I've really crashed and burned with my career so far, how do I pick up the pieces?

Question

So, I got a BS in Sociology in 2004. I immediately went to work for a foster care agency. I worked there for a year right up until our office closed down, and nearly got fired while I was there. I then went to work for a family preservation agency. I did well there at first, then I DID get fired a year after I had a new supervisor. Right now, I am staying at home with my new baby girl who is 6 months old. I would like to go back to work someday, and continue with my masters degree. But I am really really scared to put myself out there again. My ideas and values just seem to clash with many of those in the social work world. However, I have wanted to be a social worker since I was 20. Now I am just not so sure it's for me. If not, then the question is, what do I do now? Especially with a sociology degree?

Answer 1

Do whatever you want to do.

When I was 21, I was a machinist (yes, went to school for machine shop). Then an Office Manager, then a administrative assistant, then a bookkeeper, then a Production Planner, then a stay-at-home mom, now I manage Inventory.

Life is what you make of it! Just do what you enjoy doing.

Answer 2

First let me say that we live in a world of permanent temps. You should expect to have at least 4 to 6 different jobs in your life. Working for one or two different employers for your entire life is a rarity these days. Second, I understand your motivation to help people, that is why you went into the field of social services. The fact is, nothing ever happens the way  we plan it to be. Being a social worker is a tough job, and one that I could never do. If you can some how readjust your expectations to accommodate the real world, you will be more content in your profession. Remember "it's the private victories in life that sustain us".

Former Army, Nurse, Pharmaceutical Rep, Hospital Sales and now Medical Sales.

Answer 3

I really believe you got some weak answers.  Some people love to blame the victim.

I finished a Master of Public Adiminstration and couldnt find a real job anywhere.  The fisrt problem is that some people have no empathy.  Having been in a similar situation I have empathy.

Beside applying for jobs in the helping professions you can enroll in a vocational/technical program.  Social science jobs are plentiful but low paying and very stressful.

Social science jobs are in high demand when the economy is bad.  People get drunk and beat the kids when unemployment is high.  The widening gap between rich and poor will only exaserbate social problems.

When you get on your two feet you should consider obtaining a Master of Social Work.  The MSW is a very demanding course of study but also rewarding one.