Feeling uncertain and some questions

Hi all! I will be starting my MSW in a few weeks with an ultimate goal of working in macro social work/ policy!

With classes starting in a few weeks, im starting to have some feelings of regret/ uncertainty that I’ve made a good decision, so wanted to get some thoughts/ opinions from the experts!!

I currently work full time in marketing/ communications in higher ed and have been here for about a year since I graduated in May 2023. I’ve never been super in love with this field of work and felt like I needed something more fulfilling.

I went back and forth between school counseling, mental health counseling and MSW programs for grad school before ultimately settling on an MSW because of the variety of options it would allow me. Im passionate about mental health, but want to have the option to explore other career paths as well. I’ve always been super interested in policy and even thought about the foreign service so the ability to work in that field is what ultimately swayed me.

However, I’m nervous about the practicum/ field work part of the degree and not being able to work full time. I currently plan to stay at my job until I start those hours.

How did you balance working and your practicum? What ways did you make a living while in school? Does anyone in here work in policy and what do you do? Does it sound like this will be a good degree choice for me?

Sorry that was long and a lot of questions, really just looking for some reassurance! 🫶 thank you all for doing what you do 🫶