It's a hard road to becoming a social worker – but it's worth it

I always had a deep-seated desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Growing up, I witnessed first-hand the impact that dedicated social workers could have on individuals and communities.

Their ability to provide support, advocate for those in need, and bring about positive change inspired me to pursue a career in this field. Today, I am proud to be a student social worker, committed to helping others navigate their challenges and find hope.

Three years ago, at the age of 50, I started social work training. I wanted to expand my learning, the family had grown and I wanted to pursue my dream. Therefore, I applied for a social work course. 

But the path to becoming a social worker has not been straightforward. Being out of education for 14 years I felt rusty. I had to gather references, write personal statements, and prepare for interviews. The process was rigorous, but my passion for the field kept me motivated. When I was accepted, I felt a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the journey ahead.

Once I started the course, however, I realised the complexity of what I was learning. Social work is a multifaceted field that requires a deep understanding of human behaviour, social systems, and ethical practices. The coursework was challenging, and I often found myself grappling with difficult concepts and case studies. However, I was determined to succeed and dedicated myself to my studies.

As a mature student, balancing family responsibilities, being a mental health bank worker for an NHS trust, financial issues, and arthritic health conditions impacting on my mobility with studies was not easy. Additionally, I began experiencing symptoms of the menopause, which affected my concentration and energy levels. 

As I progressed to the third year, I noticed I was feeling overwhelmed with sensory overload. I was struggling with some aspects of the course. Despite my best efforts, I had to take some resits. This was a significant setback and a blow to my confidence. I felt overwhelmed and questioned my ability to continue. 

It was a difficult period, and I knew I needed support to navigate this challenge. During this time I received support from the university to have a specialist assessment, which highlighted specific neurodiversity needs and dyslexia. This revelation was both a relief and a new challenge. Understanding how being neurodiverse and dyslexic had impacted my learning, and finding strategies to manage it, became a crucial part of my journey.

In my search for help, with support from the university and other social work peers, I also turned to the British Association of Social Workers’ (BASW) Social Work Professional Support Service.

The support I received was invaluable. I was able to discuss my struggles openly and receive practical advice on how to improve my performance and manage my neurodiversity and dyslexic symptoms within my studies. The service connected me with others who were facing similar challenges, creating a sense of community and shared learning and understanding.

Reflecting on my journey, I realise how crucial it is to have support for social work students. For many, especially those with additional hurdles like me, the student mentoring service can make the difference between continuing their studies and dropping out. 

I also received support and encouragement from social work peers already in the profession, which was invaluable to me.

Social work is a demanding field, and the added pressures of personal challenges can be overwhelming. Having someone to turn to for support can provide the necessary encouragement and resources to keep going.

Studying to be a social worker is hard, and for some, it may be tougher than for others. Many people are drawn to social work because of their own lived experiences of hardship and a desire to help others. This personal connection can be both a source of strength and a source of additional challenges. 

It is vital for students to know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step towards success. It’s okay, not to be okay, but seek support – you are not alone.

Support services like BASW’s Social Work Professional Support Service provide a lifeline during difficult times and can help students overcome obstacles that might otherwise derail their progress. 

For anyone struggling, I encourage you to reach out and take advantage of the support available. It can make all the difference in achieving your goals and becoming the social worker you aspire to be.

If you have any feedback on this or any other PSW articles email editor@basw.co.uk