Celebrating Social Workers: Building a Career That Lasts

March is National Social Work Month, a time to celebrate the impact, dedication, and resilience of social workers. If you’re early in your career, it’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of learning, serving, and growing, believing that passion alone will sustain you for the long haul.

But here’s the truth: A long, fulfilling social work career doesn’t just happen. It takes intention, reflection, and action.

In 2025, I’m celebrating 20 years since earning my Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW), and 15 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). These milestones didn’t come from simply pushing through exhaustion or hoping burnout wouldn’t catch up with me. It came from learning how to sustain myself in this work, investing in professional growth, and creating a career that fits who I am.

If you’re in your mid-20s, just starting out, and wondering what it takes to stay in social work long-term, this is for you.

What It Takes to Build a Lasting Social Work Career

1. Don’t Wait Until You’re Burnt Out to Think About Sustainability

The biggest mistake I see early-career social workers make? Believing that burnout is just part of the job.

Yes, social work is demanding. Yes, the systems we work in are deeply flawed. But you are not obligated to sacrifice yourself to this profession.

Start thinking about sustainability now, not after you’re exhausted and disillusioned. That means:

• Getting supervision that actually supports you, not just checking a box for licensure.

• Learning to set boundaries early on with clients, colleagues, and even yourself.

• Finding a professional community because social work is not meant to be done in isolation.

Social work is a career marathon, not a sprint. You don’t have to burn out to prove your dedication.

2. Social Work is More Than Just Direct Practice—Find Your Lane

When you’re early in your career, it’s easy to think that direct client work is the only “real” social work. But this field is vast, and part of creating a long career is giving yourself permission to explore different roles and interests.

I studied macro social work in my MSW program because I’ve always been passionate about policy, legislation, and social justice. Over the years, I’ve worked in both micro and macro roles, and I’ve seen firsthand how all levels of social work - micro, mezzo, and macro - are interconnected.

If you’re in direct practice now but find yourself drawn to policy, research, supervision, advocacy, or community organizing, pay attention to that. Your career will evolve, and that’s a good thing.

You don’t have to have it all figured out now. But the social workers who stay in this field long-term are the ones who allow themselves to grow, shift, and redefine their careers over time.

3. Get Comfortable With the Hard Parts, But Don’t Accept the Unacceptable

The work we do is challenging. Holding space for pain, navigating systemic barriers, and managing high caseloads is emotionally taxing. Some difficult days are unavoidable.

But there’s a difference between enduring hard moments and accepting unhealthy conditions as the norm.

If you’re in a toxic workplace, drowning in unmanageable caseloads, or constantly being overworked and undervalued, know that you have options.

• Supervision and mentorship can help you navigate difficult work environments.

• Professional connections can introduce you to better opportunities.

• Investing in your own career growth can help you transition into a role that aligns with your strengths and values.

Early in your career, it’s tempting to think that suffering through bad conditions (aka: "trench work") is just “paying your dues” to the field.  It’s not. You deserve a career where you can thrive, not just survive.

What Sustains Social Workers in the Long Run?

Supervision and Reflection

If your supervision experience only feels like a licensure requirement, you’re missing out on one of the best tools for career longevity. Supervision is a space to:

• Process challenges before they become overwhelming

• Develop clinical skills that build confidence and competence

• Learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas without fear

If you’re not getting the support you need in supervision, seek out a space where your growth is the priority.

Community and Mentorship

Early in your career, it’s easy to feel like you have to prove yourself and handle everything on your own. But the social workers who last? They build relationships with peers and mentors who help them navigate the highs and lows.

If you don’t have a trusted professional community, start looking for one now. It will make all the difference.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainable social work isn’t about “self-care” in the way we often hear it framed—it’s about structuring your career in a way that supports your well-being.

That means:

• Building skills that open doors to different opportunities

• Understanding that boundaries are professional, not selfish

• Advocating for yourself in the workplace and beyond

A long, fulfilling social work career isn’t about luck. It’s about the choices you make along the way.

Create a Career You Want to Stay In

I’ve been in this field for 20 years, and I love this work just as much as when I started. Not because I’ve avoided challenges, but because I’ve learned how to navigate them without sacrificing myself in the process.

If you’re an early-career social worker and you’re serious about building a career that lasts, I invite you to join one of my supervision groups. Together, we talk about real challenges, real strategies, and real ways to make this work sustainable.

Your career is just beginning. Let’s make sure it’s one you want to stay in.

Join a Supervision Group Here

If you don't need group hours, or aren't in Colorado, check out my Individual Supervision or Consultation services.

Happy Social Work Month, and thank you for the work you do—every single day.