We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Angela Thompson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In 2015 I was exhausted from being overworked and underpaid. I was tired!!! I said to myself there have to be more social work opportunities available with better pay and less stress. I searched the internet diligently until I came across Travel Social Work. I was so intrigued by the idea of travel social work because I always wanted to travel but did not think social work would afford me such an opportunity. I contacted a recruiter who provided information on what was needed to start my application process. The recruiter informed me that at least a year of master’s level medical social work experience is required to become marketable for travel social work assignments. Say less! I developed a plan to obtain the necessary expertise. In April 2016, I informed the recruiter that I was ready to apply for assignments. I provided the requested documents for the application process. The recruiter submitted me for a San Jose, California position, and I had a phone interview the next day. The interviewer asked about my available start date, and I told her within a month; I was not chosen for the position because she wanted someone to start as soon as possible. The recruiter submitted me for a 13-week assignment in San Francisco, California; the phone interview went well, and I was offered the position with a start date within two weeks. I verbally accepted the assignment. Once I received the contract, I reviewed and signed it. I then put in my two-week resignation letter to my employer. I remember my friends and family being so surprised that I quit my job to pursue a temporary job assignment across the country. I was nervous and excited as I did not know what the future held, but I knew my home would always be there. A special moment I will never forget is my late grandmother praying over me before I left for San Francisco, Ca.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

When I started as a travel social worker, I was not aware of anyone working as a travel social worker. So, I searched social media to obtain personal experiences and advice but to no avail. I researched some travel nursing sites for guidance.

Once I started traveling and putting #travelsocialwork on Instagram, I received messages from social workers wanting advice regarding travel social work, which inspired me to the author, “So You Want to be a Social Worker? Say Less!”I am a travel social work coach and founder of ASTCoaching.net, I provide personalized career support through one-on-one coaching and virtual sessions. I offer multiple services for novice or experienced travel social workers, ranging from goal setting to identifying skill gaps and training needs. I not only assist with career development but also focus on individual needs. Clients who work with me can gain valuable lessons in personal growth by learning self-care techniques or how to cope with first-day jitters.

As a seasoned travel social worker and author of “So You Want to be a Social Worker? Say Less!” I created this informative guide to help other social workers navigate this niche profession and find lucrative employment. The guidebook is an essential resource for recent graduates or seasoned social work practitioners who want the flexibility to travel while working in the field. The book can be purchased as a paperback or eBook edition via Amazon.com The career advice book is ideal for master’s level social workers who want financial stability while doing work they enjoy.

Before I discovered travel social work, I often felt underpaid and overworked. That is why I want to share my journey and help other social workers achieve a rewarding career with the flexibility to travel and earn a six-figure income.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back I would absolutely choose the same profession (social work). I know I am doing what I am meant to do. I have always had a passion for assisting others. My profession is heart work. I love helping my clients to become their best selves and also assisting social workers with getting into the field of travel social work.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think self-care is the most helpful for succeeding in my field. Burnout is real and it is important to take care of yourself before taking care of others.   

Contact Info:

• Website:[email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/travelsocialworkcoach/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Travel-Social-Work-Coach-279885437137533/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-thompson-licsw-pip-sap-9b363283
• Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdYEfJ2j/