Social work has recently become all the rage, and many people are keen on learning more about it. The field is unlike any other corporate job and offers immense growth. Besides, it paves several pathways for people to develop community while earning handsome money.
Social work has a long history; however, it has recently emerged as a full-fledged field. Besides, social work has expanded in the past few years, and today, it encompasses several subfields. Numerous people want to make a career in social work. Thus, they want to learn about it. Students have millions of queries before choosing a major for higher studies. They often want to know if social work degree offers satisfaction. Social workers often state that the sole reason for joining this field is to serve humanity, and it keeps them content.
Social work is rewarding, and earning its proper education allows you to explore options for social work. The degree equips students with the relevant skills and gives them a flavor of on-site social work. However, the field is not devoid of any problems. Social workers have to deal with multiple issues:
Let’s dive deep into social work and break down its joys and challenges.
The Good Side of Social Work
Below we are listing some of the positive aspects of social work.
- Continuous Learning
Social work is far from stagnant. Social workers constantly learn new things as every other project challenges their abilities and pushes them hard to achieve their goals. In addition, it takes workers out of their comfort zone, and they get to learn about new things, cultures, and human behavior.
Moreover, social workers can enroll in higher learning programs to gain in-depth insight into the field. Distance learning offers flexibility and allows social workers to pursue education even from remote locations. It offers flexibility, and students can fulfill their other responsibilities. They can easily register for social work masters online and equip themselves with updated social work skills. Advanced education helps you land a job at a higher designation and earn a handsome salary.
- Learn Positive Things about Yourself
Social work is thrilling and unpredictable. Professionals associated with social work hardly have two same days same in the row. Uncertain situations and inconsistent routines make social workers aware of the capabilities they possess.
Social workers come across people from all walks of life. They hear gruesome stories of injustice and meet people in their vulnerable conditions. Furthermore, to help victims, they often have to work in unfavorable conditions. They become aware of the fantastic qualities and survive in different odd situations.
- Work Towards the Betterment of Humanity
Ask any social worker why they chose this field. The most common answer among them would be that they wanted to help others and play a positive role in people’s lives. Social workers know that their job is not a bed of roses. They understand the difficulties and challenges the field offers, yet they agree to serve because of their passion and commitment to making the world a better place.
Social work is all about stepping out of your home and helping others lead a healthy life with dignity. Social workers feel great satisfaction when they see their efforts bearing fruits. When victims stand on their feet, come out of abusive households, recover from severe illness, and become independent, it makes social workers content and happy.
Challenges in Social Work
Social work is not a luxurious job, and like any other profession, social workers also handle a multitude of issues. Let’s read further to learn more about social work challenges:
- Uncertain Situations
Social workers generally do not follow any routine. Their job is unpredictable, and they often do not know what lay ahead. Social workers throw themselves in uncertain situations handle toxic, abusive, and violent people to help victims. They do not have specific timelines for projects, so living with uncertainty makes their job difficult, but most deal with it amicably and do not let it become a reason for showing incompetence.
- Cultural differences
Social workers do not deal with the same set of people. They meet people from different backgrounds, and not all of them want to accept help or have the agency to rely on an external support system.
Social workers do not work in a corporate setting. They do not have a set culture where all people follow a certain decorum, which is why they need to demonstrate cultural understanding to help others. Several practices are admired in one culture and regarded as signs of respect but are frowned upon in another. Social workers should be culturally competent and not let these differences affect their work. Cultural differences often make their job harder.
- Emotionally Draining
Social workers come across horrid stories of injustice happening frequently. Besides, they often meet victims and see injustices happen in real-time. Seeing and listening to the horrendous stories of power abuse and witnessing people living in unimaginable pains and sufferings take a toll on their mental wellbeing.
Social workers stay occupied throughout and do not get time for themselves. Their routine also affects their physical health, and they suffer from health issues. Social work is demanding and emotionally draining.
The Bottom Line
Social work is evolving at a rapid pace and garnering attention worldwide. People are keen on making a career in a field that allows them to give back to the community and offers financial stability. Therefore, they opt for social work to strive and make the world a better place.
At the same time, social work is unglamorous and has numerous challenges. Still, the degree is rewarding as people gain transferable skills and explore a different world.
