Decisions, Decisions

My classes in social work school taught me the importance of validation. When I work with clients, it is imperative that I say, "It makes sense you feel this way" or "Wow, that must be a tough thing to go through" and "I know so many people who are facing the exact situation and feel frustrated, too". Validation helps people feel less isolated and feel like they can tackle what comes next.

My validation happened today, but it was a little different. It was more validation that my decision to move in pursuit of a job is the right decision. I took a "Licensure Exam Prep Course" through DU last night and today which is a workshop designed to help MSW's looking to be licensed understand the licensure test, the kinds of questions asked, and test taking strategies. Friday night we met and when I walked into the room I saw a number of faces that were familiar because we went to school together. All in all, there were about 25 or so people taking the workshop. At the beginning of the night we went around introducing ourselves and the kind of social work we did. 60% of the people there said they were unemployed and looking, and this 60% included every single one of my classmates. Well, one exception was a gal who just took an as-needed medical social worker job at a local hospital. We had a few classes together. She is married and her husband has been living and working in San Francisco for the past two years while she completed the degree, and he is tentatively moving to Denver now based on this PRN position she has accepted. Now that is faith!

My validation happened a bit selfishly in that I didn't have in common with my classmates lack of employment, but that I actually had a job. And though this job will take me to another part of the state, and I have to sell my house and uproot the boys and leave my friends and family, it is a job. And a really, really good one at that, doing work that I really want to do (at least that is what I am anticipating it to be).

I know my classmates will find work. Each one are amazing, insightful, empathetic people that the right job is waiting in the wings. I have faith that my MSW friends will find a place for themselves in the social work world, even if it means deferring student loans yet again to pursue a Phd in social work. Who knows where each one will end up, but they will end up somewhere.

I feel so grateful that the universe and I worked together in making this happen for me. I talked with a classmate who had interviewed for my same job on the same day I interviewed; he said he is a firm believer that things work out the way they are supposed to. And I must say...I agree.