2 answers
Claire
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
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As a psychologist, do you have a lot of free time?
I am a 10th grader in high school and am hoping to get my associates degree. I am hoping to go into human services related and trying to find the best way to get there.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1914
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Claire !
Time availability while being a student or having a career depends upon the person. It's not so important as to how much free time you will have, rather what goals you want to set for yourself in the Human Services field. It takes twelve years to become a psychologist and you can easily go into other types of mental health careers without that much school. A social work path takes six years in comparison and you can do clinical therapy in your job just as well and spend more time with your clients/patients. Many Social Work positions are typically 8 hour days depending on where you work, but mostly a regular shift. The social workers I have known have always had free time to do many things as they chose and raise families as well. You almost can control how much you work also because you can take on other jobs in addition to your main job.
My opinion is to not so much gage how much free time you will have as a working psychologist, rather how much free time you would have during your academic path. It's a very focused, busy major with lots of out of class work.
With a degree in Psychology as well as special certifications, you could probably get a good position with a Bachelors Degree, too.
Look into Certified Mental Health Counselor, too. That takes six years plus a special certification. To be honest with you, you must really think about how important being a psychologist really is for you if you're concerned about time off. Psychologists do a lot more than just talk to people. Some write articles, sit on Boards, attend conferences, present at conferences, treat people using therapy and whatever their agency needs of them.
I was in Human Services for 27 years and had a career as a case manger. I was fortunate that even at the Bachelor level, I had jobs that paid very well and great benefits. A Case Manager is someone who assists clients in every area of their life and for their individualized needs. I always had a lot of free time, by the way and when you work in this field, the days off package is unusually large. Very generous in all respects. That was just my experience in mostly a major city but small towns proved to be just as generous. A Case Manager is someone who stays with a client long term. A Case Worker is someone who works at a specific type of agency and if a client drops in, any case worker can help them, sort of like a momentary thing. The client would not always have the same case worker, but case management is continual with the same client for however long the client wants.
Working in Human Services, I had copious trainings, conferences, presentations, etc. that I was required to attend and those were done during work time. It's really a good field to work in, I will advise. But you will probably want to consider how long you want to be in college and what your personal goals are as a person in human services. What do you want to do most ? What is your professional mission ? And keep in mind that Case Managers often work a couple of jobs simultaneously, too.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
JOBS IN HUMAN SERVICES https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/human-services-field-careers
Time availability while being a student or having a career depends upon the person. It's not so important as to how much free time you will have, rather what goals you want to set for yourself in the Human Services field. It takes twelve years to become a psychologist and you can easily go into other types of mental health careers without that much school. A social work path takes six years in comparison and you can do clinical therapy in your job just as well and spend more time with your clients/patients. Many Social Work positions are typically 8 hour days depending on where you work, but mostly a regular shift. The social workers I have known have always had free time to do many things as they chose and raise families as well. You almost can control how much you work also because you can take on other jobs in addition to your main job.
My opinion is to not so much gage how much free time you will have as a working psychologist, rather how much free time you would have during your academic path. It's a very focused, busy major with lots of out of class work.
With a degree in Psychology as well as special certifications, you could probably get a good position with a Bachelors Degree, too.
Look into Certified Mental Health Counselor, too. That takes six years plus a special certification. To be honest with you, you must really think about how important being a psychologist really is for you if you're concerned about time off. Psychologists do a lot more than just talk to people. Some write articles, sit on Boards, attend conferences, present at conferences, treat people using therapy and whatever their agency needs of them.
I was in Human Services for 27 years and had a career as a case manger. I was fortunate that even at the Bachelor level, I had jobs that paid very well and great benefits. A Case Manager is someone who assists clients in every area of their life and for their individualized needs. I always had a lot of free time, by the way and when you work in this field, the days off package is unusually large. Very generous in all respects. That was just my experience in mostly a major city but small towns proved to be just as generous. A Case Manager is someone who stays with a client long term. A Case Worker is someone who works at a specific type of agency and if a client drops in, any case worker can help them, sort of like a momentary thing. The client would not always have the same case worker, but case management is continual with the same client for however long the client wants.
Working in Human Services, I had copious trainings, conferences, presentations, etc. that I was required to attend and those were done during work time. It's really a good field to work in, I will advise. But you will probably want to consider how long you want to be in college and what your personal goals are as a person in human services. What do you want to do most ? What is your professional mission ? And keep in mind that Case Managers often work a couple of jobs simultaneously, too.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Claire
I wish you well, Claire, and happy that this could help !
Michelle M.
Caroline Juma
Paramedic/Assistant Nurse
2
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Psychologists' workload and free time can vary greatly depending on factors such as their specialization, employment setting (private practice, academic institution, hospital, etc.), caseload, and personal preferences.
Some psychologists may have more flexibility in their schedules, especially those in private practice who can set their own hours. Others, particularly those working in busy clinical settings or research environments, may have more structured and demanding schedules.
Overall, psychologists often balance their professional responsibilities with personal time, just like individuals in any other profession. It's essential for maintaining well-being and preventing burnout.
Some psychologists may have more flexibility in their schedules, especially those in private practice who can set their own hours. Others, particularly those working in busy clinical settings or research environments, may have more structured and demanding schedules.
Overall, psychologists often balance their professional responsibilities with personal time, just like individuals in any other profession. It's essential for maintaining well-being and preventing burnout.
Thank you so much!
Claire