I am being much more intentional about showing up fully on social media in order to elevate my business. This includes teaching and sharing in a way that feels authentic for me. Last week I shared the following in a social media social work group. The truth is that the post wasn’t planned – it flowed to me naturally. Because it was a divine download, it resonated with many women in social work of different age ranges and in different stages of their careers. That is why today I am sharing it with you. SEE MESSAGE BELOW.
For those of you taking nontraditional paths to pursue your social work career dreams, I want to encourage you to KEEP GOING!
For anyone struggling with confidence or clarity, I’m holding space and believing for you. YOU WILL SUCCEED!
I am deeply impacted by the countless posts about confused students, toxic workplaces, and experienced social workers who feel stuck. (I’m an empath y’all!)
I’m grateful for all the people who poured into me over the years and that is why I do what I do.
I’m telling you as a social work leader, career coach, leadership consultant, adjunct professor, former internship supervisor, speaker, and mother of a millennial that IT WILL GET BETTER!
Take from my journey (below) whatever you need today. I’m sharing in hopes that someone sees more possibility for themselves.
As a first-generation college student, I enrolled in my undergraduate social work program straight out of high school.
I became a single mother in my sophomore year.
I transferred institutions at the end of my junior year for 2 reasons:
(1) There was a threat (or rumor) that the university could lose its accreditation and I transferred in fear.
(2) I couldn’t figure out how I would go to school, work, raise my daughter, and complete my practicum as a rising senior.
I left my federal government job where I had worked from ages 18-22 because I didn’t know enough about the social work career possibilities in the federal government.
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology 6 years after graduating from high school.
I enrolled in my (in-person) MSW program part-time at age 31 while working full-time and raising a preteen.
I earned my MSW at 35 but didn’t attend my graduation.
I created a successful macro social work career without a social work license but unfortunately professional burnout and compassion fatigue are a part of my story.
Social Work Career Tip: Don’t strive for perfection – strive for career fulfillment. It’s possible for you and available to you.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, ushers high-performing women of color in mid-level social work and human services leadership through promotion to senior leadership. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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