✨ Social Work Salary Journey | Part 2 ✨
Somewhere after grad school, my social work career took a few unexpected turns. 😂
Here’s what came next:
💼 Contract Substance Use Counselor
🏥 Remote Clinical Hospital Admissions
🏫 Contract School Social Work
💻 Digital CBT Coach
🤍 Leaving the job I thought I’d retire from
🎤 Paid speaking, advocacy & consulting
📚 Content creation
✨ Building a 1099 social work career
Three weeks ago, I left my full-time job to bet on myself and chase contract opportunities.
I was tired of being boxed into one system and one way of practicing social work. Becoming an independent 1099 contractor has given me the flexibility to take control of my career, my mental health, my income, and my time.
Every role taught me something, and every transition pushed me one step closer to the career I actually wanted.
If you’re a social work student or a newly licensed LBSW or LMSW, know this: there are so many career paths beyond traditional case management, child welfare, and outpatient therapy.
Your degree can open doors in behavioral health, hospitals, consulting, remote care, advocacy, utilization management, coaching, corporate wellness, and entrepreneurship.
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As someone who transitioned from traditional full-time social work positions to a 1099 contractor role, I can personally attest to the freedom and growth that comes with embracing contract opportunities. For example, working as a Contract Substance Use Counselor at $35/hr offered valuable clinical experience, while a Remote Clinical Hospital Admissions specialist role with a $65K annual salary provided flexibility and exposure to hospital systems without geographic constraints. Contract School Social Work and Digital CBT Coaching roles further diversified my skills, allowing me to tailor my work around my personal schedule and mental health needs. Being a Digital CBT Coach was particularly rewarding because it combined clinical expertise with innovative technology, helping clients remotely and expanding my professional reach. Leaving the job I initially thought I'd retire from was a tough yet necessary decision that made way for advocacy, paid speaking, and consulting gigs. Engaging in activism advocacy also brought additional income and personal fulfillment, though hourly rates varied. Content creation and public speaking have further supplemented my income streams and helped me build a personal brand within social work communities. Transitioning to a 1099 career is not without challenges, including managing taxes, securing benefits, and maintaining consistent client flow. However, the control over income potential, flexibility in hours, and ability to pursue diverse roles make it worthwhile. For social work students and newly licensed professionals, exploring nontraditional paths like behavioral health concierge case management, corporate wellness coaching, or utilization management can open doors that your degree qualifies you for beyond the commonly known roles. Networking within social work forums and pay transparency movements can also assist in understanding fair rates and opportunities. Ultimately, the social work career journey is uniquely personal. Betting on yourself by taking contract roles offers peace of mind that is, frankly, priceless. The diverse experiences enrich your professional skills and broaden your impact while enhancing your quality of life.
You go girl