Austin Urlaub, a 23-year-old social work graduate student from Michigan, comes from a family of helpers and feels called to aid others. He has found that the demand for social workers is rising, with many entry-level positions offering competitive salaries and sign-on bonuses. Urlaub earns $23 to $27 an hour in his part-time job while finishing his degree. Despite the stable financial situation, Urlaub hopes to purchase a home with his girlfriend, but is hesitant due to high prices and interest rates. He is optimistic about his economic outlook and plans to graduate debt-free with the help of scholarships.
Urlaub is critical of the current state of social work, feeling that workers are underpaid for the value they provide to society. He is disappointed with political leaders’ responses to substance abuse issues, feeling that more direct action is needed to address the growing crisis. He believes that funding for treatment is essential to help those struggling with addiction and prevent future generations from facing the same challenges.
While Urlaub sees a bright future for his career as a social worker, he acknowledges the challenges facing the field. He hopes to make a positive impact in his community and help those in need, despite the financial and systemic obstacles that exist in the field.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com