Canada we have 6 month Trade School programs for new immigrants that are then labeled as Social Workers. Furthermore; Canadian government workers for Social Welfare; Unemployment; Assured Income for seniors/handicapped; etc. are also toted as Social Workers. The result, citizens don’t trust or respect them and group them into the same category. But; in Canada at least, it’s burnout due to government interference and abuse of the public, which creates a no-win scenario for the majority of their clients. The field needs better vetting (as you said, too many yuppies who are looking for an easy degree and are not committed to anyone but themselves); clear and precise professional standards; and, legislation clarifying the use of the term and its practices, and ensuring it is only applicable to professionals! In Canada at least; so-called Social Workers do more to damage the public than help! 😡
I work with special needs adults and I am looking to complete a bachelors in social work. I’ve found the population that I love- I’ve found my niche. I am nervous to go into social work as I’ve know many social workers and they are over worked and stressed.
Right now I'm a social work student a big part I like about it is it's a way to be a clinician without having a psychology degree. And honestly I don't know what else I really want to study that's not related to Social Work. Acknowledge that some of my personal beliefs might not line up with what the field is expecting of me. But I do know I want to do good in this world and I like learning about psychology and I even like my classes. It's easy for people who are leaving the field or who will just say go into a different field then but what else would I even want to do?
I think people go into it because you're guaranteed to get work. I was a social worker for 21 years and even now, I get around 20 emails a week asking if I'm looking for roles.
Thank you for this. I’m a social worker in palliative care and am considering leaving the field. Beyond the reasons you shared, the lack of career development opportunities is a huge reason for this. I took this job out of school many years ago and it is a ‘terminal position’, I am in a medical system and there are no SW leaders. I watch my colleagues in other professions have all of these areas of development (team leader/director, research, fellowships, taking on residents) and there isn’t a straight forward equivalent. This makes it really difficult to stay in the field long term.
Thank you for sharing this! I’m 29, and recently re-enrolled in school to get my Bachelor’s in SW. Your honesty and willingness to share your knowledge are very much appreciated! I’m so happy to begin this journey!
That first one. People are always mind blown that I can answer in detail why I want to be an LCSW specifically. Do people really not think these things through? So much money goes to education. I cannot fathom just picking something because it might look easy. I loved this whole list, just surprised me that people will spend thousands of dollars and not really give a deeper thought as to why.
I definitely have decided to leave social work, it's a joke everything is about money when it comes to most employers. I lost the love of my life in March and now I have no desire to help anyone but myself.
I love watching your videos and hearing your perspective on things! You have truly helped me solidify my decision in becoming a social worker. I truly do look up to you for inspiration. There are so many people, even social workers themselves, who have such a negative outlook on this field. It’s really disheartening some times and I have been scared for my future in this career. I have experienced a lot of self doubt and let’s not forget the questions from others about why I would even study social work. I look up to you and many others to find peace in my decision. I appreciate all of the truth you share with the world. It’s social workers like you who can help change the assumptions and perspectives other people have about this field. Thanks for being so real.
Props for being strong to keep studying your passion no matter what the Q's/looks are! I've totally been through the same - keep on and it'll pay off! 👏💪🌠
I’m definitely a burned out social worker. I still have a passion for helping others, but the amount of paperwork, the tireless nights, the level of stress and lack of change has proven to be too much. I am definitely changing careers. I will still remain a non-formal helping professional because I am just organically that (linking to resources, etc.), but I am no longer interested in social work as a career.
Hi Gabby! I am fairly new to Social Work. I worked as a case manager at a Homeless shelter for my internship, and I have worked as a Social Service Tech for about 9 months. My take on Social Work so far is can be a very fulfilling profession if you enjoy connecting people with resources. However, as others have suggested God did not design us to carry the burden of other people's problems all the time. We have to Help them without getting too personally involved. More importantly, we have to be on top of our Daily Self-Care game ( I do Yoga daily), and have a Good support system to Survive. If you top that with Good Leadership and Good Benefits @ the place where you work you can Thrive in the field of Social Work! Unfortunately, I have found quite a few people working in this field who Honestly don't care about people, and some don't even like people. Some only do it for the money because the entry-level Social Work jobs are Always Hiring in my area. Personally, I don't think you can be an effective Social Worker if you don't care about people or generally don't like people. After all, Social Work is a People Profession.
So I'm saying that statement a lot throughout Reddit and tick tock. When you say that are you referring more to like bachelor or level jobs like caseworkers and working with cyf or do you mean all of Social Work including clinicians to?
Social workers in SC are working 2 jobs some jobs pay 15 hr where McDonald's pays 17. If you don't want children or a home or a car that works then go into this field
Hello Gabby! Thank you so much for this insight! I came across your channel because I’ve recently been thinking if social work is the right career path for me. I’m currently two years in for my BSW - going for my third next Fall, but I honestly have been considering other options. I still retain that passion for providing support to underprivileged people in communities, but I also need to contemplate the fact that my self care matters as well (mentally, emotionally, and financially). I am confused on what I should do 😓
Hello! I can’t tell you what to do but I can say that your experience will vary. Doing social work doesn’t mean you are doomed to a certain life or to not being able to take care of yourself. You just have to be cognizant of the pit falls and how to avoid them and choose your jobs wisely. I think you will be fine. You are not doomed.
I’m a social worker at a family homeless shelter. I become burnt out when we are extremely short staffed. For example right now I have 40 families on my caseload and feel like I cannot provide my best care when I am stretched so thin. I informed the program director, senior program director, HR, and agency compliance hotline and the size of my caseload is unethical. The responses Are the same- that everyone is short staffed, they’re trying to hire, but in the meantime me and my clients are suffering.
I want to get a degree in social work to later become a psychotherapist not because it’s easy but because I want to help others and my mental health used to be at the lowest I was always dealing with problems which I know how it feels like so I want to help people that struggling
Hey Gabby! I’m a senior in high school right now and am an aspiring social worker. Your videos have really helped me a lot in understanding the field and I hope to pursue macro social work. Thank you so much for your advice and truths of the field! These help me feel more confident in my decision and more understanding of the drawbacks to an albeit amazing field.
Hello! Wow thank you! That’s awesome that you can get this information so young. You will be such an awesome and informed social worker. Good luck in all that you do in the future!!
I'm so stuck. I'm a case manager in child welfare and I work for an agency that is suffering from low case managers. I use to have 102 case managers , and we are down to 50 case managers. It's at the point where I have 28 kids when I usually have 15. My family are suffering because I am not at full capacity mentally and energy wise. I love social work but I am not functioning at all at home. My children are suffering and so am i.
Fibs a new position in child welfare, a different agency, or another population. I’m in a state agency and I’m already burn out after only 6 months, NOT TO MENTION THE LOW SALARY. Thinking about getting into diversity & inclusion or getting into the federal government.
Right now I am doing my Masters in Social Work. I got to know a lot more things from the videos on your channel. I could grasp a bit of what to do and what not to do as an emerging social worker. Looking forward to your more videos. ❤
I'm a social work lecturer & I fully agree with you. Such videos need to be shown to high school learners so that they make informed decision to study social work. Well-done colleague & keep up the good work you are doing 👏
You end up finding out the real truth it's kinda off a trap job thinking that your going to do right Making a difference but it's not the case it's a very faulty job
7:00 I felt that, and it’s sad. She’s not making that up. I’ve been working like a mule, including putting my life on the line to save lives; and approaching 40 years old, I’m interested in a career that’s easier on the back, bettering society, sheltered from the harsh elements. I have an intelligent mind and a heart for people. I’m a combat veteran with the GI Bill. I’ve been working as a tandem skydiving instructor for 3 years and it’s a rocky career and relatively dangerous and wears on the body. What I love most about it is seeing the shock and joy in people of all ages and being up in a beautiful sky and not having to dress fancy and impress a white collar boss that looks down on his employees that make him rich. Thanks for the video.
Hi, slightly depressing to hear you have exactly the same issues in the US as we do in the UK, however great to hear someone speaking honestly and clearly about the challenges, it’s always good to hear that issues you face are not due to you as an individual but are systemic. I’m 25years and counting but there aren’t lots of people signing up to the career here.
Hi thank you for this video. After 35 years in social work in the UK I’ve just taken early retirement. As a hospital social worker during the pandemic I have to say it’s been a bit of a nightmare. Having said that I would never have changed my career. It’s been a privilege to be allowed to be a part of people’s lives and to try to walk alongside people on their own individual journey whilst negotiating the legal and social aspects of support.available. I’ve maintained my registration for a year so we will see !
@@wildlightarts I worked at the public assistance/employment office, department of labor and at Homeless shelters. Clients negativity or ghetto attitudes rub off on you. Although there were cases where I felt good. There was a lifer from prison that was released in parole which I helped get a room for rent the first place in 25 years. Also section 8 apartments for homeless veterans etc ..... I was getting high too much to get through the day to deal with negative clients and agencies. The pay was trash also.
@@Bababui69 I can see how people working in this field also need more access to resources and support, more time off, better pay and a flexible spending account for self care.
Another great video Gabby! You really nailed the top 5 reasons why social workers leave the field. I would add a bonus reason is the lack of intentional and consistent self-care! Thanks for your inspirational videos!
Honestly after 2 years I'm ready to stop being a social worker. I've done this the entire pandemic and it was awful. From the lack of support from administration which includes them wanting us to get wet signatures despite suspending us from field work on March 18th of 2020. Then the pressuring, increasing paperwork, lack of units to properly bill for the work we do with the patients, and more. I'm exhausted. Even now, there's just constant talk of what we're doing wrong despite the fact that we managed with the pandemic, half my case load died from COVID, and more. It's just honestly the large lack of support. I'm learning more to back off and step away and telling individuals when I can't do anything but even then I'm just so exhausted. I don't even get good enough PTO to really take a proper break nor is the pay good and the benefits suck (I don't even get healthcare through my job). Something about it is just making me want to crack. It's exhausting being told what you didn't do right during the work meeting only to then get yelled at/cursed out by a patient for stating "you're the worse case manager and do NOTHING for me". I'm just tired.
I completely relate. I'm two years into my counseling career and I want to leave as well for the reasons you mentioned. This system is broken and we aren't supported with unrealistic case loads. I don't have PTO either or benefits. We help others but all it's doing is draining the life force energy out of us. Its continually draining.
Have you ever been in Africa my lady................. People smile but literally will be hungry so imagine a social Worker coming for Africa it's like easy easy
I’m a social work degree but I’m thinking of changing to something like HR. I want to work with people and improve people’s daily lives but I do volunteering for a crisis text like and if I’m being honest, that can be emotionally draining for me. I think it’s also because of my anxiety and depression that is making me take a step back and realize maybe this isn’t something for me right now and that’s okay. Thank you for this video.
Quit since 2008 . The organizations are demanding too much for extremely low pay. this is one career that does not pay well but social workers do not do anything about it. These social work jobs are like we are back in school with so much paperwork.
I assume woman have an easier time admitting to impostor syndrome. Are men less likely to experience it? I don't know. My financial problem is that I don't care about money that much, but I have to. I care more about feeling that I've improved the quality of someone's like in some way.
So if we leave, where do we go? I’m 12 years in and it taken me this long to make a reasonable salary. I have significant secondary PTSD from this job. I’m exhausted. I’m deeply in debt and I’m doing the exact opposite of what I wanted to do when I graduated, cause I couldn’t find a job doing what I wanted. This field has left me with a profound sense of disenchantment with the world and a huge chip on my shoulder. I just don’t know what else I can do at this point
This, absolutely this! It's been a little over 4 years since I graduated with my MSW and I have not found a job in the area that I wanted. My school actually had the macro track which I took because I knew the clinical track wasn't for me. However, since graduating I've had a hard time trying to break into macro roles and as a result had to get my license and work clinical jobs. I love helping people but the amount of anxiety and stress I get from working is tough. Just, like you, I have no idea what to do!
Do you think there is a need for male social workers? I am 34 and very successful in business. Sold my security company for 8 figures, i did so because i ended up hating it. I have ADHD and really want to help people, especially teenagers. Tbh i just want to help people
Wow that was really helpful and very informative. I’m working on my bachelors right now and planning to have a masters as well on social work. This video is encouraging me to reevaluate my future plans. Thank you and thank you for everything that you do for your clients! ❤
Hi. I am a 32-year-old software engineer, and I got accepted into an MSW program. I liked making software, but the goal of most software companies in my experience being simply making money has worn me down. I want to help people and give back to society. I understand that one person can't really make sweeping changes. However, I could see myself getting very discouraged if I observe systemic problems that I have no control over. What kinds changes in people/society were you able to make? I just want a job that I can look back on at the end of each day and feel like I did something good... Thanks.
Hii , currently i am studying social service worker program of 2 years is it worth it to find entry level job after graduation?? Plz suggest me filed jobs
I feel like I’m losing my mind. Literally. There has been a crack in my psyche. If I was looking and analyzing myself from the outside in, I would tell myself to run to the nearest psych ward to get evaluated. I’m so good at hiding it , but inside I feel like my brain is slowly melting.
I’ve been working for 2 years and I’m on my way out the door. Currently applying for other jobs. I might be back after my LCSW. But for now I hate going to my job. My whole mood changes when i pull in the parking lot.
Social work is not difficult from an intellectual point of view, it just necessitates more altruism than the average person has. So no, it's not difficult, it just doesn't constitute an actual profession from an economic point of view because you're not really providing a service. That's because you're helping your "clients", they don't pay for it. It's something that society does if people feel like being genurous with those in need that don't/can't produce. They are NOT clients because they cannot pay, that should be understood. IT's not work,it's pro bono thing given by the government or NGOs. Social work should not be compared with marketing, engineering or other professions, even teaching and healthcare. It's basically paid voluntering, so I think the problem is that you want to see it as a job or a profession when in reality it is not. Nobody wants to pay for those in need, that's the reality, and most people who participate in social work and make good money actually have good administration jobs in big NGOs that receive a lot of money from big corporations...which basically is mostly money laundering. The reality is that the pay will not increase because social work is not needed by those who have money to spend. It's just crumbs that fall from their tables, IF they want to give it.
I cannot believe this video only has over 500 likes! You have some of the most decent and real/helpful social work content I have found. I feel this has helped me weigh up certain aspects of becoming a social worker that I wouldn’t have considered but are very important. Thank you!
😢you got me teary eyed, especially that last part. Thank you so much for the honesty and yet reassuring and inspiring words. Thank you as well, for all you do! ❤️ 🌎 🕊️
It's funny how all you social workers on here are complaining about burnout lol. Did you have any idea that ss is basically forced on parents with a disabled child? Your endless paperwork and meeting criteria has stressed me out as a mother more than you can possibly ever fathom. Apologize to my children for utterly exhausting their mother in the name of "social justice"! I don't want your services and your beurocracy and your stolen tax money from other people, but I can't say no because then you send people to investigate citing some kind of neglect for not soliciting the government and medical industry.
you could at least give credit to the minimul male population that are CLINICAL social workers...so you have added to my current decision to let my license go away
In this area, there are times you have to just focus on the minimal essential duties of the job and not overstretch yourself. The over outreaching and extra initiatives also is one of the reason of burnout in this area because they sometimes do not get any thank yous for the extra initiatives that they deserve and at times, you have to take a step back from that and just focus on your minimal duties and then come back out to doing the extra initiatives.
This is why I am personally moving on from the therapist aspect of social work after I finish my doctorate program to focus more on academia/research or state/federal policies. Therapist seem to get the raw end of the stick with 20$ an hour with a 90% billing expectation, no pay increase and a heavy case load. LISWs and LCSWs have it a lot better pay wise but it is still an issue of a high case load. I feel you can’t effectively treat individuals with high caseloads because it quickly turns into an assembly line for therapy.
They want social workers to become homeless like the clients we serve. There is never a strike to demand a better salary . It looks like social workers are supposed to work for free. I had to become an entrepreneur and leave the field. Too many licenses and etc. too many levels of social work. I have a bachelor of social and I stopped when I learned I had to keep going with schooling to get licensing to make a decent salary .
So glad I found your channel! Fellow social worker here (LMSW in Texas), your videos make me feel validated re: the difficulties and inspired at the same time! Our field is a difficult one but it's so worth it.
Man this is scaring me. I want to get away from a corporate career and am considering becoming a youth worker but this has made me doubtful. For anyone that's left social work, what did you end up doing afterwards
