Teaching v Social Work v Academia

[foreverastudent]

Or something else along those lines.

I'm making a career change and these areas have been suggested to me.

Would anyone doing any of these jobs (or similar) have still chosen their current career if they could go back and do something else?

I think you need to give a bit more detail about your interest, what sort of education you already have and previous experience (to understand how quickly and easily you can get into either of those careers). I'm in academia and although its very hard at the moment I've always wanted to do research, and also teaching at Higher Education level (though I am currently just in research). I would choose it again if I could despite the hard work. Unfortunately I am not sure if there is a future for me in academia though as the cuts makes it harder to get research funding etc, though I've not given up hope yet. I'm sure someone else will come along and tell you about their experiences soon too!

Yes, I started this thread then realised that i probably should have namechanged as I cant really give too many details without 'outing' myself.

I haven't got a PGCE/Dip/MSW/PhD but would do any of these if I decide what diresction to go in.

I have done academic research/adult training/youth/community work and successful funding applications.

I can't think it's a very good moment to go into academia, tbh.

Although the careers you are considering do have some things in common would also say social worker is very different to teaching. If social work is the way you are thinking of I would say do some voluntary work first and see what you think from there, as social work is often a very misunderstood profession.

grendels- it would be at least 3-5 years before I'll actually be jobhunting, though. Do you think it will be better then?

slippers- I have done some related voluntaty work. In what ways do you think SW is misunderstood?

Thats great then if you have alrady done it and enjoyed it. Thinks its misunderstood in terms of what the job acutually consists of, not much direct work anymore.

If you aren't thinking of working for a few years that gives you plenty of time to do the MA.

Are you any nearer to a decision???

Do you mean lots of paperwork?

In honesty I'd see a few years of front line work as a stepping stone to a more senior, more administrative/policy role in the long-term. Is that realistic?

I'm also now considering housing...

Drowning in it!!! There is clear career progression pathway with social work. Most of the people who I work with went into social work to try and improve the lives of children and make the world a better place (sounds corny but true) so I can't really answer your question. Social work is a vocation and can be very tough emotionally, without a love and a passion for its values I could imagine it would not be a great career choice.

What area are your previous qualifications in?

I cant say without giving away my identity but I can say they are vv relevant to SW.

I am quite an administratively minded person so the thought of lots of paperwork doesn't faze me.

I am really passionate about helping the most vulnerable people in our society but feel that I could do more good on a wider/policy scale rather than 20 years dealing with the same problems over and over. I have done similar work in the past and found it frustrating not being able to change the system.

So are you considering the MA in sw?

yes

Although I am a bit unsure how I'd juggle the hours and childcare. I also really dont like the thought of shifts. I just couldn't do that long-term.

There are alot of jobs in sw that don't involved shifts though. We do flexible working which fits well with having a family. In terms of placements I found each one to be very understanding regarding my childcare.