National Association of Social Workers

Second Careers Lead Many to Social Work

Helping Others Becomes a Priority Later in Life

People are choosing to leave other careers for more personally fulfilling jobs.

By Paul R. Pace, News Staff

Illustration: John Michael Yanson

The dream to pursue a second career has become more of an option than ever before in the United States.

As the baby boom generation enters its retirement years, numerous news reports have highlighted a new trend: More and more people are choosing to leave their careers in exchange for more personally fulfilling jobs.

For many, that second career means becoming a social worker.

In interviews with those who made the decision to obtain social work degrees later in their lives, all said the move was the best decision they ever made. And despite a decrease in pay for some, compared to their old jobs, the personal rewards have far outweighed any financial setbacks, they said.

The Boston Globe recently featured a story on this latest lifestyle movement. Stefan Krug, interim dean of the School of Social Work at Simmons College, is quoted in the article, pointing out that there has been a surge in the number of students in their late 40s and early 50s who are attending Simmons as part of a career change. The older students find their professional skills are vital to social work as well, the story stated.

"They are often motivated by the midlife recognition that they have an opportunity to return to school, make a vocational change, and still enjoy 10 to 15 years of active employment," Krug was quoted as saying. "They're also attracted to the values that inform social work, such as social justice."

Phyllis Ferguson-Collum fits that profile well. She is a social worker with the American Cancer Society, Illinois Division. She had spent about 15 years in corporate administration before deciding to return to school for her MSW degree.

Her volunteer efforts sparked the idea. She donated her time as a special advocate in a court-appointed program for abused and neglected children near where she lived. That work helped her realize her true calling.

"My corporate job didn't give me a sense of satisfaction," she said. "I did not feel I was helping anyone. I felt I needed to answer this call."

Ferguson-Collum graduated last May and works in a patient navigation program that aims to reduce the incidence and mortality rate of African American and Hispanic women who may have, or may be at risk for, breast or cervical cancer. Ferguson-Collum said she works with established health centers to reach the women.

"I love the fact that in a world where so much is wrong, you're doing something to change one element of it," she said. "Helping those without the tools to help themselves is the most gratifying," she said, adding that helping the women overcome barriers to proper care is rewarding.

"I'm very pleased with my decision. It's a perfect fit. I love what I do."

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From March 2007 NASW News. © 2007 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.