Do all social work jobs require ridiculous hours to succeed? Are there any positions that pay a living wage, have decent management, and work under 50 hours a week? Or did I waste a ton of money getting my masters degree. I want to help people but I’m not interested in being exploited either.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

It depends on your organization and the area you serve. When I was starting out straight out of school, I did tend to work a lot, nothing like 70+ per week. My organization prioritized time off, I was the crazy one who would say call or text me with any questions while I was on vacation. They laughed at me. I never got called or texted.

I have also had the experience where my organization expected me to find coverage for my shifts when I was on vacation or out sick. I did not stay there. They didn't value me or my time.

If you work for a place that doesn't value you or your time, let your feet show your values and walk out. I am tired of organizations using our desire to help the people against us. Of saying they're understaffed and that's the problem. There are a ton of employees out there like me who are dedicated and great staff. It's the working conditions that are the problem, in my opinion. It's the poorly trained managera who are promoted from within due to popularity versus managerial skills.

I work for myself now in private practice. I would rather buy my own insurance and put my own money into my retirement then put up with some of the things I have in corporations (I've worked in community support, substance abuse rehab, psychiatric hospitals, and for health insurance). I still get offers from biggee companies. I won't work for them until the culture changes. In my opinion, there is an unhealthy codependency in a lot of social work/counseling organizations and departments that need to be fixed instead of exploited.

And side not to say that my boss (me) still sucks, I work long hours, work some on my days off, and give more to my clients than is healthy at times. And I'm still happier and learning my own boundaries with myself. It is a wonderful experience. And I'm making a difference for others still, and doing what I feel is authentic for me.

likehelpful

Counseling is not all sunshine and roses. It can be thankless work. I hear a lot of how rewarding it must be from people who don't work in the field. And we all know the clients who we sit with as they repeat the same maladaptive skills and thought, and just want to get a spray bottle of water and squirt them like a cat trying to get on the counters. We have the clients who just cannot connect with us no matter what we do, and we feel like cheerleaders at a game where our team is in last place and we're getting pelted with rotten vegetables. And as much as I hate to be the person saying that I went through something and so should you, the time I spent in community service living in fear of roaches and lice, having teeth pulled out in my car and dropped on the floorboards, having to clean bowel movements out of my seats, and learning to restrain individuals to keep them from hurting me or someone else really did help me become the counselor I am.

And I did try a more corporate type position working for a major insurance organization doing authorizations and client outreach, making over 90k a year with really good benefits, stock options, etc. I had my own cubicle then worked from home. My biggest fear was not being able to get the workout machine in the private gym that I wanted or someone stealing my lunch from the fridge, and there was always a really good cafeteria I could get lunch from. I hated the corporate atmosphere, the drive for profits over helping, and there were layoffs while telling the rest of us we needed to handle more cases and learn new systems and procedures on top of doing jobs typically considered work for nonclinical employees.

Given my skills, I can excel in the corporate world. Given my values and personality, it was soul sucking and I was losing my own mind.

With counseling and direct care, it really does seem to be beneficial to get into private practice. When I worked for community support, rehabs, and hospitals, it was always supportive until management or teams changed. And the pay at those organizations can be 50% less than a truly motivated, driven, and organized private practitioner can accomplish. Organizations need to increase pay and hire staff with actual management training or invest in training their chosen managers to actually do the job.

Side note for private pratitioners, get your health insurance from a medically underwritten plan like United Healthcare's Golden Rule. The cons are that they don't cover pre-existing conditions (use GoodRx for prescriptions). The pros are getting better quality doctors and care. Once the funding from the government to supplement marketplace plans dried up, those marketplace plans changed, left, and/or got narrow networks.

Start on platforms like Teladoc, Sondermind, and TalkSpace to build client loads and refine telehealth skills to avoid the costly office overheads. Then branch out to HelloAlma and Headway or a billing company to handle insurance claims. It's cheap to do telehealth, get a good laptop and a fast internet connection. Take yourself OUT of the insurance claim business. Focus on counseling to avoid the burnout. Network with other providers in your area on social platforms and join them for lunches and get togethers. Determine if you can live on the 60/session that the platforms will give you or if you really want the 90-120 that comes from insurance reimbursement. And avoid BetterHelp, they don't pay anywhere near enough.

likehelpful

Social work is hard. We manage lives without stepping on their toes and respect their wants and felt sense of needs. Everyday I want to work in a less demanding field, but it would not be the same. I know I’d always be wondering, what if, why not, how come…let’s go get it attitude is what motivates me every single day.

likehelpful

Thank you so much for your advice!
P.s. I tried to chat with you directly but the app does not allow me to.

You can definitely make upwards of 6 figured to the mid 150s working 25-30 hours a week, but it won’t be possible without your LCSW. You have to for sure get the full licensure and be doing therapy to make it there.

like

I enjoyed working as a Director of Social Services for a Skilled Nursing Facility and made $75K, in DFW, TX as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 13 years post-grad. I was required to work 40 hours and no overtime unless requested by the Administrator.

like

Well. It’s been my experience that people’s emergencies don’t always happen between 9 & 5. I used to say social work would be easier if it wasn’t for the people.

like

I’m aware that evenings and weekends are needed in social work. That is not my complaint. My complaint is that I’m expected to work 70+ hours a week.

like

I have my LCSW in MA, which isn’t an independent license in this state we need an LICSW, I have about 30 clients a week and I’ll be just hitting 6 figures this year. Once I get my LICSW I’ll be closer to 120-130k. Don’t give up, you just might have to aim for private practice.

Yes, you can find social work jobs that are 40 hours a week and pay a decent wage. I’m not sure where you live but I know most states after getting your masters have 2 licensure levels. In NY it’s the LCSW in MA it’s LICSW. You will make the most pay after getting the highest licensure level. There are many settings where the hours are going to be pretty cut and clear. Therapist, school social worker, some hospital social workers (depending on type of unit) insurance work are examples that come to mind. Even working in a non profit,

I’ve worked in a non profit doing community mental health work (not therapy) for 8 years. Early on I did feel compelled to work extra hours to get things completed. As time has gone on and I’ve gotten promotions to leadership positions (and since having kids!) I have made the decision to try to stay pretty close to 40 hours, barring any major crises. These days I work extra hours very rarely maybe once or twice a month I might work 3 extra hours or so. In order to do this you have to change your mindset. For me it was recognizing that the clinical shortages and vacancies were not my fault or responsibility to cover and that if I do take on that burden I end up becoming burnt out and unwell. In order to be my best at work, I had to set limits. Definitely harder to do if you are a perfectionist or work for someone who sets a more rigid expectation.

Long story short- it is possible, it might just take some time to find the role and culture that you are looking for! Good luck.

If anyone is in MA I have jobs!

Central MA I should say

Related Posts

I currently work agency side and have 4 years of experience. How many years is it good to make a switch to a FAANG company?

like
like

I’m taking the CFP exam Nov 8th. All tips/tricks welcomed !!

Thank you so much.

like

🐠 with <10 total YOE and $200k+ base. Can you highlight your role and path? Trying to identify more stable non-banking and tech roles. Thanks!

like

Got laid off in tech corp dev making 250-300 all in. Have an offer to join a fairly new family office investment team in PE buyouts but will be a fairly significant cash pay cut vs what I was making in tech corp dev. I’ve always been interested in doing investing. All things being equal, is there better upside to take the fam office to do PE (at a pay cut for now), or go do another corp dev job? 6-7 YOE

like

What books would you recommend for someone who is just starting out in security and wants to build strong fundamentals?

funny

Any former actuarial consultants that exited to industry? What were your pros and cons ?

like

Hi 🐟
Is anyone working as a Salesforce QA? Please let me know what are your daily tasks on a high level and what are the main areas a QA works on.. I'm planning to switch to Salesforce as QA.. Need some guidance..

like

Hi fishes, I need some guidance.

I am currently into the SAP Security domain and I absolutely do not have any interest in it. I am planning to shift to development and have started on some courses on my own.

My question is, is there any future prospects in SAP UI5 and Fiori? Since my background is in SAP, I assume it will make a domain switch easier.

Or should I move into the JS-React path since there seems to be a lot of demand? But my worry is about my lack of actual work experience

like

Anyone else struggle with feeling like you’ll never find a job you’re actually good at? I feel like no matter what I do I’ll never actually find my niche.

like

Any good books or articles worth reading on product marketing and analytics? I come from more of a technical and general product management background, so I personally feel like I lack on the marketing side. Like Search engine optimization, etc. Thank you.

like
like

I am working as a backend developer with 8+ years of experience in .Net. Can someone please suggest any hands on courses for cloud technologies.P.S.- I do not have any exposure to cloud technologies.

I work as a marketing consultant and I love my job. It’s the career for me and I want to advance my career and climb the ladder. What are some of the typical positions that are pursued after a marketing consultant role? What are some pointers that you can give to someone who wants to advance their career? What are some things that I can do now to prepare me for that next role?

like

Tata Consultancy I am a manager in Capgemini... have an offer frm TCS. the designation being offered is Assistant Consultant.. 9.8 years experience( 5 yrs with Cap) Even though I am getting a package of 25Lakhs.. it seems like a demotion in designation.. Cg has offered to match upto 23.5 lakhs.. Is it worth moving to TCS on this grade? My primary reason for moving out of Cg is i m bored of beauocracy and WLB at current project. Is it a good idea to still switch with the counter offer from Cg Capgemini Tata Consu

like

Which top consulting firms, if any, will pay for your MBA?

like

I would appreciate your perspective.
I am currently working on my MBA in a professional evening and weekend program at a highly accredited university. I am thinking about transferring to a much smaller private online program, specifically because they offer a concentration in organizational health, which directly builds on my doctoral research. Does great depth and specialization outweigh the value of a highly respected generalist degree?

like

I’d like to get a MBA from NYU starting next year but I’m scared by the time I get out we’ll be in a recession. Does anyone have experience graduating from a good MBA program into a recession? Contd..

like

How soon is too soon to find another job? I’ve been here 2 months and hate it. But it’s my first AD job... how long should I stick around?

My partner and I are looking to move from NYC to Dallas in 2022. I’m in big law and he is a public interest lawyer. I can easily transfer within my firm, but he’s having trouble pinning down public interest opportunities in Dallas. It seems like they’re less available than NYC, but also not sure if we just aren’t looking in the right places. He currently does housing work but is passionate about civil rights and public benefits generally. Any tips on how to come by public interest opportunities?

like

More Posts

How are the client and project interviews for SAP in Capgemini? Are those tough?

like

In today's scenario what is the average pay for a senior software developer with yoe 6-8?? (Do not include companies like maang and similar companies). I want to know if I am in average salary slab or not. TIA.

TSA Pre✔️ seriously needs an aptitude test. The group in front of me wanted to walk straight through carrying their bags

like

Your loss, The Community 🤗 I’m sure I would have done a great job.

Post Photo
likefunny

Anyone raising desi kids in the US? What are are some of your fears?

like

After how many years of exp we should join tcs

like

Is April (easter time) a good time to visit Norway? If yes, what are some of the places you would recommend? I’m looking for hikes/ national parks experience and don’t want to spend much time in city.

Marriott Stanton or Cadillac hotel? In Miami for one night/day so ideally want to be in walking distance to good food, bars, and the beach.

like

How much do anchors in news channels earn ??

like

Tinder or Bumble?

Need more people here!

like

What are some of the best consulting firms for digital strategy roles? Looking for a change and was wondering which of the T1/T2 firms have digital practices in Canada. I have applied to ATK and McK. BCG is working to establish their presence in Canada but their team is focused on establishing top down. Bain doesn’t have digital focus. Can anyone shed some light on other T2 firms?

like

Hi Everyone,

Can anyone help me with the Adani Electricity helpline number for Mumbai. The ones available on Google do not seem to work

like

How long does it take you to get your L1 after the 12 months? Is it a long processing time wait?

like

Anyone here work or has interviewed for a data science role at DataRobot? Would love to get some insight. Third interview coming up.

like

🍿🍿🍿🍿in two minutes!!

Post Photo
like

Rules for thee not for me!

Post Photo
likeuplifting

I am finishing my 1 year this coming week. I am a graduate hire. Will my band change after 1 year automatically? Should I expect any hike?

like

I have an offer from IBM of 16 lpa, but recently I got promotion in my current company and package got raised. Should I ask IBM to increase my package?

Y. O. E - 5.10

like

Producer looking to move to Ohio. Any insights on where to look for work? Background in agency, production, live, sports, tv and film.

Thank you!

like

Additional Posts in Social Workers & Therapists

What is a good hourly amount to ask for as a PRN social worker/therapist in the DC area?

like

Any oncology social workers out there in Maryland? Or elsewhere, what’s your salary?

like

I am looking for a referral for a remote case management position for Heath First, Humana or Evalance. I have 15 years of experience and I have my LMSW in NY and SC🙏🥰

like

Hello Everyone!

I very recently accepted the position of Sourcing Specialist at TidalHealth - a large Heathcare group in my area. A few of my target positions include Social Workers and Therapists. If those in this group can provide me knowledge on what you are looking for in employment offers, salary expectations, the ideal work environment, and any/all factors that would help me in my quest to improve my work ability.

I appreciate any and all responses!

Kind regards,

like

I am sick and tired of mental health professionals getting overworked and underpaid. No other profession I am sure is this horrible!!!

like

Any MSWs successfully broken into the employee wellness/ DEI space at a tech company. Any advice?

like

Any recommendations on a good side hustle or part time job? Trying to buy a house (yes I know the economy sucks right now) and it’s been tough saving with a SW salary.

like

Social work
@hospital medical social work

like

How many of you have left or are planning to leave therapy, and what did you transition into?

like

Best advice for a new therapist? Or something you wish you learned at the beginning of your career?

like

What misconceptions do you think people have about social work? or therapy?
Mine is my family still believes that only "sick" or unhappy people need to see a therapist, so they don't understand why I go to one since I have a job and a family. It's oldschool thinking and pretty annoying tbh.

like

Hello, I’m an LMSW in Michigan. I have 15 years of experience in the field as a clinician, supervisor, and an administrator. I am feeling burnt out and unsure of my future. I have worked mainly in the Community Mental Health and the VA Health systems, hence my fatigue. I’ve flirted with private practice work in the past, but my spouse has been worried about not having affordable healthcare and benefits that each system provides. Is it worth the jump? Am I overthinking things?

like

Is anyone in any outreach coordinator positions? What is the pay like? I’m seeing $40,000 mark?

like

What do you guys think about apps like BetterHelp and Talkspace? I understand they might have real therapists working on their content, but a lot of the marketing I see is so vague and broad that it feels like a lie. Seems like "This app got rid of my anxiety with a 30-minute automated text questionnaire" is the new "This tea made me lose 20 pounds in two weeks!" Just seems a little fad-like and money grabby to me. Thoughts?

like

Hi all, wondering what an appropriate pay would be for a school social worker leave replacement on Long Island. The position would be about 5-6 months long.

like

How many therapists (and social workers too!) see a therapist themselves? Do you find it helpful?
I think there's this myth that therapists have all their own sh*t figured out, and for me at least I know that's far from true (hopefully it isn't just me). On the contrary, I think we should be leading by example!

like

What are some good opportunities for growth as a social worker? I've been in the same role for close to ten years, and while I love it, I know I can branch out a bit and probably even increase my salary. What have you all done?

like

Have you ever dealt with a colleague that believes in extremely (in my opinion) outdated or even just false claims and treats them as scientific facts? I work with several older men but one of them practices "provocative therapy" as in you just play the devil's advocate with your patient and side with the negative half of their thinking. In theory I could see this working situationally, but as a whole philosophy regardless of the patient's issue I think it's ridiculous.

like

What do you think a social worker with 8 years of experience should be making in Santa Barbara, CA? I make like 50k a year and I feel like I could potentially be making more if I leave my current job. Just want to know for sure before I start looking since it's a risky time to be leaving work. TIA.

like

How have you dealt with/recovered from burnout and feelings of numbness while working as a therapist?

likeuplifting

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal