The Price of a Dream

I recently read a post (linked here) highlighting President Obama's student loan initiatives.  In the same post he says he wants more young people to become social workers (among other "helping" professions mentioned) and to be in a position to follow their dreams.  I read this post on Facebook, and as I scrolled through the comments, I noticed a common theme.  Most of the comments were negative.  They pointed to the low wages social workers earn, the poor investment of paying for a degree when your annual salary is likely to be less than the cost of your education, and how social workers are underpaid and under appreciated.  These comments struck me as somehow false, but I didn't get very far with that idea.  Yes they didn't ring true to me, but I couldn't really figure out why.  As both a social worker and a social work educator, I am aware of both the salary range for social workers and the cost of social work education.  Higher education is expensive and costs continue to rise.  Although social work jobs are in high demand, salaries are modest.  So my "feelings" and the "facts" didn't quite mesh and I tabled the discussion in my head.

Today as I was meeting with my colleagues we had a discussion that reopened the debate.  We were discussing how to approach a cost benefit analysis on an important research project.  The discussion revolved around the cost of a complex human problem.  During this discussion it occurred to me that my "feelings" and my "facts" didn't mesh because I had oversimplified my facts.

It is a common mistake, measuring costs and benefits in simple dollars and cents.  The truth is the "cost" of our choices is far more than any monetary amount will ever capture and so are the "benefits".  I once had a phone conversation with a friend while I was on my way to the office on a Saturday.  When the friend found out where I was headed they quickly offered sympathies.  In that moment I was reminded of what I have always known.  Social work is special.  I had the privilege of saying, "It's okay.  I like it".    Those who know me know I love, triple love my work.  The passion I feel for the work and the fullness it gives me are rare in a world of dollars and cents.  It's heart work.  Being a social worker isn't a "job" it is a state of being.  We get to be present with people where they are. They share with us their strength and their vulnerability.  They honor us with their story.  They invite us to travel with them on this journey of life.  You just can't quantify the benefit of that. 

I am known for challenging my students to practice radical self-care.  Maybe it is time I also challenge everyone else to radical, passionate, fulfilling work.  I wake up every day with the privilege and honor to go to "work".  That is a benefit you may never quantify but I sure hope you get to experience it.

The picture below is of OLLU Worden School of Social Service Spring Social Work Graduates.  My wish for them is all the wealth that social work has to offer.  In my experience....they will be very rich indeed.