Major Stress
I was excited when I received my acceptance letter for college back in Feb. My goal was to pursue a degree in social work focusing on either mental health or substance abuse but recently I’ve been feeling discouraged from all the negative comments I’m consistently getting from family, friends, and everyone else once they hear what I’m doing. Their all stressing me out over spending so much money on an education where I’ll never be able to earn enough money to make a decent living. They tell me I’ll always be overworked and dissatisfied with the job because no one ever gets better. The say my career will be full of frustration and disappointment. Now, none of these people work or have any experience in this career so I know these aren’t qualified opinions but all the negativity is starting to take it’s toll on me. I haven’t even started school yet and I’m already thinking about changing majors or even postponing school altogether. My true passion is to help people not get rich. I didn’t think choosing a major would be so stressful and confusing but are they right? Should I get into a more financially rewarding career?
Good afternoon Natalie, I can tell you from personal experience. DO NOT allow anyone to distract you from your path in life. I learned not divulge anything to anyone until I have gone beyond the point of no return, like, Yeah, I start school Monday, and it's Sunday afternoon, people even family will try to shoot holes in your dreams, sometimes out of concern, but sometimes your striving forward reminds them how much they short changed themselves by allowing others to magnify the doubts we already are feeling within ourselves, doubt is natural when stepping off into the unknown, you, me we can deal with our own fears it's okay. But don't give ANYONE else not mom, dad, or significate others to turn you off from doing someting positive for your self. Sometimes you'll have to assert your self, or years from now you'll be beating yourself up for listening to the voices of "you can't." GOOD LUCK, When you graduate invite the nay says to you commencement ceremony.
Hello Natalie, I must say that your future is yours and yours alone. No one can make you happy but you and if this is your passion than go for it. Everyone has an opinion about something and sometimes it's just envy coming out in them because they were to scared to follow their dreams. I have a good friend who went to school for the same thing and was told by her family that it would never be the right decision. Yet I told her that being a teacher was helping young children was a great thing to do. Her family again told what a mistake she was making. Well today at the age of only 30 yrs old, she is the youngest vice principal in her County where she lives she started out as a first grade teacher and in her first year she made vice principal she wanted to be a therapist but then realized that you can help more children by being a teacher. She loves her job, her daughter is well-rounded and is a wonderful young lady. So don't let your family influence your decisions. Do what you know is going to make you happy and go for it. Don't ever wonder what if if you know you have the heart to help somebody then do it.
Hiya. Don't listen to negativity!! I can tell you that an entry level counseling gig will prolly pay in the low 30s but in some cases for a college grad that's ok. With a masters degree and license like an Lcsw it prolly adds another $20k to salary. But if this kind of work is your passion then it's worth it. You can also think about school counseling, and if you have the desire to go into psychiatry (medical school needed) you can make lots of money if u work in a large university medical center. You can also do research there and not see a single patient if u can find grant money.
I have a graduate degree in human services. I use my skill every day in a business setting...but I do miss being in the clinic. I am waiting for my school to get back to me on a better way to complete clinical work. See if your state has a temporary license for your next phase--and increase your earning potential.
My family situation is a bit different - but hopefully it will speak to you anyway. My son was not school material, however he had a brilliant mind - he just did not do well unless he loved what he was doing. I decided to home school him when he turned 15. I just knew I could help him discover his passion. I was horribly criticized, by my family, friends and even my Pastor. I ignored them all. Flash forward - 20 years, my son is now a Global Senior Director of a fortune 500 company at age 35. He is married with a wonderful family and highly respected. The reason why he is so successful (and I define success as content, happy and loved) is because he was able to follow his passion. All those folks that have an opinion, are not YOU. In the end, it is you, not them that will be living a life of dread or fulfillment. Do not take a path that will lead you to being unhappy. If you were my daughter I would be so proud that you discovered what you were meant to do. Be proud of yourself and refuse to let other people's opinions define you.
Awesome keep up the good work I am very proud of you my Darling
Hi Natalie, Generally speaking go with your passion. However, it is also very wise to kick the tires and make sure what you believe is your passion is actually true. A few things you can do to confirm your passion is : (1) go meet and speak to people that are actually doing the work that you believe you would enjoy. See if it confirms that this is what you want to do and find out how much they make so you can also understand your potential lifestyle (2) see if internships are available and actually get a summer job getting you very close to what you want to do.
Regarding what college you go to find out what college gives you the best value in that you may qualify for scholarships, a job on campus, etc. and also find out if the seniors were placed in the type of companies that you want to work. Also, consider a community college which is considerably less expensive and may give you the credits in the basic courses that can be transferred to the college that you want to graduate that is a lot more expensive. Its a way to minimize college costs if that is important to you. I suggest in a calm way kick all the tires and then make a decision. I would let your friends know that you appreciate their comments and you will take it into consideration, but in the end you have to make the decision and do well in school.
Good luck on your journey Prof. Noto
Most people who discourage others from pursuing their dreams are probably miserable with their own lives. The helping field is very rewarding but with some work and effort is required, So be careful who you take advice from maybe they don't understand delayed gratification or just lazy and hate to see someone earn success at their own standards. Do your thing for you that you can make a great contribution to helping the world be a better place.
Dear Ambitious Your fam is right and your heart drive is in the right place. First, starting of while going to school find a money maker that is fun and that is something that you are symple good at; stack. Second, if you have a vision or a dream put it on papper( count the cost, location .how much , employees outlines, exsedra, buisness plain). Soc. Work can be a died end.
Natalie if money and stressful days are not an issue then go on and major in social work. I just had a problem with having to get a co signer for my cars, for my apartment and a simple loan cause I don't earn $30k a yr. Sure help people but gosh, don't you need to eat and get gas money also?? I hold a BSW and regret everything and everyday that I hold it. CPS, APS, Food stamps, and Adoption case work is all the same. Moving on to be a paramedic was a good smart move. Do as you will but money is important also.