To train to become a Social Worker at 50?

[AmITooOldForThis]

Just thinking what to do as need to return to work after 14 years of being a SAHM. Currently 49 and used to be in banking. Got another 17 years ahead of me of working.

Been looking at taking a social work degree in clearing at a Uni within commuting distance.

I have raised 4 DC, one with SN, had MH issues myself due to a horrible childhood and would really like to restart a career in that field rather than going back into an office doing something I don’t care about.

Not even sure I’ll get on the course as I have had no paid or voluntary experience except for being a carer to a disabled adult DC.

Should I even try or am I too old?

Definitely not too old, I have seen and supported others of a simillar age to you through placements and first year of employment

Hi, I think it is definitely worth exploring. I am about to enter my third year of a social work degree and I will be 42 when I qualify. As you say, you have a long time to work until retirement age. I was also at home with children for nearly ten years and needed to do something I thought was worthwhile but also with good prospects. I had no previous experience, but I took on some volunteer positions the year that I applied to give me some experience.

Of course you're not. An ex colleague just retrained at 50+, she's a much better social worker for the extra life experiences.

Go for it! I was meant to start uni next month to become an ODP but I'm trying to defer as I accidentally got pregnant!
I'm in a WhatsApp group with everyone from the course and they range from 18 to 47! Many courses like this do attract older people who have had children and decided to retrain, so you certainly won't be the only one.

“You’re never too old to leave the drums” is an expression I heard years ago and applies to everything. Go for it OP.

I used to work with a mental health nurse who qualified at 54, he was a brilliant nurse, he worked for about fifteen years before he retired, i realise its not quite the same but i imagine both careers are equally demanding.

It's not too unusual to train as a social worker at 50! Life experience is a big plus.

Not too old at all. But it might be worth getting some related experience first, perhaps an admin role in social services. Or a family support role (mostly guiding parents with routines, general / basic parenting skills). Or work at a contact centre along side social workers. Just to get more of an insight in to what is actually required and get a feel for if it would work for you / your skill set.

It sounds like you'll be great, since you've raised kids but dealing closely with other people's children, and vulnerable adults, is a different kettle of fish.

But your age is the perfect age to start a new course or career so don't let that stop you Your years of experience are a bonus!

You're not too old. But the training is a huge commitment to a job you might not actually like. Can you find a way to speak with some social workers about what they actually do? My perception (from professional involvement) is that they have ridiculous caseloads and spend the great majority of their time assessing families and sitting in formal meetings agreeing action plans which others (schools, charities, etc) will carry out . This may not be what you are hoping to do with the rest of your working life.

I'm a social work lecturer. We get lots of students of your age and with similar life experience. Most students on social work courses are mature students. Go for it!

@RussellK

You're not too old. But the training is a huge commitment to a job you might not actually like. Can you find a way to speak with some social workers about what they actually do? My perception (from professional involvement) is that they have ridiculous caseloads and spend the great majority of their time assessing families and sitting in formal meetings agreeing action plans which others (schools, charities, etc) will carry out . This may not be what you are hoping to do with the rest of your working life.

That really does depend on what field and sector you go into.

Thanks for the responses. Very heartening to read!

That is something I’m concerned about RussellK.

Initially I had thought about a degree in Counselling or Psychology as they are both fields I’m interested in too.

Any thoughts on those career paths?

Counselling is very expensive as you have to pay for therapy for yourself throughout In addition to the fees, and then it takes some time to build up the necessary hours to be on the BACP register. Be prepared to be self employed and competing with many other counsellors for clients. You need to be doing CPD regularly to keep your skills relevant and up to date too.

I literally just posted an identical post earlier, except I’m 45. Overwhelming opinion seems to be to do it!!

Have you got a degree already? If so, the Step Up to Social Work programme is worth considering - I have supported 2 students through the process and both came out the end as competent newly qualified workers with a good idea of the teams that they wanted to work in due to their experience.

If not, it may be worth asking some local authorities near you what their current commitment is to supporting members of staff to undertake the training - someone I know was working in the housing department of our LA and applied for the role as a student sw with the authority supporting her through the course ie employing her as a student, paying fees etc. So if ones near you do that, it my be worth looking at relevant roles with them

Obviously the difference with both of those is that you are employed and a student at the same time, whereas you could chose to do the degree with through a brick uni or open university (very popular social work degree) which you would fund yourself. That may depend on what university options you have near you.

Not too old. But I work in this field and bit of advice- there is enough misery in the world without going looking for it. Pick something that is going to be uplifting and rewarding!
It is very very hard to fix broken people x

Social Work is a great job. It is a broad church and you would find your niche. Go for it. We have social worker still working at 70+ They love the job so keep working

I'm a social worker and I say.. do it!!! Your other possible avenues don't lead as obviously to a job. Plenty of vacancies in all areas of social work at the moment, graduates are snapped up. I was in my late 20s when I did the course, but there were all sorts of people training at the same time, young ones and older ones. Personally I work in a duty team so I don't have any caseload pressures. I just respond to emergencies and crises. I absolutely love it. I'm never bored!

I’m a social worker too. If I had my time again I’d train as an occupational therapist. I think their job is less stressful and there are some great roles in mental health.

Wow, good for you. I admire anyone who's prepared to do that job - it sounds tough and not as highly regarded as it should be, but so important to society. I imagine your life experience will benefit you, and 50?? - pah - young.

Social work lecturer and admissions tutor here. Age is no barrier. We value students of all ages and from all walks of life and recruit for potential and with the overall dynamic of the student group in mind. I'd suggest you will likely benefit from some additional relevant experience, though, before applying for the course. This suggestion is less about you being accepted on the course, and more about helping you make a really informed decision that it's the right path for you before committing. Good luck!