Pursuing a Social Work Degree: Balancing Family and Career
School
Southern University at New Orleans**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
SOCL 12
Subject
Sociology
Date
Dec 11, 2024
Pages
3
Uploaded by kcb105
Deciding to Return to School for a Degree in Social WorkKyra BrownSouthern University At New Orleans
Deciding to return to school and pursue a degree in social work is a choice that stems from my desire to improve both my financial situation and my ability to be present in my son’s life. Currently, my job does not provide the income or flexibility that I need. I am seeking a career that allows me to support my family financially while also granting me the time and freedom to be actively involved in my son’s upbringing. After careful consideration, social work seems like the ideal solution. It offers opportunities for growth, flexibility, and the potential for work-from-home positions, all of which align with my goal of balancing work and family responsibilities.At the core of my decision is the need for change. Although my current job offers a stable income, it lacks the financial growth and career satisfaction that I desire. I want a career that not only provides financial security but also aligns with my values and allows me to make a positive impact in the world. A degree in social work presents the best option, as it provides an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to others while maintaining a balance between work and family life. However, pursuing this degree comes with its challenges, such as the time commitment and financial costs involved. These are significant concerns, especially when considering the demands of being a mother. Despite these potential challenges, I believe that the long-term benefits of earning a degree in social work outweigh the short-term difficulties.To make the best decision, it is important to carefully evaluate all available options. One option is to return to school for a degree in social work. This would provide me with the opportunity forbetter job prospects, higher salaries, and increased flexibility, including the possibility of working from home. However, earning this degree requires a significant investment of time and energy, which could impact the time I can spend with my son. There is also the potential for student debt, depending on the financial aid I am eligible for. Another option is to stay in my current job and look for part-time work to supplement my income. This would allow me to maintain a familiar routine and explore flexible work opportunities, but my current job does not offer significant career growth. Adding part-time work might not sufficiently improve my work-life balance, and staying in a job that doesn’t align with my long-term goals could lead to dissatisfaction. A third option is to explore other career fields that require shorter training programs or certifications, which would allow me to transition into a new field more quickly. While this may get me into a new career faster, it is not the ideal choice because it may not align with my passion for social work and could offer less job satisfaction and fewer long-term opportunities.After evaluating all of my options, I have decided that returning to school for a degree in social work is the best choice. While this path requires a significant commitment of time, effort, and finances, I believe the long-term benefits—improved job satisfaction, financial stability, and the opportunity to work from home—are worth the sacrifices I will have to make. To begin this process, I will start by researching schools that offer flexible online programs in social work, ensuring that I can continue to meet my family responsibilities while earning my degree. I will also explore scholarship and financial aid opportunities to help cover the cost of tuition. Balancing school, work, and family will require careful planning, so I intend to create a schedulethat allows me to stay on track with my studies while still being present for my son. Additionally, I will reach out to family and community resources to help with childcare, ensuringthat I have enough time to dedicate to my coursework.
Looking back on the decision-making process, I have gained a deeper understanding of how important it is to choose a career that aligns with both my personal values and my professional goals. Pursuing a degree in social work is not just about securing a stable job; it is about creating a career that allows me to help others while feeling fulfilled in my work. This decision has underscored the importance of balancing short-term sacrifices with long-term goals. Though the road ahead may be challenging, I am confident that it will ultimately lead to greater opportunitiesfor both my son and me. As I embark on this journey, I will continually assess my progress, adjust my plans when necessary, and maintain a sense of balance in all aspects of my life. By staying focused on my goals and being flexible in my approach, I am confident that I can achievethe career and family life that I desire.