...to have a career change to become a social worker?

Probably the worst time to become a social worker when they are leaving in droves because they are so over worked they can't make a difference and are just fire fighting one high profile failure after another. Be a florist or something, seriously.

I’m not a social worker but seriously looked into it and asked colleagues who are.
The downs seem to be massive caseloads, can’t be manage. Lots of temporary staff leaving things after going, or not completely doing things or leaving things at a certain level. More need than capacity. Management dealing with the above by hiding from it.
Basically a lot of stress and hours.
One benefit though was not taking work hime, comparing to teaching it can be left at the office a little better. Still though, offset against high stake stress and responsibilities.

I would say it's similar to teaching and nursing- massive staff shortages, huge caseloads, distressing situations, constant deadlines and pressure. Do you feel you have an understanding of just what awful things go on for some people? I have been a support worker for 15 years seeing young people who've had a lifetime of trauma - I don't think I could cope with seeing little children in such horrible circumstances.

We need more social workers and teachers. However, go in with your eyes open. I would put this on the 'work' board as they'll be plenty of people working in this area who can give you information about the job.

My friend worked in social services for years and she had burn out. She moved over to a secondary school and works as a family support worker. She lives it. So plenty of different avenues to go down 🙂

Gosh, well we need good people to be social workers. Do you need to get a/another degree? Will you have to pay for it? That alone would make a no from me. The salary isn’t great so how to you make that work.
Id say it could be very rewarding but also awful. Massive underfunding and knowing that an awful lot could be solved in society if there was more parity. Like trying to plug a flood with your thumb.

Could you stay in the some profession but move into charity sector?