I am graduating with a Master’s Degree in Social Work in two weeks. It is a very exciting time of transition for me as I start my internship and leave my current job of 8 years. As I take more steps toward work in the anti-human-trafficking field, I feel like I am coming alive. I am truly excited to start this work.
This feeling of excitement is a new feeling for me. This decision to switch careers feels like the first decision in my life that is coming from me. It is the first decision I have made without any outside influences. The funny thing is that most people think this decision is crazy. Honestly, some days, I think it’s a little crazy. The main driver for the perceived foolishness of this transition is financial. Nobody can understand why I would leave a nice-paying information technology job with great benefits to be a social worker.
I guess I look at this transition as coming back home. I was never meant to work in information technology. My path to IT was certainly not a straight line. My first degree was in finance, but I found my way to IT through a passion for project management specifically related to financial systems implementations. So, I went back to school for an IT degree. I was told by everyone that technology was where I should be. I was definitely a logical thinker. I had the drive. Most importantly, it was easy to be financially independent while working in IT. And deep down, that was all that mattered to me. I wanted to make as much money as possible, so that I would never have to rely on my parents for anything. And it worked. I was able to walk away from my parents and never look back.
However, I ended up in a career that does not reflect who I am. I know software. I know finance. But I don’t wake up in the morning and feel excited to go to work. I know – most people don’t – but I am not interested in living like most people. I have never had the luxury of living like most people. There is no reason I should start now. I want a career in which I can truly use all of my gifts, especially those that have developed from my life journey. I want a career that makes me jump out of bed in the morning. I am no longer going to make decisions because others tell me it is the right or logical next step. I want to make decisions because my heart is jumping around in chest when I think that I might be able to do it. Even if that decision requires miracles, that’s ok. I have had plenty of miracles so far.
I’m just catching up! Great job. I’m so proud of you. Please keep in touch.
Wow! Wow! Wow! Heartfelt congratulations to you, Elizabeth! You are a power cell and will most definitely change lives! You were meant for this work. ♡♡♡
Thank you so much Amy!
Congratulations. I’m glad you changed jobs. You have gifts to offer that people need to experience. Good luck in your new career.
Thank you so much!