Any social workers out there?

[DeRigueurMortis]

Hi,

I'm seriously thinking of leaving the corporate world and retraining as a social worker.

It would be a big drop in income (especially as I retrain which would mean going back to uni for 2 years to do an MA) but that's not a deciding factor. I'm not afraid of long hours (I have that to contend with already) nor bureaucracy (ditto).

I really want a job where I work in the community.

I'd be really grateful for any thoughts/experiences.

Thanks in advance.

DRM

What kind of SW. Adults, children, people with LDs, older adults? It's very different.

Was just going to say the same. Many different areas and the huge variety within that. Childrens social worker cover child protection, children in care, those with disabilities. There's also fostering, adoption, children leaving care, etc etc.

My best friend is a child protection social worker. She’s exhausted, overworked and underpaid. She sees horrific things every day.

Thanks for the responses.

I'm sorry I wasn't clear.

I'd ideally be working with vulnerable adults.

Vulnerable adults was brilliant when I worked there a decade ago. Still underpaid, overworked and stressful but the clients were awesome! And their carers too. Great team as well.

Thank you!

I did the MA and it's great. Really prepares you well.

That's great to hear!!

DH is on board but my parents think it's a crap idea to throw in a six figure career and the only job they think might be worse in terms of how pay/pressure/thankless is teaching (they are ex teachers).

I've discussed it again with DH and I'm going to apply for the MA next week.

Obviously am hugely lucky to have the chance to do this given DH's support (and income meaning the loss of my wage whilst very significant, doesn't mean a massive lifestyle overhaul).

I wrote a reply on this thread not so long back - I am a frontline child protection social worker, 7 years in.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3882576-any-social-workers-around-care-to-tell-me-about-your-job-stresses

What is it about the job that appeals to you specifically? Yes SW is community based but there is also a significant amount of office time, the admin is like nothing else. There are statutory deadlines for recording so I’m often up until midnight getting things on the system on time, I always work at weekends. I think on average per week I probably do at least another 20 hours on top of my contracted 37. I’m not alone in that - my time management is better than most! I’m not saying this to put you off, far from it - but social workers are successful when they don’t go into it with anything less than realistic expectations. I love it - really really love it and despite all the challenge and the heartbreak I wouldn’t do anything else.

Wow thanks for the link!