Category: Cram Session
A couple years ago, I thought I wanted to be a psychologist. Then I realized the ridiculous amount of years of college you have to go through in order to do that! So then I looked into social work. The problem there is that, while you can stop at a master's degree, as my mom put it (she would know this since she works in a nursing home), "If you become a social worker, you'll probably be stuck working in a nursing home or hospital calling people's families telling them when so-and-so needs new slippers and that kind of stuff." So needless to say I was discouraged from that idea. I've heard of clinical social work, but you would probably have to go through the same amount of schooling (getting a PHD like you would in psychology) in order to get into that?
Also, I was thinking of volunteering at a suicide prevention or some other form of crisis hotline to get a feel for if I really want to get into this profession, but my guidance counselor tole me it's illegal to provide advice to the public without a degree in counseling. Is that true? If so, that's a slap in the face. And, now everyone expects that I'm gonna be a psychologist, and I feel like I'm not allowed to change my mind. If I do I will let my mom and teachers down because that's what they expect from me and I can't stand to disappoint anyone. It makes me feel like a failure. Plus, I don't know how to say no to people. I don't know what to do about all of this but I know I wouldn't be happy trying to get a PHD, because my heart isn't really in it. When I graduate, I want to get a job and start saving money to move in with my boyfriend. I know that's truly what I want to do but I haven't given up entirely on this whole helping people thing. I've always wanted to provide support for other teens who otherwise wouldn't have it, because when I was growing up I was told I had no right to my feelings, and I want to prevent that in other people's lives...But why does it take so long to be able to do that?! So, any input would be greatly appreciated, on whatever point I was trying to make here, because I'm really not sure if I had a point, or I probably had a few, because I do that a lot. I try to write about one thing, but end up going off on 17 different tangents.
First of all, I've known people that worked on abuse hotlines at least without any degree at all. I don't know if suicide hotlines are a special case, but I haven't heard about it if they are. That may vary from state to state though?
But if you think about it, most careers in some fassion help others, though some more directly than others. But businesses and organizations wouldn't exist if someone didn't make use of them. Or at least they wouldn't stay afloat financially that long. (In theory anyway.)
What you might try is to find an organization that you feel strongly helps people, and try to go to work for them. Maybe start out as a vollunteer. I've heard that for the most passionate of vollunteers, that can sometimes turn into a job later on.
Hope that gives you some ideas.
Hi, I just graduated from college with a B.A. degree in Sociology-Human Services. As a blind person, I can't think of another field that would have suited me personally as much as Sociology. I have done several years of volunteer work as a Domestic Violence Crisis Line Advocate. It was a great experience, and I learned more from the job than I first thought I would. Sociology and Social work is very broad. Working in a hospital or nursing home is just one fascet of the field. Since Sociology focuses on working with groups rather than individuals, there are all kinds of uses for an MSW degree. I don't have one, but just with my bachelor's degree, I have worked with our local Childcare Resource and Referral office, victims of Domestic violence, students with disabilities, and, I'll hopefuly be working with low-income families to help them secure affordable housing. If there's anything else I can help you with, please don't hesitate to write me. Another thing is that while I've had some accomodations, they've been very minimal. I've gotten nothing but support while pursuing my degree and a career field. So, while Sociology might not be your thing, just do some research and see if maybe you may like it. Also, lots of sociologists work in the teaching and research fields. This might also be something that you're interested in. HTH.