To want to be a social worker?

[Mum233]

I am currently in a leadership role in a secondary school and a safeguarding lead. The next step career wise is becoming a Headteacher. The nearer I get to that, the more I realise this is not what I want and what I would actually like us to pursue a career where safeguarding is a huge part of the role. This is an element of my job that I really love and seem to do well at.
This has led to me wanting to retrain as a social worker.
Is anyone a social worker that could tell me honestly what it’s like? Is it possible to juggle this job with having children? Be honest!
Thank you!

I was failed by social workers as a child and now have a need to try and right this wrong!

I think if this is your motivation - understandable as it is - social work for you would be a recipe for stress and burnout. You’ll fight against the lack of resources, the high thresholds for support, you’ll want to do more than you’ll be able to, you’ll feel impotent and frustrated.

It's an amazing job but you are universally hated and complaints are routine. If you can handle that - manage impossible deadlines and have back up for emergency/duty days to deal with your own children then why not? It's a huge privilege to work with families in crisis and if you are open and honest occasionally you can make a huge difference to a family.