Following Your Dreams, Even When It’s Scary

When I decided to become a social worker, I never imagined that I would land my dream job before I even graduated. But that is exactly what happened. I was offered a position as a school social worker, at the very school my own children attended. This was not just good timing, this was God at work.

For the last five years, I have poured my heart into that role. I have loved the smiles, the laughter, the hugs, and even the tears. It has been a gift to walk alongside children and families in both their joyful and most difficult moments. Being a school social worker has brought me more fulfillment than I can put into words.

As time went on, I earned my clinical license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I started a small online private practice on the side. My intention was simple, just two or three clients, a little extra income, and something meaningful to continue doing even during school breaks.

But what happened next surprised me.

I quickly found myself with sixteen clients, many of them couples. Something about the work I was doing deeply resonated with people. I felt a different kind of connection, a different kind of impact. Session after session, I listened as clients told me how their lives were changing. They shared how they were no longer controlled by anxiety, how their relationships were finally thriving, and how they were stepping into the most confident, healthy version of themselves.

That kind of transformation moved me deeply. The ripple effect of healing and growth I was seeing in private practice was something I could not ignore.

So I found myself at a crossroads.

Do I stay at the school, where I have a steady salary, health insurance, a pension, school-year schedule, and summers off with my kids? Or do I take the leap into full-time private practice, something that was growing quickly and tugging at my heart every single day?

On paper, the choice seems obvious. Most people would say stay. It is secure. It is predictable.

But that is not what I chose.

The truth is, every time I sat with a client and witnessed their healing, I felt this powerful pull in my chest. It felt like a rope gently guiding me in a new direction. I prayed about it often. I talked with my husband, who was supportive and encouraging. And after much reflection and prayer, I made my decision.

I am following my dream.

I will be returning to the classroom for one more month as the school year begins. After that, I will be stepping fully into my private practice.

I am taking a leap of faith. And even though it is scary at times, I know in my heart that everything will be okay.

The thought of not going down this path, just to see where it might lead, makes me feel physically sick. I know that this is where I am meant to be. I know that God has plans for me, plans I never saw coming, and I am choosing to trust Him.

So let me ask you — what is your dream?

Are you working toward it? Are you making space in your life to explore it? Are you letting fear keep you stuck, or are you listening to that quiet pull in your heart?

I never thought I would leave the school. I thought I would retire there. But sometimes the life we imagined is not the life we are called to live. And when God shows you a new direction, it is okay to follow it, even if it feels uncertain.

You deserve to explore your calling. You deserve to see what is possible.

And just maybe, your dream is waiting for you to say yes.