Social work degree crisis

[SaltAndPepperKingPrawns]

Posting here for traffic.

I'm 26 and have two children. I have a place to do Social Work at a good university. This has been two years in the pipeline as I had to defer to have my second child.

As the start date draws ever closer, I keep feeling that social work isn't right for me. The worry, the responsibility, the low pay etc. Although everyone I have spoken to says I would make a good social worker.

I originally wanted to do Sociology. I am also interested in Criminology, Gender and Women's Studies and Religious Studies. I was advised against doing these courses by my college course tutor as they are not professional degrees, and I may struggle getting a job afterwards. Opposed to social work, where I will be a qualified professional. I also worry that some of the other courses are 'weak' degrees, and not worth the money in terms of a future career.

But I don't want to be a social worker.

I approached my tutor again recently who told me again to stick with it, and that even if I didn't want to be a social worker, doing the degree is much better and opens more doors than the other courses. Others who I have spoken to (family and friends) say that it is madness to spend 27k on a degree that I'm not fully sure on.

Another thing that concerns me is my criminal record. I have two cautions for assault occasioning abh from 11 years ago, when I was 15. The uni obviously consider me still suitable as it has been declared, and I had to attend an additional interview to discuss this. This was a very difficult period for me, and one that I am truly ashamed of, and the thought of this hanging over me my whole professional career worries me. Obviously in a career like social work, this would have to be discussed and could possibly hold me back every time I change jobs.

I am very academic, enjoy being in education. But I have no real idea what I want to actually do with my life. I am having a real crisis, and it's got to the point where I lie awake thinking about it all night.

It is possible to change my course, but I would need to decide asap as I am due to start in a few weeks.

Any help/insights/experience would be massively appreciated!

[SacredHeart]

I originally was looking at social work but my tutor convinced me that sociology and social policy would be a much more rewarding and interesting degree.

Moreover, social work is on the cusp of looking for a masters not BA in social work. This means that you may be on the back foot anyway on leaving uni so doing a wider degree then converting to a social work masters was a better option.

If you do decide to change I recommend adding social policy as it is the application of sociological and political theory therefore much more translatable into a job.

At the end of the day you have to do what you think is right, but the quicker you decide the better it will be for you.

[FaceFullOfFilleronthe45]

What has put you off doing social work? There's really no point in doing it if you have no interest in the job, but your tutor is right, it's more likely to leas to an actual job than any of the others you've listed.

If solid job prospects and a reliable income are your main objectives you'd be better off training to be a hairdresser or a secretary.

[IamtheDevilsAvocado]

Social policy and social work training although overlapping in terms of academic content, are quite different animals.... As I think you realise!

I really wouldn't get bogged down in what others (your family) says re debt, unless they know of all the minutiae of professional versus academic training, and have your best interests at heart!

Many people can only see the spectre of a massive loan, rather than all the financial benefits you'll gain with being a graduate!

Also you do realise that student loans are essentially a tax?


I really wouldn't pursue either til you're a lot more convinced of its worth!

What is it that makes you so against social work?
If you are this against it, would you be able to be motivated enough to do a challenging course... As you'll realise with training it's hot solely re academics, but you have to complete and pass every element of your practicum!

[Lightbulbon]

The criminal record is an issue.

I know of 2 sw students who had similar on their files. One was fine the other had to drop out as no provider would give him a placement which you need to do as part of the course.

As you were only 15 and if you can show how you've changed and learned from previous mistakes you might be ok but I'd get more professional advice about this before you make a big commitment.

[IamtheDevilsAvocado]

Also re your cautions- why don't you have a chat with the professional regulators (I think the HCPC) to see how and when you would need to declare?

I've worked with several health professionals with ' interesting' pasts. I also have to declare a speeding offence I was taken to court for 20 years ago...


One the one hand, you were still a child at the time of the offence, and presumably lived a blameless life since. Many offences would be spent this long afterwards.

On the other hand, you would need an enhanced disclosure for SW, and ABH offences are contact crimes against the person, and are never properly spent?

I suspect someone on here with a legal background could advise you better?

Please don't carry shame wirh you, it sounds as if you had a tough time! also professions are always after people who can appropriately reflect on their histories and be self aware!