It has been almost two years since I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work, and I am beginning to doubt whether or not I want to remain in the field. What are my reasons you ask? The pure and simple answer is money.

Now, I did not get into social work to accumulate massive amounts of wealth. Anyone in the profession knows that is not the reality of the situation. We join the social work profession to support others; to help clients find their self determination and empowerment. I became a social worker for these reasons and more. Simply put as cliché as it might be….I wanted to help others. I wanted to make a difference in the world, even if it was one person at a time. I still do. Social justice, supporting others, is in the very fiber of my being. That fiber of my being is challenged by the mountain of bills pilling up, and the struggle of trying to make ends meet.

I have worked seven days a week, barely seeing my family. I have worked 2 to 3 jobs to the point of burn out trying to stay above the ocean of bills eating me alive. Frankly, I am tired. I am tired of not seeing my family. I am tired of compromising my well being. I am tired of living check to check. Are these thoughts and feelings selfish? I would say not. We talk to clients about recognizing their limits and engaging in healthy coping mechanisms to keep a positive well being. It is ironic we say these things, but burn out is so high in our profession.

As role models, I say we are failing to illustrate healthy living to our clients by living the opposite. I have decided to take a stand and say I will not compromise my well being. I am taking a stand to remember that I am human too, with wants and needs just like our clients. I am taking a stand to say as social workers we deserve more compensation for the profession we breathe. I am taking a stand not to live in irony. What’s your stand?

Written by Audrey Haven, LMSW

Staff Writer

Help us ensure that future generations of social workers do not have to make this choice. Please sign the Social Work Reinvestment Act Petition below.

The Social Work Reinvestment Act would support Social Work in the following ways:

*Competitive and fair wages

*Tuition assistance/loan forgiveness

* Recruitment and retention

* Continuing education and research

* National licensing/ title protection

Next Goal : 40,000

Social Work Reinvestment Act Read the petition First Name Last Name Email City State / Province Comments Please sign the Social Work Reinvestment Act Petition and make sure to share this with your friends! The Social Work Reinvestment Act would support Social Work in the following ways: *Competitive and fair wages *Tuition assistance/loan forgiveness * Recruitment and retention * Continuing education and research * National licensing/ title protection We ask your help in spreading the word about the need for this important legislation. Our goal is simple—to make social work a competitive and financially secure occupation. Please join us in this effort to bring your voices to Congress and convince them the Social Work Reinvestment Act is a sound investment in our nation’s future. Please sign the petition below and let your voice be heard in Congress. One voice can change the world. One signature can begin a movement. [signature] Sign me up for the SJS Weekly Newsletter Sign Now 23,485 signatures Share this with your friends:

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