Calling all Social Workers

Living here has its ups and downs, same as in moving to any city I believe. The salary is pretty good for me. I'm a single woman with no shopping addictions [so far lol]. I've been able to pay my rent in the UK, send money home for my american bills, splurge at the shops, go out to eat, and enjoy the night life as best as I can. I appreciate not having to spend £'s on a car payment, cas, insurance, parking fees. The grocery shopping is great too because there are farmer's markets everywhere. For example, 10 apples, 5 bananas, 10 kiwi's, 5 lemons will cost me £4 [£1 for each set of fruit]. The fruits and vegetables are priced very well. I've learned to eat leftovers and not spend all my money on lunch daily. I did some retail therapy yesterday and bought a leather purse, perfume, jeans, a top, a belt, and shoes all for under £100. The cell phone plans are also great here. I got the Iphone for free [through contract]. I get 600 minutes and 600 text for £35 a month. The gym is about £25 a month. A theatre ticket is about £15-20 a show. All in all I'm not worried about my money anymore as I was back in the states. Right now, the conversion rate is GREAT so I dont need to send much of my paycheck home to cover my american bills. However, once my student loans get out of deferrment I'll probably be living in a shelter LOL.

Psh, for the work involved, you should be able to live like that. And more!

Thanks for giving me an idea of how far your money goes. My interview is next week. It's just a lot to consider/ process.

How did everyone's interviews with Reed go?

I canceled mine. Long story, but now isn't the right time for me to be abroad. How about yours?

It went really well.  I interviewed for the senior practioner position. We'll see if it's the right time for me soon. Still not sure.  I will find out about the job this week.

Has anyone heard anything from Reed??  I'm trying so hard to be patient!

Not yet. I'm glad I'm not the only one. I'm getting anxious.  Did you interview in LA or Chicago?

Chicago.  I'm super anxious too.  Will you let me know when you hear something?  My email is aefrazier@gmail.com.  I kind of thought we would hear something today...

Sure. Please do the same for me. My email is c_williams26@yahoo.com  I thought it would be today too but I believe Fiona said it could be tomorrow.  Apparently, the decision meeting was yesterday based on what she told me at the interview.

Chicago.  I'm super anxious too.  Will you let me know when you hear something?  My email is aefrazier@gmail.com.  I kind of thought we would hear something today...

I just got off the phone with Fiona. I was offerred the Senior Practioner position!

That's so exciting for you!  What a relief!  I hope to hear from them today too.  I just want to know! 

Good luck. Keep me posted.

Hello! I am an MSW and LCSW from New York state and will be coming to the UK in Oct to work with children and families. I am very excited! Also more than happy to connect with other social workers/soon-to-be-ex-pats in similar circumstance.

I was wondering if any other social workers on here have an experience with Juvenile Justice? I just found out that I'm going to working there. I got a scholarship/stipend from a child welfare agency. In return I work for them for two years. I just graduated.

I thought I would end up with child protection, foster care, adoption or something along those lines. But I just found out that I'm going to be in Juvenile Justice. I'm so upset. I think that would be the last place I would every want to work. I feel unprepared and overwhelmed. I cried all the way home and there isn't one damn thing I can do to change where I was placed. So if any other social workers on here have had JJ experience, it would be great to hear about it.  Thanks!