Social work degree in your forties

[tobermory29]

Is it a good idea to start a social work degree in your forties? Is it possible to keep up with others who have been in the profession since their twenties and thirties? Is it as bad a career choice as it's portrayed in the media, or is it a fulfilling career? Any advice appreciated, thanks.

It’s a great idea if you have the energy and confidence; I think the only issue with retraining in anything is feeling ‘at the bottom of the ladder’ about the job when you’ve perhaps felt capable.
It is full on so you need to know how you cope and care for yourself but you might be better at that than the young ones!
You are likely to have a wealth of experience and wisdom as well as transferrable skills.

I think it's fine if you can afford to re-train. Go for it!
What do you do now OP? Do you have another degree?

Why not? It's really common. A friend of mine trained in his 50s. It's not a degree course that values youth or dismisses life experience. Nobody on your placements would think it odd to be a student in your 40s as it's so common.

I would like to do this. I have 30 years combined experience as a teacher and police officer so believe I have the transferable skills but worry at 52 I’ve missed the boat.

LadyFuschia confidence is one of my concerns. I am confident in my abilities and also confident in my own skin, however, I am passive and don't deal with confrontation well so it concerns me how I would deal with difficult situations. My motivation is my strong sense of social justice, and witnessing the inequalities and discrimination so many people have to deal with fires up a passion inside me that little else does!

SmiledWithTheRisingSun I have always worked menial jobs as I was raising my children on my own. I am just about to complete the 2nd year of a health degree but I don't know where I'm going with it and my heart isn't really in it. This degree would be with the Open University so would take some time, which is also a concern.

If you finish your present degree you can go on to MA in social work which is 18 months - 2 years? There are also schemes like step up to social work and front line.

If you are getting student finance you would need to check if you can get it again if you restart undergrad degree?

Confrontation and being assertive are key to the job; however I always joke that I hate confrontation and pressure, both of which are social work! I work with looked after children rather than doing child protection as I did struggle with how to manage that, but there are always moments of disagreement, high emotions etc and I got better! Look for training around this area that might help you.

When I completed my social work degree we had quite a few students who were in their 40's & 50's and all did brilliantly and now work in the profession.

Confrontation can happen, more so in certain areas of social care, but don't let that put you off. You'll have your own life experiences to take to the course/ future team and as you progress you will find it easier to deal with the difficult conversations you'll likely have.

Social workers get a bad name in the media and it's something you just have to learn to let go. It can be really disheartening but if it's a career you'd really like to consider, put it aside and go for it