If you are studying social work, I'm sure you've heard a myriad of statements about how social work consists of low pay, taking children away and being a bleeding heart liberal. As I get closer to achieving my Master of Social Work, I've heard it all.
If you are an undergraduate student or an undergraduate student who has just begun your journey in your studies, be prepared to hear all of the misconceptions about this wonderful, selfless, tiring and rewarding profession that is social work.
Here are 10 things social work majors are tired of hearing:
1. "But you won't make a lot of money!"
Yeah, I'm totally going into this field solely for the dough.*rolls eyes*
2. "So you're just going to take away people's kids, right?"
Yeah, because that's all a social worker's job consists of. One of the biggest misconceptions about social work is that all we do is remove kids from their homes. Yes, that does happen if a social worker is a Child Protective Services Worker, but not every person who goes into social work works in CPS or Foster Care. Social workers can work as therapists, clinicians or take on administrative roles in agencies/organizations.
3. "You're going to be tired and miserable all of the time!"
Yes, social work can be tiring and stressful, but it is also fulfilling and rewarding since we get to help people and make a difference in their lives.
4. "All social workers are bleeding hearts!"
Well, you have to have a heart to go into this profession and be a compassionate person. After all, we are helping individuals, groups of people or communities. I mean, you do care a little.
5. "Why would you want to work with [addicts, junkies, insert other judgmental and horrible label here] all day?"
That one irks me. People need to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect no matter what. As social workers, our job is to help people with mental illness, substance abuse issues, emotional pain or simply help them obtain resources such as employment and/or food assistance.
6. "Social work is such an easy major!"
Right. Let's see how you handle a crisis situation at your unpaid internship while juggling 20 cases and trying to keep up with your assessments. Come back and tell me how easy social work is after that situation.
7. "You're going to be poor forever!"
Social workers may not make money like engineers, doctors or lawyers, but again, this profession is not about making money, it's about helping people. This is a misconception. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, the 2015 median pay for a social worker was $45,900 per year or $22.07 an hour. Honestly, that doesn't sound terrible to me.
8. "Anyone can do social work!"
No, that is not true. Not even a little. It is not easy. Why do people think it is easy? It's not. I promise you.
9. "You can diagnose me, right?"
Yeah, sure. Start talking so I can turn on my social worker brain and tell you what's wrong with you. We can start a treatment plan!
10. "How can you do that?"
I do it because it is rewarding and I love seeing that I helped make a difference in someone's life. That's why.
Social work is a lot more complex than people perceive it to be. For instance, not all social workers work in child welfare or foster care. Most social work jobs also require a Master of Social Work degree and extensive training/continuing education credits, which means social workers take courses and attend trainings long after they have graduated. Some social workers work in health care, schools, nursing homes, prisons and some work in administrative roles for a variety of agencies. Social work is a versatile profession.
If other people say these words to you, don't let them bring you down. You are preparing to go into a career that is rewarding, fulfilling and never boring. Social work is a noble profession and society needs us.