Will I actually be able to succeed as a Social Worker?

Only you can answer your initial question of succeeding as a social worker. The other questions of happiness and money also have to be answered and prioritized by you. Social work has varying aspects with different pay scales, responsibilities, etc.

Which is more important to you? Why?

What is your plan for your college debt?

Are there other avenues to helping people?

Which region has the higher pay scale?

Volunteering anywhere in the world help gain experience and perspective. They will help shape and focus on what it is you really want to do in life. My trips overseas lead me to teach, research and most importantly, learn. Everything you do, think and say, is supposed to be a learning experience for you to use in the future.

There are many options as a social worker, you can get a masters and then become a licensed therapist eventually start your own practice or teach. You can also make decent money in hospital social work. Non profits do not pay much but government positions will pay more if you have a masters and you also get good health and retirement benefits, as well as flex schedules. I work for my local county at Child protection as a supervisor now and I make good money, I am also off on Fridays so I have a side gig as an independent contractor doing therapy and teaching.

As for going to Africa, money will come and go but such an experience will help you gain insight into yourself, others and the world we live in.

At the end if the day if social work is meant for you it'll come to you with ease, it'll make you happy and you will find that you will make money if you stay goal oriented and positive.

Look into a Masters in Social work and check your state's requirements on becoming a licensed clinician, that may help you with more direction. Good luck, enjoy Africa!

Hi Willow,

I have a masters in social work and working toward becoming a registered intern which will eventually lead to becoming a licensed clinical social worker. I've always been told that when you land in the right career you'll never feel like you're working a day in your life because it will be a part of you and something you love. As you pursue your undergraduate and even masters or graduate degree in social work, you will have several experiences and internships that will help you determine what you may want to do. I would advise you to join as a student member the National Association of Social Workers so that you can begin to network with others in the field to gain some insight into the career and salary expectations. Social workers aren't just therapists, but are also administrators, researchers, etc. We all want to live comfortable lives and you can definitely do that as a Social Worker, you just have to find the right niche for you. Sometimes, you will find that the closer you work with people the more menial the salary becomes, but that is not the case always. I think your volunteer experience in Africa, if you choose to explore that, will give you some great hands-on experience that can develop your future career and excite you to possible practice internationally. Be careful about who you seek advice from, especially if it's something you want to pursue. Sometimes people think they are doing what's in your best interest when they are actually speaking from a place of fear, hearsay, or inexperience about another country. Visiting Africa could be the best experience of your life. Do your research and connect with reputable organizations to guarantee as much safety and guidance as possible as you venture out into the world. You may also want to consider doing some international social work while you are receiving your bachelors. I attended Florida State University and every spring break, the college of social work would host an international week of service. I went to Granada and taught pregnant and parenting mothers about sexual and domestic violence topics. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had and I still keep in touch with some of the girls.