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School, Work, a messy life.


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Well, I'm 30 years old and in school for social work. I really enjoy the work but I am beginning to be realistic about it and wonder why I went into this field of work when it doesn't appear to be financially worth it. I have 1 year left before I graduate with my masters.

 

I just received a letter from an electrical union. They make 100k in 5 years. The problem is I have just always been slipping and sliding through life. Never had my feet on the ground in a stable position for too long. That's the reason I went back to school.

 

What I am asking for is some guidance, suggestions, I live in NY. and It is expensive here. I have had a troubled past and almost dropped out of high school. I have a supportive family but they never give me any direction or suggestions.

 

Thank you for reading. Any and all feedback is appreciated!

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You don't have to have it all figured out at the beginning... or the middle, or the end. Building a career is an evolutionary process with many unexpected twists and turns along the way. Do what you love, and the money will come.

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Where is your passion?

 

 

If you go the money route & become an electrician, you could potentially feed your soul by doing volunteer charity work. You will never get rich in social work.

 

 

You could also be an electrician now & fall back on the social work when you retire or heaven forbid, get injured.

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Social work is typically not a financially rewarding profession. People seem to enter it ... and enjoy it ... for other reasons. It's possible to earn $100K in social work, but it would probably require a doctorate, teaching at a university or owning a practice of some sort related to social work.

 

Obviously, the quicker and more assured route to that level of income is to become an electrician.

 

However, I agree with d0nnivain, you should do what you're passionate about. You'll be much more likely to have a long, stable, and fulfilling career when you do something you love.

 

If that is social work, find a way to make the money you need. That may take more hustle and creativity than simply finding a social work job, but if you're passionate you can make it happen.

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The other option would be to do social work as your FT job but do "odd jobs" on the weekend as an electrician for extra money. A skilled trade is always in demand.

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  • 2 weeks later...
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Thanks for all the suggestions! I appreciate it. Well, I only have a year left for my masters in Social Work so I'll at least finish this degree and see where it takes me. Being a male in the field seems to give me the upper hand when it comes to promotions. I found out 95% of Social work is dominated by females but 95% of the management positions are male.

 

Thank you for reassuring me that I do not need to have it all figured out. Cause I am really not sure what I want and where it will take me. I think if i had a wife and kids i would feel more obligated to find a secure job that could support us but that is not the case. So for now.....I'll just keep trudging through school and see what comes of it after.

 

Thank you all! I really do appreciate it.

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