Scared to do masters

[merlinsway]

I'm graduating this summer with an honours degree in Society, Politics and Social Policy. I'm a mature student and had an absolute nightmare of a time getting to this point of my life, my life was a shit storm so I'm really proud.

For as long as I can remember social work has always been an area of interest for me. It's always been something I want to do but always seemed to be a distant dream. However, I was accepted into a masters course in social work a few weeks ago dependent on getting a 2.1. I'm graduating with 69 percent so will be able to go on an do that.

I am now just filled with dread, I keep thinking I won't be able to do it and reading about the burnout rates. I am prone to depression and live daily with anxiety, it doesn't stop me doing stuff and I can hide it quite well but I worry about how social work will affect my mental health.

I also went through the past few years with a really good friend who did the same course as me so I've had her to lean on. I'm shitting myself about having to meet new people and if I'll manage the placements due to my anxiety. I don't get it, a few months ago I was buzzing about this but now it's becoming a reality im really second guessing if this is the right decision.

I can't imagine nor want to do anything else. But since there's a high burnout rate and me already suffering mental health issues (albeit manageable) I just feel like I'm playing with fire. It's only 12 people in my course as well which makes it worse as I feel there will be more focus on me as can't hide as easy.

Also am I insane? Going into a job like this when social interaction makes me quiver in my boots? I'm fine once I get comfortable but the first couple of meetings with someone I shake, go red, sweat. It's terrible.

AIBU to think I'm not cut out for social work and it takes a more confident person?

Breathe! I started my MSc in sept and first day my anxiety was absolutely through the roof, every week I went into uni it got easier and easier, by about week 4 I was looking forward to going in, and by the end of the first semester I was in my element. Now I look back, and think what the heck was I nervous about?!?! (I’m 38 btw). Yes, it will be hard at the start, but I promise you the more you face the fear and overcome it the stronger you will get. I like the phrase “if your dreams don’t scare you then they are not big enough!”. Go for it!

If it helps, I returned to uni as a mature student and ended up finding my masters easier than my undergrad - I'm not sure if it was because I was more motivated to do it or because there was more scope to explore genuine interests within the lecture courses but whatever it was, I got through the year much better than I did my final year of undergrad! Go for it. Chase your dreams

I personally found masters easier. You're given more leeway, not told you must use five particular journals etc...

You'll be good x

If you do your Masters and social work isn’t for you, you can do something else.

A social work MA is going to include practice-based learning and assessment. If social work isn't for you it could be difficult to complete it. OP - what do you know about how much of your course would be based in practice?

There is high burn out in a lot of the front line social workers but there are many areas of social work you could get into.

Breathe, you have done amazingly so far and you are right to be very proud. Imagine looking back in 2 years time knowing you've done it !