Long Time, No C

There came a time in this social worker’s life when I began to need a reaffirmation. I enjoyed the work, sure. I felt fulfilled knowing that I was being helpful to other human beings on a very deep and honest level. I can’t even imagine life as a computer programmer. But, as with any job, there are difficulties.

This is not going to read like a laundry list of strains for the modern day social worker. There are many, and I have dwelled on them enough. This is, instead, a pep talk.

Starting off in any field is difficult, and you have to pay your dues. Entry level jobs don’t pay well, and you have to expect to be frustrated at times. Employment is a finance driven world, and social work and humanistic ideals don’t make money. This disconnect can have aggravating results; paperwork, insurance, and bureaucratic red tape don’t help the situation.

An older woman once told me that her first check, way back when she had her first job, was for $200. She isn’t wealthy now, but she made it. Seems to me that’s how it is with any job, in any profession, for any employee. Start off slow, work your way up, hopefully get rewarded down the line.

And so, to any budding social worker stuck in between finances, ideals, and frustration: Stick with social work, get your “C”, and work your way up. One client at a time. One clinical hour at a time. One progress note at a time. One intake at a time. One treatment plan at a time.

One two hundred dollar check at a time.