I want to choose my dissertation topic! Or do I?

Part of the reason I chose the PhD program I am in was because they allow complete control over the dissertation topic. I think social work might generally allow more student discretion in dissertation topic this than some other disciplines but I know some universities still encourage students to complete their research under a professor who has funding and who needs cheap or free labor (ok, I know that's a bit pessimistic). That is definitely not the case in my program and I am glad for it.

On the other hand, funding is an issue. After classes are over, my stipend and free tuition disappear and...then what? Some people receive grants buy my-oh-my is that a competitive world! In the current political climate there aren't too many people concerned about how immigrant families are fairing in child abuse and neglect cases.

When I started school and decided to switch to a part time position at work my policy area switched completely. I'm still committed to child welfare, but at work I am immersed in disability issues particularly related to youth. My boss likes me and just today talked to me about how happy she would be to have me work on my dissertation on company time. Well. That means a disseration in a different topic area. It's still human services. It's still youth. But it's not what I want and what I planned.

Hrmph.

But it means I would get paid.

And I know my dissertation isn't my whole career and I am allowed to have multiple interests.

Hrmph.

What to do, what to do?