Social work masters, wait or start now

[AndiPetersblender]

I've been accepted on to a sort of conversion degree to train as a social worker. I already work full time in a related field. I was so happy to be accepted into the programme as it's funded and I could never have afforded it before.
I have two DC's in primary school. My worry is that the placement could be anywhere and they're very young to do 7.30-6 in breakfast and after school club. They only do two long days currently. I think the older kids can just get on with it but in reception they're knackered at 3.15!

Also my current job is local and very flexible, meaning I can WFH from 3-6 to allow for school run and start after drop off if needed.
They are also totally totally in the shit with staffing at the moment and I feel leaving would put my colleagues under more stress as they struggle to recruit in our sector.
Should I put this off a year or just crack on with my dream? I'm aware that it won't just be a full on year but likely to be a few years of long hours whilst building up my experience. The idea was that I would be able to cut my hours slightly when my children were teens and needed me more.

Start now. If you wait you’ll find more and more pressing reasons every year not to begin.

I don’t know specifically about your course, but I know plenty of people whose careers have been stymied by lack of funding for training. Honestly you’d be very unreasonable to let it go.

Would arranging a childminder who could pick your children up from school not be a possibility? I’m pretty sure with thorough investigation you could find a suitable set-up for them.

You seem to be finding slightly spurious reasons to put off diving into the course. Are you anxious about it?

I think you should go for it now. I don't think one year would make any difference to the kids in terms of how they'd find longer days at school. As the pp above said, look into a childminder as that may be less full on for them. Good luck and well done.

I guess I am nervous. It's a big step in terms of responsibility, I wouldn't have anyone to hide behind.
I worry about whether I'm doing this for my children or for me. We have enough to live on so I don't need to do it. My family have provided for me and don't understand why I want to do it, as I have a steady, reliable job.

I did the BA social work few years ago but the placements are the same, 70 days and then a 100 day placement. You could be sent anywhere and it is long days so you definitely have to have good childcare in place.

I had one child in nursery for my first placement which was easier as they were used to going, But then by the time my final placement came around they were in reception which was trickier as I had ti use a combination of before and after school club and holiday club.

Kids manage the long days because after school they just have a snack and play, it's is who are exhausted working all day and studying at night.

Once you qualify and begin working you will need to use childcare as well as the hours can be long.

I would have an honest look at your support network too, is there anyone that can help you out picking kids up, or if they are sick can stay at home with them so you don't have to miss placement. If you miss days you have to make them up so that's the last thing you want to happen. Also when you qualify, if you have to work late os there someone that can pick kids up, feed them and put them to bed.

However, even when you are not on placement you may need the extra child care as lectures can be til 5pm and the days you're not at uni you'll need to study.

It is a really intense course but it's worth it in the end. But you do need to consider if long term it is the job for you because of the long hours etc.

i work in adult social care for this reason as I don't have to do late evenings. I have to pick my kids up from after school club by 5:45 and I have no back up or family support, so working in children's services is not suited to me.

I worry about whether I'm doing this for my children or for me. We have enough to live on so I don't need to do it. My family have provided for me and don't understand

Okay, this gets to the core of the issue. Were you brought up to believe that you as an individual are, in some way, not important? That your existence must be purely for other people? Because in all the months this new board has been running I don’t think I’ve ever come across another poster here worrying that starting a course would be wrong because it’s for themselves. Seeking personal satisfaction - spiritual, intellectual, social, domestic, whatever - is what drives and sustains human beings!

Any good thing you do for yourself, that helps you develop as a person, is good for your children. And any knowledge, skills, insight, capability you acquire is good for society as a whole.

I’m sure there must be books you could read, that would reassure you on this. Perhaps more knowledgeable people here might suggest some?

Do it now!
I had a 4/5 year old when I did mine and I was just clear that I needed a placement which was 9-5 and within an hour of my home. In the end one was a little further out than that but I negotiated with the placement that I would do 9.30-4.30 and used mu reflection time to shorten the days. Bottom line is they need to accommodate you.
You don't only have to make decisions for your children, you're a person too :)

Also, training to be a social worker is hardly a selfish act

Hmm … Probably seeking personal fulfilment would be better than ‘personal satisfaction’.

Crack on, I did this, my children were older though.They gave me a close placement. I had such a great time I highly recommend it, good for your career in the long term too, and that helps the family as well as you

It is a very intense course as there are so many assignments as well as placements. My daughter was 7 when I started my MA and I was only able to do it because my husband worked part time and looked after her when I was in the library on weekends getting all the work done.