Need job advice...

I need advice about my current job situation. I am a newly licensed social worker...got my mswq in June and license in October. I did my concentration in gerontology because I did my internship in a senior center/adult day care and loved it. I always pictured working with this population. Well I started a few jobs and hated them. The first one wasnt a true social work job, the 2nd was in a nursing home but it turned out to be more mentally challenged/behavioral patients which wasnt what I was looking for.

I couldnt find a job after this so I finally wound up taking a job as a case manager working with people with disabilities. The job is okay but there is a lot of stress and constantly running all over the place doing home visits. Before I took this job, I tried to find a job in an adult day care center but there wasnt any openings that I could find. I have been at this current position for 3 months and I know it isnt the place for me, I was planning on trying to stick it out to have year experience.

I found a job recently for an adult day care that I applied to, had the interview and today they called and offered me the position. I am pretty torn on what to do- the job is more money which is a bonus (not that I went into this field for the money) but its still a plus. I would be the only social worker in the facility. I know that comes with stress but its working with the population that I always thought I would work with. I have my own office space which isnt a deal breaker but still nice and there would be more counseling which I enjoy.

I feel bad leaving this current job but I feel that it's the type of field that A. there are so many areas of social work you can go into so you sometimes need to try a few jobs before you find the right one and B. it's the area that I saw myself working in. But then my fear is that 'the grass is not always greener.' So that worries to too.

I was just wondering if anyone could give me some advice. My husband thinks I should go for it. Another issue I'm toying with is if I do wind up taking it do I still give my job 2 wks notice even if I havent been there long? Any advice/insight is appreciated. TIA!

In this field, its definitely about finding the right fit. I have been working with seniors for almost 3 years now at an assisted living. I have gained tons of experience and am even thinking about furthering my career (possibly going for a degree in music therapy to work with Alzheimer's/dementia patients). You have to find a place that really feels right, otherwise you are going to just be miserable and it is an extremely difficult population to work with if you're not feeling good about whatever is going on in your own life.

Whether or not you think this next place is the best place for you to be at, I would probably want to at least try it out. It's another opportunity to learn new things (about the field, the job, yourself, etc.) and you can always look for something else if you don't like it!

Good luck with everything!! Definitely let us know what you choose. Sending good vibes your way...

I also say go for it...I was in a similar situation recently, ended up taking the new job, and am really glad I did.

You're obviously unhappy at your current job, and you'll probably be playing 'what if?' if you don't try the new one. Even if it turns out not to be what you were expecting, you won't be any worse off than you are now. And a higher salary is a nice incentive.

Giving two weeks, I think, is the respectful thing to do, and your new job should understand that. Good luck!

I am becoming a social worker by next year. What I do want to point out is first find out from the new company if there is OMH (office of Mental Health). In the year of 2014, all social workeres are going to be needing their LCSW. So if you do accept this offer, ask who will be supervising your hours for your clinical hours for your LCSW. You will be needing to complete 2000 hours in three years of full practice. Look at this also: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/lcsw.htm

If you do take this offer, it is extremely professional to give your current employer two weeks so that in the future they can give you a reference. The social work community in the geriactric population is small. I would not recommend you just picking up and leaving.

What you can do is if you do accept this offer, tell them you need two weeks to inform your current employer. This shows your ethic, and responsibility to your position and your company.

For me, if the new company could not provide supervision for my hours, I would not take it. It's important to be able to progres in the field and having limits is not something I'd like to do. However, if they can accommodate this, and this job appeals more towards your interest, I'd say go for it!


I hope this helps! Good luck!

I agree with the other ladies.. If this new job is what you can see yourself doing then you definately need to go for it! Especially that its more money and if you have your own office space. Above and beyond that you need to make yourself happy and I also strongly agree with the PP that said about playing the 'what if' game if you dont at least give it a shot!! Good luck to you and let us know what happens! Sending good vibes your way!!!

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Posted by BklynBabe1624

I am becoming a social worker by next year. What I do want to point out is first find out from the new company if there is OMH (office of Mental Health). In the year of 2014, all social workeres are going to be needing their LCSW. So if you do accept this offer, ask who will be supervising your hours for your clinical hours for your LCSW. You will be needing to complete 2000 hours in three years of full practice. Look at this also: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/lcsw.htm

If you do take this offer, it is extremely professional to give your current employer two weeks so that in the future they can give you a reference. The social work community in the geriactric population is small. I would not recommend you just picking up and leaving.

What you can do is if you do accept this offer, tell them you need two weeks to inform your current employer. This shows your ethic, and responsibility to your position and your company.

For me, if the new company could not provide supervision for my hours, I would not take it. It's important to be able to progres in the field and having limits is not something I'd like to do. However, if they can accommodate this, and this job appeals more towards your interest, I'd say go for it!


I hope this helps! Good luck!

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