Related Career Categories

• Clergy
• Clinical Psychologist
• Clinical Social Worker
• Community Developer
• Family Social Worker
• Geriatric Social Worker
• Health Social Worker
• Human Service Manager
• Interpreter
• Mental Health Counselor
• School Social Worker
• Social Worker

School and Career Surprises: Tips From People on the Job

Career: "I was surprised to find that being a case manager required me to be a multi-tasker, everything from fixing toilets to dealing with suicide attempts. I was also surprised to find being a case manager required me to use my skills as a mother the most because so many of my clients need that role filled."

Career: "I was surprised at how many people who claim to want help really just wants to use the system. As a case manager, I felt that these people really needed help but why did they not want to really help themselves. Not all people are this way but for the most this was the case for many. I was very shocked at how people wanted to argue with me and just want me to do what they wanted and did not want to do what was required of them in the program. I was shocked by the behavior and at first I felt what did I get myself into."

Career: "I was surprised at how much the field is filled with people who hate other people in general. I thought social work would be filled with caring people who wished to help others but what I've found is that a large majority of people I work with seem to be there to brow beat people in a position under them. Sad but true."

Career: "I was surprised with the amount of patience and self control needed for this job. It is often important to work straight through lunch in order to clear backlogged paperwork, and many of the clients will intentionally test social worker's patience."

Best & Worst Things About This Career

"The best part of my career is being able to help kids in need and actually see them appreciate it and use the skills they learn in the real world. It is rewarding when our kids do well in school or get a job and start saving money. The worst part of the job, though, is when these things don't happen and kids steer away from their treatment, which often leads to them ending up even worse off."

"The best part of my career is that I am making a difference in the lives of children. Even though children do not want to be in foster care, they are able to receive a better life with more opportunities than they would have if they were still in a neglectful and/or abusive environment. The worst part of my career is the long hours and the emotional toll that it can take on me."

"The best part of the job is working with the dedicated, caring foster parents who take children into their homes so they can thrive and develop in a family environment. I have seen children go to college and become successful adults. Babies with drug addictions and other health issues who were placed at birth become active and happy toddlers who blossom in foster care. Although very rewarding, the job can also be stressful. It is hard to make plans after work and it takes away the time I could be spending with my family. There is also a great deal of writing involved with assessments, annual re-evaluations and bi-monthly dictation. We have just had a new computer system installed that we are trying to learn. The one thing you can be certain of is not being bored. There is a great deal of interaction with many people including co-workers, collaterals and the foster families. I have learned so much in this job that I will take with me when I am ready to retire."

"One of the best parts of my career is that I am able to make a difference in the lives of children. I work with hundreds of kids and families and am able to see a child successfully be reunified with their biological family or be adopted by their foster family. It is great to see children achieve some kind of permanency in their lives. The worst part of my job is that it can be emotionally draining. It can affect my personal life when I see children go through tough times, undeserving of it all."

"One of the best parts of being a social worker, of course, are the rewards of seeing changed lives. It is amazing to be able to teach a child skills to cope with every day stressors, how to avoid anger, and to reach through depression and then to watch them soar as they catch on and get excited about their future. The worst part of being a social worker is that sometimes there is too much red tape in actually getting to help a client. Money needed to truly help is not always available and this year, Congress has taken most money from social services. Of course, the rewards greatly outweigh these negatives."

Tips for Succeeding in This Career

"If I were to advise someone pursuing this type of career, I would alert them that it is indeed frustrating, but it can also be rewarding. It certainly helps to have a high tolerance for behavioral issues and a willingness to forgive certain actions. As far as education, basic psychology courses or degrees help in identifying certain problems with each child. The bottom line is to just be open to helping them out and being there when they need it the most."

"The first piece of advice is to try and obtain a higher education. There are many more careers available to social workers who have their Master's degrees, and especially to social workers who are licensed. The salary will always be too low for what we do; however, your salary can increase if you have a higher degree. The second piece of advice is to make sure you establish healthy personal boundaries for yourself. It's easy to get caught up in your job, but remember to take breaks. Try and leave work at work every day, even though it may be hard. The third peice of advice is to always keep in mind why you do what you do. Over the years it can be easy to lose sight of your mission, and view your job as "just a job." Remember the children and families that you are helping."

"If you are looking into an MSW (that is, a master's in social work), think of a state college where you can get a two-year degree for less money then a private college. You can work full-time and attend a part-time graduate program if money is an issue. Our agency, for example, provides financial assistance in obtaining an advanced degree. Working for this agency provides you with a wealth of knowledge if you decide to work for another service agency. The people skills you gain can be utilized in various other capacities. If you want to help people and enjoy children this is a good place to see many success stories. I have personally received positive feedback from the people I work with and I enjoy my job. The most important tool for a social worker is the skill set you have in understanding and not judging people. If you cannot relate to people, you need to think of another occupation."

"Although social work can be emotionally draining and demanding, it is worth it to be able to see the difference that you have made in someone's life. Look into pursing your education further; there are many additional opportunities in the social work field for those who have a degree higher than a Bachelor's. Many organizations offer tuition assistance, and that is definitely worth looking into. Also, keep an open mind when it comes to social work. You might find yourself interested in working with those whom you thought you wouldn't, and this can open many doors for you."

"You really have to have a heart for social work. The pay is not always in line with the importance of the job. Even though "red tape" may sometimes get in the way of your work, you should always work like nothing is impossible. Being able to relate to people of all different cultures, genders, backgrounds, etc. is a really important part of being a social worker. You must remain open minded at all times. Your clients WILL have different views from your own, but you must respect them and help them nonetheless."