Well, this is sad...

http://encarta.degreesandtraining.com/articles.jsp?article=featured_5_lowest_paying_majors_and_what_you_can_do_about_it&GT1=27001

This article makes me sad. To see the 5 lowest paid majors (and to know that my TWO are BOTH in the bottom) - is so sad.

Most of you know, I am a licensed MSW. I am 6 years post graduation and I work for Genzyme. I still work with an under-served population, advocate for them, and help them attain their optimal health goals, which are all major tenets of social work, but my income is significantly better than the average, still doing social work. As social workers, we empower people to be able to help themselves. If we don't find ways to help OURSELVES, how can we possibly help others? Social work grads need to be CREATIVE in their job searches and how they market themselves! Companies are just DYING to have people with social work skills. Don't believe me - go see how many jobs discuss "excellent communication skills". Social workers TALK and LISTEN. That's the root of our field. I think that gives us EXCEPTIONAL communication skills. There are jobs out there where you can help people and still make a living wage, you just need to look for them. Sadly, it may not be as an adolescent group home therapist or as an outreach worker, but the jobs still matter and you are still using the skills you perfected obtaining that social work degree. Let's face it - most of us need a roof over our heads, food on the table and clothes on our back. 35-40K per year (average MSW new grad salary) barely covers that, never mind paying back the thousands of $$ we all owe in student loans. If we can't empower ourselves to make a "living wage" - how can we expect those we are serving to be able to help THEMSELVES?