But I had to make a difficult decision that led me on another path. Part of responsible adulthood is making momentary sacrifices for long term gains. We get roommates, settle for jobs we hate and sometimes even work hours we don’t like in order to accomplish the feat of paying our monthly bills. I’ve been in hundreds of job interviews and the one question that annoys me is when I’m asked why I want the position. While I always give a good answer, I sometimes just want to tell the interviewer simply that I don’t want to be homeless and that’s what drew me to the job posting. But my life as a travel social worker took on an adventure of its own as I went around the country living (literally) out of two suitcases. It was a journey filled with challenges, growth, and countless rewarding moments. From bustling hospital departments to serene outpatient therapy centers, to rehabilitation centers, each assignment left an indelible mark.
The Lessons Learned
After working in hospitals for years, I enjoyed the change of pace that came with Acute Rehab. There were rarely any emergencies and the vast majority of discharges were planned. I had the chance to meet so many community partners and for the first time in my life I lived close to a beach. It was lovely. I would go sit by the waves after a long day of work or head there on a busy Saturday morning to get some fresh air before it got busy. It was a lovely small town and everyone was welcoming. There were cool local attractions to explore and Hearst Castle was just a leisurely drive away. The only reason why I decided to leave was that I didn’t want my first assignment to be my only assignment.
My journey as a travel social worker also led me into the wonderful world of outpatient psychotherapy as well as case management. But that’s another story for another day. Of course, this journey wasn’t without its challenges. The constant upheaval of moving from one assignment to the next, the emotional toll of hearing tough things on a constant basis, and the lack of predictability made it challenging. Yet, amidst the challenges, there have been countless triumphs — the smile of a patient as they took their first steps towards recovery, the gratitude of a young adult who finally found their voice,
Though travel social work is definitely not for the weak, the rewards have far outweighed the struggles. In the midst of working in different settings and reading contracts, I’ve picked up an extra set of skills that have served me well through the years. So, if you want an adventure, try (national) travel social work.
Have you ever thought about pursuing a profession that merges your desire to assist others with your fondness for traveling? Envision the chance to create a difference in corners of the globe while indulging in exciting escapades at the same time. This is the path that awaits you as a travel worker.
Let me set the scene for you. Picture yourself standing on a beach feeling the touch of crystal clear waves on your toes. Inhale the salty ocean breeze. Absorb the stunning vista before you. This isn’t a getaway; it’s part of your job. As a travel worker you have an opportunity to discover new places and immerse yourself in diverse cultures all while positively impacting peoples lives. Imagine waking up each day with a sense of purpose aware that today you hold the ability to transform someones life for the better. Whether its aiding underserved communities in accessing resources or offering assistance and direction to individuals your role as a travel social worker will leave a lasting imprint on those who require help.
But what exactly is international travel social work? International travel social work is an area of work that involves delivering services and assistance to individuals and communities in various locations. For the purposes of this article, I’ll call it travel social work. Travel social workers often take on roles in settings, like hospitals, schools or nonprofit organizations. Firstly you get to embark on thrilling adventures and immerse yourself in cultures. Moreover you can make a difference in the lives of communities and enhance your professional skills and expertise. The flexible nature of travel social work also allows you to maintain a work life balance.
Travel social work presents chances, for personal and professional development. Each task brings its set of challenges allowing you to enhance your skills gain an understanding of global issues and evolve into a more versatile and empathetic social worker with the expertise to address intricate societal concerns. If you are prepared to pursue a fulfilling career that enables you to explore the world make an impact, you should contemplate a career as a travel social worker. Are you excited about this once in a lifetime adventure?
The Exciting Journey Ahead Starting a career as a travel social worker unveils an array of exhilarating experiences and unforgettable escapades. Each assignment transforms into an opportunity for a journey. As a travel social worker you can venture into parts of the world while leaving a positive mark on peoples lives. Whether it involves working with communities, aiding refugees, or supporting groups, each assignment presents distinct challenges and gratifications.
“Engaging in social work while traveling offers a chance to break out of your comfort zone and test your limits. I expanded my perspectives in ways I never imagined.”. Sarah, Social Worker
Picture yourself trekking through forests helping families, in villages or offering assistance to individuals in bustling urban areas. An extraordinary adventure awaits as you navigate surroundings interact with communities and gain firsthand understanding of global issues impacting societies. With each place you visit you’ll have the chance to savor dishes explore historic landmarks and take part in unique cultural practices. Whether it’s witnessing a sunset on a shore or exploring temples the memories forged as a social worker on the move will endure forever.
Creating a Positive Influence Within the realm of travel social work, the opportunity to genuinely impact peoples lives exists. Engaging with populations and assisting those in need brings fulfillment. It is through our expertise and abilities that we can bring about changes in communities. As a travel social worker you hold the privilege of immersing yourself in various environments and connecting with individuals from all walks of life. Whether it involves supporting communities or offering guidance, your efforts hold the potential to spark positive transformations.
“The best way to discover yourself is by dedicating yourself to serving others.”. Mahatma Gandhi
Each day presents an opportunity for you to create an impact. Whether it entails aiding families in crisis, empowering individuals to conquer obstacles, or assisting communities in recovering from calamities, your commitment and skills have the power to change lives for the better. Through your work you will witness firsthand the resilience and fortitude of individuals grappling with challenges. Your steadfast support and direction can serve as a catalyst, for their growth and empowerment. By supporting with resources you can make an impact on individuals and communities and help them thrive.
Engaging in travel social work enables you to connect with people from cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. By bridging gaps and promoting understanding you contribute to building a compassionate society.
Personal Development As a travel social worker you have the opportunity to explore social work environments fostering significant personal growth and development. Each assignment brings forth challenges exposing you to populations and cultures that enhance your skills and broaden your professional expertise. Through working in various locations, you can gain insights into social issues and systems while strengthening your knowledge in areas like child welfare, mental health advocacy. Exposure to perspectives can enrich your understanding. Empower you to tackle complex societal challenges effectively.
Moreover travel social work provides opportunities for learning and professional advancement. Attending conferences, workshops or trainings across regions allows you to acquire knowledge while refining your skills. Travel social work has not only helped me grow personally, but has also increased my expertise as a social worker.
You can experience many benefits to making this decision. These include expanding your knowledge across social work environments, gaining an understanding of diverse populations and cultures, improving your skills in addressing complex social issues and accessing ongoing education. When comparing the advantages and disadvantages of growth in travel social work there are pros to consider. These include exposure to social work settings leading to enhanced skills and expertise, a knowledge base, and better comprehension of different societal challenges. On the other hand there are cons such as adjusting to environments, and spending time getting acquainted with local resources and systems.
Cultural competence development is another benefit that comes with Travel Social Work. This includes an improved ability to work with populations, understanding of cultural factors affecting individuals. However challenges may arise in adapting to norms or overcoming language barriers. Accessing continuing education is crucial for travel workers as it provides opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, trainings in locations while staying updated on cutting edge research and best practices. Yet this may require an investment in development along with time commitment for attending trainings.
The flexibility offered by being a travel social worker allows you to tailor your career according to your preferences. By selecting assignments in locations and settings aligned with your interests and goals you can enjoy the desired flexibility, in your profession.Having this level of independence enables you to establish a balance, between your work and personal life.
Picture yourself waking up in a city interacting with communities immersing yourself in new cultures and making a meaningful contribution. Alternatively you might prefer the serenity of working in an area surrounded by nature and close communities. Travel social work empowers you to choose assignments that align with your professional goals. Aside from selecting the location and environment travel social work also includes intervals between assignments. These breaks offer opportunities to explore destinations engage in self reflection or simply rejuvenate before embarking on your journey. It’s a time to pursue your love for travel and uncover horizons.
The adaptability of travel social work allows you to shape a career that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you crave the excitement of life the tranquility of landscapes or the chance to discover various places this profession provides the versatility you seek. Embrace the liberty and boundless opportunities that accompany being a travel social worker. Revel in the satisfaction of making a difference while maintaining a work life equilibrium tailored to suit your needs.
Establishing an International Network Being a social worker who specializes in overseas work, you’ll encounter an advantage in creating a varied and extensive international network. As you work in locations you’ll have the opportunity to connect with peers and professionals, from cultural backgrounds. These connections can greatly influence your career and lead to future prospects. Through teamwork with professionals in social work environments you’ll gain perspectives and insights that can enhance your expertise. Sharing stories, obstacles and achievements with travel workers can create a support system and a feeling of unity that transcends boundaries.
Forming a network not broadens your professional relationships but also exposes you to different methods and approaches in social work. By learning from practitioners around the globe you’ll expand your knowledge of subtleties and diverse ways of addressing challenges. Developing a network as a travel social worker provides access to extensive knowledge, resources and experiences. It nurtures collaboration promotes learning and enhances sensitivity.
In Summary To sum up, embarking on a career path in travel social work offers advantages worth considering. Becoming a travel worker allows you to embark on adventures immersing yourself in diverse cultures and gaining new perspectives. In addition, to making an impact on peoples lives and communities you’ll see firsthand the effects of your efforts. This career path also offers many opportunities for professional development. As a travel social worker you have the freedom to select assignments that match your interests and aspirations enabling you to maintain a fulfilling work life balance. The range of experiences and exposure to social work environments will enrich your skills. Broaden your outlook. By embracing travel social work you can establish connections with professionals who share your passion for creating change on a global scale.
Today makes 10 years since I finished my graduate school education. I remember how excited and optimistic I was for the future. I had gone straight from college into graduate school and even though my program was only a year long, it represented a major change. For the first time in my life I lived in a place where I didn’t know anyone and I couldn’t drive to my parents house on a whim. I had to adjust to living alone and creating my own community. The experience set the tone for my professional specialties of relationship therapy, religious trauma and career planning. I knew even then that I wanted to keep on learning and grow as a therapist. Ten years later I can say that I’m a lot more comfortable talking to clients and providing them with some value for their time and resources. I still enjoy helping people and finding solutions. Regardless of where my career goes next, I know I have a good foundation and a better sense of who I am—both personally and professionally.
As always, my goal for the new year is to write more consistently than I have in the past. Thankfully I got an early start last year as I got the opportunity to write some articles on mental health. However, as I’ve continued to learn and work in the field I’m seeing the value of placing my thoughts on paper or rather typing it out on my phone. I’ve bought more books, focused on growing my private practice and taken a more intentional approach on learning more about relationships. Last year took everyone by surprise and like most, I found myself having to make some significant adjustments. However, one small mercy was that I was already working from home to a large extent so it wasn’t as difficult to transition. This year I want to invest in myself and in my relationships and take the time to enjoy the present. I want to be more consistent in self care and give myself the same grace that I give others.
Lately I’ve had the opportunity to delve a bit more into a new career and I like it so far. While I like direct practice, there’s something cool about talking about it within an educational context. Being in a helping profession can be challenging because people are always looking to you for help. However, they don’t realize that your help and assistance has limits. There are situations where you don’t have an apartment to give them or you can’t take their chronic ailment away or make their estranged relative talk to them again. It’s one of those fields where you learn by doing and as you do it becomes more instinctual. You start out with a whole lot of theories and information about being ethical but when you finally get into the field the rubber hits the road. Six years of practice has taught me to always expect the unexpected and that sometimes it’s ok to take a break. I like working with patients but I really like working with students and I think that it’s time to be a bit more deliberate in switching gears career-wise for a bit. I like the change of pace and I think that it’s needed for right now. It’s a new challenge and I like the idea of tapping into my creative side for a bit without the additional pressure of someone’s emotional health hanging in the balance. There’s more of a chance to stay in the same location for a bit and that would be nice.
As someone who regularly functions in the role of a therapist and also who believes in getting help, I decided to find a therapist. There wasn’t a huge stressor other than regular life and the typical occurrence of getting ghosted by someone I really liked. Except for the fact that it was someone I really REALLY liked so I was feeling a bit more affected than normal. So I went through all the motions that I tell other people to do. Contact more than one therapist, research their background before calling them, etc. After a barrage of emails and finding someone who offered evening sessions, I finally booked an appointment. But first off, I had to complete a 10 page intake questionnaire on my life and stressors. Tedious but thorough. I decided to use my insurance instead of paying out of pocket and was informed by the administrative assistant that I would have to be diagnosed. Fine with me. So the time finally came around for my appointment and I went to the address listed on the paperwork. There was one minor problem. The office building locked at 5pm so there was no way to get into the building to go into the interior therapy office. So I had to wait around until someone came out and then grab the door to go in. Super inconvenient but hey, security is important. So I waited in the waiting from until I got called into the my new therapist’s office. She seemed nice but a little flat. I could tell that she was tired and that I was her last patient of the day but she made an effort to remain present. I’m not great with opening up to new people especially when prompted so it was challenging. The session ended pretty quickly but I thought that it went ok. We scheduled for the next session in a few weeks. So the next therapy session rolled around and I was actually ready to open up and to share about what had transpired in my life and some new stressors that had emerged. I got to the office, waited for someone to come out and went in to the interior office. I waited, and waited. Finally about 20 minutes past our schedule time with no sign of the therapist I emailed her. She responded to tell me that she was out the office unexpectedly and that I should’ve been notified by the administrative assistant. I had received no such message. Needless to say, I understood but wasn’t necessarily happy about it. A few weeks later (yes, weeks) I received an email from her saying that she was accepting appointments for patient’s to be seen remotely. I replied requesting an in-office appointment when she started back seeing patients in her office. No reply. A few weeks later I got another email from her saying that she was seeing clients in her office again. Only this time she included all the email addresses of her clients in the email. HUGE privacy violation and I really wasn’t pleased. I did however want to give a last ditch effort and I asked her about coming in to the office on a specific date and she never replied. Time for a new therapist? I think so.
Today I was reminded that exactly 6 years ago today I received my masters degree in social work. I was so excited to finally be done with the intensive yearlong program and the multiple papers and assignments. It was a bittersweet moment because I still had a year to go in my post-graduate program. I remember waiting in line to march and getting a phone call from a potential job telling me that they were going with another candidate. While I had small part time job, I was worried about how I would support myself. I was excited about being able to make a difference in the world and I was determined to be an excellent social worker. I didn’t know what was going to happen next and it was scary. In the years since I heard my name and walked across the stage I’ve had the opportunity to accomplish some other goals. I’m clinically licensed in 4 states, I have a post-graduate certificate, and I finished my PhD. I’ve also traveled to over 13 countries and moved multiple times to three different states. It’s funny how fast time flies and how much can happen. I had no idea what was ahead when I walked across the state. It was such a good feelings but I was also nervous about getting a job. As I prepare to attend my next graduation–once again without the support of a significant other, I recognize the fact that I’ve had some growth as a person. I am looking forward to the next six years……who knows what life will be like then?
A few days ago I shared an article on social media about the ways the social work is failing. While it was very thought provoking, the author also talked about ways to remedy the problem. As someone who has worked in the field for almost 7 years, the looks on people’s faces when I tell them that I’m a social worker can be quite comical. Unfortunately there’s still a prevalent belief that all social workers do is take kids away from their parents. Social work is one of the only professions I know where you can have a masters degree, two years of supervised experience, a clinical license AND make $17 an hour. That number isn’t arbitrary. It’s actually what I made when I first relocated to my original state of residence. The fact is that we are often overworked and not fairly compensated for our services. Burnout rates are at an all time high because we can’t even afford to take time off and it’s sometimes a struggle to pay bills and make student loan payments out of the pittance we’re given. Don’t get me wrong, you can make a decent living as a social worker but it will probably entail working more than one job, working in an administrative capacity, or being an entrepreneur of sorts. With mental illness continuing to be a growing concern, I wish that the growing demand for mental health providers like social workers translated into an increase in compensation—like it has for nurses. Something definitely needs to change and maybe the change that is needed is that of a union. While I don’t have all the answers, I believe that this topic deserves more discussion and also subsequent advocacy.
This month is Domestic Violence Awareness month and it is definitely needed and deserves attention. More recently I’ve had the opportunity to work with some women who have experienced it. While DV impacts both men and women, so far professionally I’ve primarily worked with women. People seem to be always quick to judge this population and I have to admit that women quite often catch the short end of the stick in the court of public opinion. There’s an opinion that women who stay with cheating spouses are just doing what is expected of them and in many situations men aren’t questioned when they leave a relationship if the tables are turned. The truth is that it’s not always easy to get out. Abusers often control finances and seek to isolate their victims from close family and friends. It’s even more complicated when children are involved and there are questions about next steps and potential custody battles. It’s also important to realize that abuse doesn’t always have to be physical. It can be emotional and verbal as well. In order to make a plan to leave the relationship, one has to come to the understanding that it’s an unhealthy/abusive situation. I’ve had women tell me that every marriage has ups and down and that they don’t want to be quitters by leaving when it gets tough. Many have been encouraged by pastors and faith leaders that they should just submit to their spouse and just bear their cross. It’s important to understand that most victims don’t leave their abusers on the first attempt AND that they are more at risk for increased violence when they try to leave. This is why it’s important to be a supportive friend because you don’t know what someone is going through. Many times women won’t open up to their friends or relatives because they feel ashamed and may feel like they have failed in the relationship and/or marriage. Be present, be aware, be supportive. Learn and recognize the signs of an abuser and don’t give second chances.
Alisha's Angle 