Is getting an MSW worth it?
I just Graduated with my BSW (like literally 3 days ago), and I have been fortunate enough to be hired into an amazing position for a Non-profit organization as an ISDP (Independent Skill Development Practitioner). They’re paying me $40/hr now that i’ve got my degree, I make my own scheduling, I get paid for driving time and documentation time as well. So basically, I love my new job (Been working in the position since February for a lower pay) and I feel so incredibly grateful to have such a good opportunity immediately after undergrad.
My problem is, everyone is urging me to go into the MSW program. My school is an accredited university and has one of the Top 10 MSW programs in the US. The only thing is, as of now I have no desire to become a therapist, a clinical social worker, or really anything that actually requires me to have a Masters degree. I just feel like I should go into the MSW program for my future even though I have no plans of leaving my current job as an ISDP anytime soon at all.
Pros: Since I did my undergrad at the university for BSW then my Masters program would only take me 1 years (3 semesters), It will open up future opportunities for me later on, and I still have the curiosity, academic drive, and skill set currently to do the program more successfully than if I waited.
Cons: I need to figure out sooner rather than later because if I wait longer than 6 years I’ll have to do 2 years of masters instead of just 1 including re-taking classes I already took in undergrad, Going further into debt without an actual plan for my future, I am burned out, with no desire to become licensed & may eventually move states which affects licensing procedures as well.
So, is it really worth it? Are there options for me if I get my MSW that isn’t one of the careers I mentioned? How important is getting licensed? For those who waited more than 5 years to go into the MSW program, was it harder? Do you regret waiting?