If I Knew Then What I Know Now
Growing up, I had this neighbor who lived next door to my parents. From the time I was a kid, every time I saw her, she’d tell me I should be a lawyer when I grew up. To this day, whenever I’m back in Connecticut visiting my parents, she still asks, “Have you applied to law school yet?” And my answer is always the same: a quick laugh and, “Not yet.” Honestly, law school isn’t anywhere on my radar these days—unless someone’s offering to pay the tuition, of course! But there was a time when it was part of the plan. And if I had known then what I know now, I might have felt a little different.
I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a therapist. My first job aspiration was to be an ice cream scooper. Seriously—there’s something about dipping the scoop in water to form that perfect, rounded ball of sugary goodness that felt like true art. But as I got older and realized I couldn’t exactly pay the bills scooping ice cream at Friendly’s, I had to rethink my plans. So, when I started my freshman year at Fordham University, I was all set to major in political science with the intention of heading to law school—basically one step closer to Plan B (Plan A was, of course, ice cream).
Somehow, though, I ended up in an intro to social work class. I probably just needed to fill an elective credit, but it turned out to be one of the best accidental choices I’ve ever made. It clicked immediately: This is what I had wanted to do with a law degree—work to change systems of marginalization, oppression, and violence. By the time I graduated, double-majoring in sociology and social work, and heading toward my MSW, I still wouldn’t have believed you if you told me I’d be here today.
Fast forward several years, and I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings: hospitals in the Bronx and Philadelphia, a forensic hospital in Connecticut, an ACT Team in Manhattan, and an Intensive Outpatient Program in New Jersey. These roles, and more importantly the people I worked alongside, not only supported my clinical growth but also helped me find my place in the world of social work.
Of course, I’ve got my critiques of the field (that’s a whole TED talk for another day), but I want to share this long-winded story mainly with social workers who are just starting out or those who are feeling the weight of the world right now. The #1 thing I love about this field—and this degree—is its flexibility.
A social work degree is, in my opinion, one of the most versatile and adaptable degrees out there. It gives you the freedom to redefine your career path as you grow personally and professionally. If you had told 17-year-old me that by 2025, I’d be opening a group practice with one of my best friends, I would’ve laughed in your face.
But if I could go back and talk to that younger version of myself, here’s what I would say:
Self-care is real work. Next time you roll your eyes at the idea of “self-care,” maybe take a minute to listen. You might think you’re invincible, but life’s going to throw some serious curveballs your way. Plus, the day-to-day grind of showing up for others can wear you down in ways you don’t expect. It’s a talent to take care of yourself, and an even bigger talent to make it a habit. Remember, rest is productive.
Surround yourself with people outside the field. I know this might be a hot take, but as much as I love my friends in mental health care, it’s actually my friends who aren’t in the field who help me the most. They’re the ones who help reinforce my boundaries and hold me accountable. There’s nothing like a friend asking, “Are you getting paid for that?” when I’m doing notes on a Saturday night to make me shut my computer and take a break.
You don’t know what you don’t know. Early in my career, I was lucky to have two incredible supervisors who constantly challenged me and humbled me. They helped me become comfortable with discomfort. I learned that I don’t know everything, and I never will. What I can do is approach each client and situation with an open mind, the ability to admit when I’m wrong, and a commitment to always do better. Social work is a constant learning process. The second you think you’ve got it all figured out? That might be the time to reconsider if this is the right field for you.
You CAN make a living as a social worker. If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, “You’re not going to make any money as a social worker,” I’d probably have enough to pay off my student loans by now. It’s true that many social work positions—especially in community and residential care—don’t offer adequate compensation. But with a little creativity and collaboration, you can absolutely find a role that works for you and supports your lifestyle.
As we prepare to open Take Care Collective, one of our main goals is to provide clinical supervision and professional development opportunities. We want to move away from the traditional model of “supervising” that focuses solely on metrics, KPIs, and performance, and instead offer a more supportive, developmental approach. We want the clinicians we work with to feel confident and competent in their practice. The mental health care field is challenging enough—everyone deserves a community that supports them and encourages them to thrive, both professionally and personally.
I understand that not everyone may relate to these "lessons" or reminders, and that’s perfectly okay. This is simply my personal journey, and I’m grateful to be able to share it. One thing I know for sure is that everyone comes to the field of mental health care for their own unique, often deeply personal reasons. But I hope you carry with you the reminder that the work you do is invaluable, and even more importantly, you are invaluable. Thank you for sticking with me this far, for being here, and for being part of this community. We’re so excited to have you with us!
Take Care,
Jenna