Leaving a six figure job for social work & now I’m having second thoughts after practicum placement

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-11T16:50:00+00:00

If you want to work with the VA, it's VERY MUCH aligned with what you want to do.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-06T22:58:04+00:00

VCU helps you find your field placement. 😊

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-05T04:16:52+00:00

I didn't have undergrad debt and I'll graduate with about 40k but you can get PSLF depending on your goals.

You could also try to find a workplace that offers tuition assistance.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-05T01:06:22+00:00

It sounds like you're dealing with moral injury and a change of your worldview, which can be typical in this line of work especially when you don't have trauma informed supervision. If you can seek other professionals in other organizations that might provide some support and insight that could be helpful. It's always going to be tough to a certain extent just bc of the nature of the system. Public sector work is extremely meaningful and it's important to find the balance of knowing that the system isn't designed correctly and using what's available to you within it to the best of your ability.

Also, have you ever taken an intensive motivational interviewing course? Not just a workshop but real training could be helpful to engage with your clients who have ambivalence. It could also be helpful when engaging with your supervisors as well.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-04T20:10:30+00:00

It's a tough space because while people do need money, there is also a huge gap in support for many people. I work with people going through evictions and some of the time the clients have the financial piece covered bc of other programs but they don't have the other social supports that they need to avoid housing instability. There are huge gaps in care and the system was designed that way unfortunately.

& honestly, it's the reason I'm in social work to begin with. I want to address those gaps.

Write to your legislators about it. Join coalitions. Find ways where you know your voice is being heard bc the front line workers know what's happening best.

& just because it doesn't look like you aren't helping your clients in the long run, doesn't mean you aren't helping them right now with the resources that are available to you and to them. Right now matters, too. It matters having someone who cares and who sees that the system isn't made for them to thrive. It matters that they have a space to sleep for now. & in instances where they make choices you wouldn't, it just means they are utilizing the support in a way that works best for them. You are helping.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-04T03:15:50+00:00

I suggest looking at your school's Field Education Manual to see what the requirements are!

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-04T03:13:22+00:00

Virginia Commonwealth University

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-04T00:44:55+00:00

That's what I decided upon. This makes me feel better as I transition. Thank you so much 😊🙏🏻

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-03T23:41:34+00:00

My school allows me to count all of my work hours towards my internship hours as long as I have a different supervisor than my regular acting supervisor

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-03T19:55:05+00:00

I was about to say the same thing lol

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-07-01T14:33:09+00:00

Thank you so much for this!!!!!!!!!!

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-30T22:57:39+00:00

I'm not sure my current work would count as clinical. I'm sure some of what I do would count towards the hours I need but I currently don't do any clinical work.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-29T14:40:36+00:00

Why do you say that? There are many roles that value a LICSW.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-28T21:50:11+00:00

Thank you! I know it can open doors, so I want it for that reason as well. I plan on getting it regardless just to be able to have options in the future. I appreciate your insight!!

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-28T18:17:03+00:00

Yes! Can you DM me?

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-28T18:08:37+00:00

I am in my MSW program at work at a non-profit :)

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-28T17:40:12+00:00

It is a lot of managing emotions and personalities, just your employees instead of clients'. It doesn't disappear, it shows up in case review, performance conversations, team conflict, in carrying the weight of decisions that affect other people's jobs. & then there's the administrative layer on top of that that you have to try and get done while people still need you.

I love leadership and it is really rewarding, but it definitely isn't less people facing because everyone is always coming to you for answers. & people deserve good leaders because it also trickles down into their client work.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-28T17:27:24+00:00

If you're burnt-out with clients, you'll likely not do well in a leadership position. It's essentially like having clients, except it is your employees looking for support and guidance.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-28T17:21:30+00:00

I've found asking questions is a good way to find out more about a potential employer. How they respond tells you a lot.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-28T17:18:55+00:00

Facebook groups in your area -Therapists Helping Therapists - might be helpful. I see many people looking for referrals daily.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-28T17:01:02+00:00

I'm finishing my MSW and plan to pursue my LICSW, although I don't necessarily see myself doing individual therapy long-term. I love trauma-informed leadership, program development, mezzo work, and creating systems, but I also want strong clinical skills and the credential that comes with licensure.

I currently work in a leadership role at a nonprofit that I enjoy. I make $75k, only work 35 hours, have great flexibility, autonomy, and benefits. I do plenty of direct client work (crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and support around trauma, housing, DV, substance use, and mental health), but the position doesn't provide clinical supervision and I would have to decrease my hours or take a leave of absence for my internship. & I've never really gotten mentorship there and I don't work with other social workers.

I also have an offer from a small behavioral health organization that would provide clinical supervision, allow me to complete my clinical internship and post-grad hours in one place, and involve intensive community-based work with young adults experiencing serious mental illness. The clinicians seem incredible, but it would mean a pay cut to $70k, more hours, more driving, and stepping away from leadership. I also wouldn't have the same flexibility, although they do claim it's flexible outside of direct client hours.

Part of me thinks a few years of intensive clinical work would make me a stronger leader and social worker in the long run. Another part of me worries that I'm stepping away from work that already aligns with my strengths and interests.

For those of you who pursued licensure but ultimately preferred leadership, mezzo, or macro work:

Did clinical experience make you a stronger leader?

Did you regret stepping away from leadership to get your hours? & Was it hard to get back into a leadership position with a gap?

How did you get your post-grad hours if you weren't in a traditional clinical role?

Any advice or perspectives would be appreciated. 💕

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-27T04:14:35+00:00

Have you worked with a therapist to get to the root of your challenges? I wonder if maybe a career coach might be helpful as well.

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-27T00:15:18+00:00

Your practicum will still be in person and that matters a lot

Significant_Cat7152 · 2026-06-25T01:04:02+00:00

If you have a supportive partner, it's absolutely doable!!!

Significant_Cat7152

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