I think it's very obvious that you need to put your children first....you said it yourself. They are the most important thing in your life. And your love of writing, along with the flexibility, makes it the perfect choice for you right now. Maybe when the children are older, if you still want to pursue school, that would be your opportunity to do so. Good luck to you!

Hello. First, good luck in your decision. There's a way you can have it all, seriously. You could volunteer if you feel strongly about social work. It won't have the same impact, but you never know - the impact may be just as important. There are so many groups out there that you can contribute to - families that need help via organizations, families that need help via churches, etc. Children can be accessed through big brother/sister or Boys/Girls club if you want a more personal impact with children. Hospitals and nursing homes use volunteers as well. You can contribute and still follow your dream of writing. Who knows - maybe your impact is meant to touch people through your writing. You said you're writing fiction, but maybe your freelance could be some articles on fostering children - the possibilities are endless with writing. it's possible you could write journalistic articles for your local news shows (as we know, news is now mostly entertainment now anyway - especially local). If you can afford (monetarily) to continue writing, then maybe you can afford to volunteer some and still continue to follow your writing goal. Obviously don't have all the answers, but I think it's important to find a way to do what calls you.
;)

I think you should stick with the writing. You won't ever be able to get the time lost with your children back. And get those poems out so people can enjoy them. Life is too short!

If you follow the social worker path, it's a good bet that you'll be trading off more than you anticipate, and not receiving quite the return you hope to.

Social work isn't a profession that pays well - even if you have a master's. And you need that advanced degree if you want to do anything more than dabble at a low level of responsibility and salary.

So first you trade off writing and mother time for your degree and studying, then for full-time work. In the meantime, what happens to the needs that parenting and writing fulfill? They're still there, but unaddressed - especially the writing - because any spare time you have will be spent with your children out of your love and their need.

Blend the two - you only need to shift your perspective and stop thinking in terms of either/or.

You say you want to make a difference. But a difference to whom? As a social worker, your reach is more limited than as a writer, so you affect fewer people. And while you pursue your degree and a full-time job, the ones to whom you are not making a difference are your children.

As a free-lancer, you have the ability to chose what you write and the audience you want to reach. You're free to choose your subject and submit your query to hundreds of publications that utilize free-lancers.

And as the mother of two foster children, you make your biggest difference to the two individuals who need your attention the most.

Bring the rewards, characteristics and compassion of social work to writing and parenting. You add to yourself by combining rather than subtracting through sacrificing one for the other.

Combining the two increases the odds of getting your needs met. And when your needs are met, you can meet the needs of others more effectively, thus making a greater difference to a wider number of people.

Not only that but you won't have to contend with the possibility of eventual disillusionment because of the perpetual frustrations of the system - whether that's government or corporate healthcare.
Blessings
Judi

Christina-Marie
You show a gift for writing in just the story you shared. I believe you can make a career out of writing and have the more flexible schedule that allows you the time with your family. I'm sure there are resources that can help you get started writing.
Look forward to reading stories by you in print!
You can do it!

Hi Christina,

You are really amazing to say the least!! you are already a social worker, you don't need a degree to prove that, but i feel your passion for writing and flexiblity is best for you, to be fair on yourself, your interest and your family and you are doing the best social work, by taking care of the babies. They probly didn't get the love and care they deserved with your relatives. You have a gift of writing, not all people are that creative and I think you should share that with the world!! :) good luck! all said this just my opinion, its your life, i am sure you will make the choice right for you.

It sounds as if you have many interests and a lot of energy. As several people suggested, you may want to take a social work course at a time, which would allow you to see whether you want to pursue it. With a passion for writing and a passion for helping, you will no doubt do a lot of good in the world in both arenas. They are not exclusive. You can do school social work, which gives you the same schedule as the kids: with summers off. Later you can see individual clients and set your own schedule so you can write as you wish, while still having an alternate source of income and activity. That is what I did: I was home with my kids until they went to school and then finished my degree, did school social work until they were older, and then stopped the school social work and now see individual clients. It is very gratifying and fun and I do not find it draining, depressing, boring, or frustrating (all questions people ask me). It is a deep privilege to be allowed into someone's life and it is extremely energizing to have some influence in its improvement.

Hi Christina,
I'm a full time working mom and a social worker. I love working with kids/families and know I'm making a difference in some of their lives but realize I'm missing out on my own son's life. If I could financially afford it, I would be home with my child. You can always pursue your degree later but cherish the time with your kids!

Chriatina--Do what you love and love what you do! There is a lot of hype right now about "The Secret". Some good, some bad. I am a firm believer (with the help of The Secret") that you can do whatever you want to do. Also, having a plan B--everyone needs one these days--so that you don't have to worry about finances while you do what you love is important (unfortunately what we love doesn't always pay well!!) I'm a lot more financially secure now that I've found mine! I'd be happy to share more-Think--no meat, eggs or dairy!...
jonesgirl04@yahoo.com

You knew the answer to this when you put the question to pen! Write! Do your hearts desire. Having lots of kids your time is too limited to be wasted! Take those poems out NOW! Then contact me when you need a proof reader! I'm for hire to proof before print! send2kb@aol.com

We believe that Christina-Marie is already doing the social work, she just doesn't have that degree. She is a wonderful poet and author. (Jen Peterson knows this. She knew Christina-Marie ten years ago) She looks so happy and so does her beautiful family. We think she should put off any schooling for the time being and continue with just what she doing right now. Hi Christina-Marie!!! Love, Jen.

Advice for Christina-Marie:

As a former social worker and child welfare worker, I can tell you that pursuing a degree in social work would be a demanding endeavor. Currently it would be best for your foster children if you could continue focusing on your writing and maintain a flexible schedule. Once the kids are stabilized in terms of placement (ex. are they long term foster care now or still on a return plan?), I would suggest trying to take a class here or there. A social work program generally would require one to be doing both a practicum and full time course work, something that while feasible would definitely take away the time you have for writing AND all your children. However I would encourage you to pursue social work, just maybe at a later date. I also would advise you to try to shadow a worker, as social work is a position that has lots of red tape, ever changing policy issues, and high rates of burn out. Best of luck! You are doing a great thing! From your profile one could tell that you are full of joy and passion for life-something people could greatly benefit from!

I found your story inspiring--it takes a huge heart and a tremendous open mind to care for foster children. I recently graduated with my Masters degree in Social Work & grad school is a huge committment. After reading your story, I believe that we need more people like you in the profession--people who not only have the calling to pursue social work, but the understanding of what it is to work with those we serve. A friend of mine graduated with a social work degree recently at the age of 50--it's never too late. & good luck with your writing. :-)

I think that your choice to stay at home with these special babies is the right one for you right now. They definately need all your attention for the moment. Later you can continue your education.

Christina-Marie,
As a writer and home-staying parent of two lovely daughters, I can only say "You're an inspiration." Having also raised a grown son, I would share with you that the moments you have with your children are precious, and when they're gone, they're gone. If writing lights you up, then please, PLEASE, write! The world can only be blessed by more passionate voices. Going to school, attaining a career helping others sounds so seductive, but the kind of career you are considering can and often does suck the life out of otherwise wonderful people. Your beautiful family needs your helping talents just as much, and in the long run will benefit more and appreciate it more if you give them your time. Give the world your voice, your imagination, your inspiration. Create beautiful ideas, beautiful thoughts, beautiful words. Your family will revel in your creativity and you will not miss theirs.

Christina, it sounds to me like you already know what decision you need to make. Taking care of young children is a huge, time consuming, frustrating, important, necessary, self-sacrificing, and temporary job. If we do the job, our children, hopefully, become happy, successful, independent, contributing members of society. Parenting is a job that requires energy, commitment, and presence, regardless of whether daycare is used or not! Parenting seven children is a tremendous task! Enjoy the sweet fleeting childhood moments and sticky kisses within the chaos. Use these parenting moments for writing inspiration, or write to escape into your own imagination. Your experience will give you compassion and fortitude for social work in the future. Your children will not need your daily care forever!

Although social work can be rewarding, it can be draining, and a lot of the progams don't train you to work clinically with people -- which sounds like an area you might be really good at. Have you considered a degree in Psychology? I know Fielding has a distance program that you can do from home most of the time, on your own schedule. There are probably alternatives in your own neighborhood too. It might also simultneously enrich your writing.

As a single mom of an one adopted child (and waiting for a second) who came with developmental delays (but caught up beautifully), I have found that I usually get to the important things, only at a slower pace. Good luck to you and blessings for all you have done and continue doing.

Hi Christina. As a full time working mom, I strongly suggest you stick to writing. I am a public defender, so I know the importance of speaking out and for those who can't speakfor themselves. I also know that working full time has taken me away from my children, time I can never get back. If it were possible, I would work part time. You are fortunate enough to be able to stay home with your children AND work on your career as an author. You may find that you can incorporate your experience as a mother of exceptional children into your writing and touch many more lives than you could ever imagine. Whatever your choice, I wish you the best of luck.

Hi Christina... Bless you for your commitment to the children! I am an advocate for invisible lost children, as a result of the disappearance of my sister who is mentally ill and has a drug problem. I know firsthand how critical it is to provide care for young children whose parents are lost in more ways than one. You have a gift for writing - AND - it sounds like you have some incredible life experience to boot. I think you should go for the writing - and if you want to put your desire for advocacy in social work to some volunteer experience - come check out our mission at www.outpostforhope.org All the best! Libba Phillips

The social work program will always be there.
I have four children ages 16-26. When they were small I was accepted into the Canon Law program at Catholic University. It would have meant going away eight weeks each summer. The research would have required more detachment from my family, even when I was home. After much soul searching and prayer I concluded that the program would be there once the children were older.
The delay gave me time to really discern whether I wanted to go in that direction or not. Several years later I enrolled in a program at a small nearby seminary. I ended up obtaining a Masters in Theology. I have been teaching theology at the high school level (another direction I would have never considered) for the past four years and thank God everyday that I didn't pursue the other degree. Enjoy your babies. They will be grown soon enough.

Hi Christina-Marie!
You are amazing... do you realize all that are to so many people. You are like Wonder Woman!
I don't know if this suggestion may help, but have you interviewed several Social Workers yet? I think it's a good idea to interview different social workers in different stages of their careers, and possibly explore other careers in social work, like counseling. Everyone is different and each person will have a unique perspective that you can learn from. Also, interview current Social Work students and find out how they manage to do what they do (work, family, social life, hobbies, etc.)

It will give you some time to think about everything.

If you really want to do it, i say GO FOR IT! I am sure you would be fabulous!