Career in International social work.

I'm planning a career in social work...?

• I love helping people, and sure it might be stressful, and at times heartbreaking, but I'm having cold feet about this career choice. I'm halfway to graduation, and I've told people here and there about my social work major. What's bugging me is that a lot of people told that the social work field is very depressing, and they know someone who's getting out of it. Or I've met someone who once was a social worker but are now doing interior decorating?! I've had more than enough encounters of people like this, and I've met a few who are still going strong as a social worker. I don't know if I'm scared that that might happen to me, I don't want to waste any time while in school. I've taken aptitude tests that tell me I should go into some social service field. I don't know. Is it cold feet? Should I consider talking to a school counselor about this?! All is appreciated. Thanks.

• Answer:

  It just sounds like cold feet to me. As you near graduation and the prospect of a job in social work, its natural you would get scared and nervous. I wanted to be a social worker but here in northern ireland there is such competition for places in uni that i didn't get on the course. I was gutted. You should think yourself lucky that you got the opportunity to study for a job you want. Because it is free to study social work here i think a lot of people chose the course based on this so the wrong people are getting into the field and not lasting. Remember people have scare stories about everything. Don't let it put you off. And remember there are so many different types of social work. You don't have to go into child protection if thats not what you want to do as granted it would be very difficult. You could work with the elderly or offenders and you might find it less stressful. Go for it, finish your degree, get a job and see how it goes. Even if its not for you, its not the end of the world. You still have a great qualification which could get you a job in other areas of social care.