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The New Social Worker is the quarterly magazine for social work students and recent graduates, focusing on social work careers for those new to the profession. This blog is a companion to the free online magazine at http://www.socialworker.com.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Going with the flow


Dahlonega Falls


IT'S BEEN A MONTH since I quit my job. I left so that I:
a.) wouldn't have to quit school, because something had to give
b.) would be able to focus on my new career of social work
c.) could have some semblance of a healthy life
d.) could see my husband and dog during waking hours

I am just now starting to set a schedule and get into a groove. I was concerned for a while that "breakneck speed" was the only way I could do this. I was having difficulty getting motivated and setting a study schedule. Looking back, I was doing just fine. It's difficult to leave a comfort zone. Of course, I expected everything to fall into place.

And, you know what? It truly has.

Tonight as I sat down to dinner with my husband after a three-hour study session at the library, I knew I could take the rest of the night off. I am consciously setting aside time for me, too, and I think it will make a big difference in my overall enjoyment of this process of earning a MSW. Who said it has to so hard, anyway? Maybe there is a way to make it a little less grueling and a lot more fun. Maybe it's called going with the flow...

~Ms. T. J.

3 comments:

  1. Gina Bryant, new LMSW in New MexicoSeptember 15, 2009 at 11:25 AM

    Ms. T.J. - I'm glad you were able to make the choice not to work.  You are absolutely right, you can now get out of your MSW program exactly what you want and need.  There is so much to explore in this field, so much to be curious about.  Not having to work made all the difference for me.  I wonder how we can work to make more financial aid and scholarships available to students who can't afford this luxury?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gina-
    I am just starting to see how much more I am getting out of school and my internship!

    I know there are plus loans and such, and I also know that IRAs can be tapped for graduate school (tuitions, books and housing) without incurring a penalty. Grants, like Title IV-E , also pay for all costs affiliated with grad school.

    Great to hear from you!
    ~Ms. T. J.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gina-
    I am just starting to see how much more I am getting out of school and my internship!

    I know there are plus loans and such, and I also know that IRAs can be tapped for graduate school (tuitions, books and housing) without incurring a penalty. Grants, like Title IV-E , also pay for all costs affiliated with grad school.

    Great to hear from you!
    ~Ms. T. J.

    ReplyDelete

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