Hi everyone! I'm writing this thread because I really need some help in deciding what path to pursue. I graduated with my undergrad in psychology a little over a year ago (December 2013, 4.0 GPA) and have been working full time since, first in a group home for adults with severe/chronic mental illness, and now as a case manager for an outpatient program for adults with severe/chronic mental illness. In a little over a year, I will likely have paid off my student loans (started 54k-ish, down to 28k so far, woo!), and would like to go back for my masters hopefully the next fall, or spring. Here are my concerns:
1. Money. At my age, just about to turn 23, I'm still really not sure what I want to do in this field. I'm considering going for my MSW as it is the most versatile degree, but honestly, my issue is MONEY. I grew up in a family that struggled financially, and honestly, I want to live comfortably. Yes, 50k might be comfortable on my own, but who knows if I'll want children 10 years down the line; I want to be able to be comfortable, and provide. With an MSW, the monetary possibilities seem really uncertain.
2. Limitations/job role. As such, I've considered school psychology. Starting salaries seem much much higher, and getting over 70k doesn't seem unreasonable at all. HOWEVER, being a school psychologist limits you to a school psychologist. And from what I've heard and read, a lot of school psychs seem way over-stressed and over-worked. I want a job where I can go home and be home, not write reports into the night and weekend. Because of that, I've considered school counseling, but I've heard it's very hard to find jobs there anymore!
3. Moving. Again, I'm only 22, about to turn 23. I live in NJ right now, but I'm absolutely not sure if I will stay here. Due to cost of living here and the cold winters, I've considered heading a bit south, such as Virginia or NC. For that reason, I'm also looking for info on which licenses/credentials are easiest to move across state lines.
SO, basically, a few questions. For monetary reasons, would an MSW be a poor choice? Are school psychologists truly overworked? Is it hard to find a job as a school counselor? And which of those three positions is easiest/toughest to move across state lines?
Thank you so much, sorry for writing such a huge novel!!!
1. Money. At my age, just about to turn 23, I'm still really not sure what I want to do in this field. I'm considering going for my MSW as it is the most versatile degree, but honestly, my issue is MONEY. I grew up in a family that struggled financially, and honestly, I want to live comfortably. Yes, 50k might be comfortable on my own, but who knows if I'll want children 10 years down the line; I want to be able to be comfortable, and provide. With an MSW, the monetary possibilities seem really uncertain.
2. Limitations/job role. As such, I've considered school psychology. Starting salaries seem much much higher, and getting over 70k doesn't seem unreasonable at all. HOWEVER, being a school psychologist limits you to a school psychologist. And from what I've heard and read, a lot of school psychs seem way over-stressed and over-worked. I want a job where I can go home and be home, not write reports into the night and weekend. Because of that, I've considered school counseling, but I've heard it's very hard to find jobs there anymore!
3. Moving. Again, I'm only 22, about to turn 23. I live in NJ right now, but I'm absolutely not sure if I will stay here. Due to cost of living here and the cold winters, I've considered heading a bit south, such as Virginia or NC. For that reason, I'm also looking for info on which licenses/credentials are easiest to move across state lines.
SO, basically, a few questions. For monetary reasons, would an MSW be a poor choice? Are school psychologists truly overworked? Is it hard to find a job as a school counselor? And which of those three positions is easiest/toughest to move across state lines?
Thank you so much, sorry for writing such a huge novel!!!