There’s nothing wrong with feeling unsatisfied with your career and wanting to make a change. That’s especially true if you long for a job that helps you make a difference in people’s lives. In that case, you only have a few options, and social work is at the top of the list.
Social work is a versatile career path with many specializations to choose from. However, each specialization relies on the same core values, including empathy, dignity, and social justice. Many people have these core values and simply don’t get to use them in their current careers.
However, you’re never stuck at a job, and you can always make the jump to social work. Follow along as we explore everything you must know about starting your second career as a social worker.
Starting Over Through Social Work
Today, more and more people make the transition to social work, leaving one career for another. While nobody should make this decision on a whim, it’s far less risky than some other career transitions. It’s an excellent choice for compassionate, hardworking people who want to help others and make a difference.
First, you must earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree before starting your social work career. Otherwise, you can pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree if you already have a bachelor’s degree. This is an excellent option if you want to take advanced classes and make your resume look as good as possible.
It’s worth pursuing an MSW if you got a bachelor’s degree before you started your first career. You can complete the program within 2 years and quickly get a job as a social worker. Upon graduating, you must get licensed through the state before starting your social work career.
Why is Social Work Such a Great Second Career?
Countless social workers will tell you that social work is emotionally and financially rewarding. However, that simple statement doesn’t mean much if you’re on the fence about starting a second career. You can enjoy a long career full of many benefits as a social worker, such as:
Job Security
Nobody can blame you if you feel scared to leap into a second career as a social worker. However, you can rest easily knowing that job security is one of the biggest benefits social work has to offer. Social work has always provided steady employment, and it’s projected to increase between now and 2033.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an employment increase of up to 7% over the next several years. That is the icing on the cake on top of an already steady career path. Social work is also considered relatively impervious to job market crashes and times of unrest.
If anything, there is a bigger demand for social workers during economic recessions and even public health crises. You can also easily relocate and even switch specializations within social work as needed.
Flexibility
Social work is a flexible career choice, whether it be for hours, location, or specialization. Your hours will ultimately vary based on the specialization you choose. For example, school social workers primarily work during typical school hours.
Conversely, private practice social workers’ schedules can run the gamut. However, you may need to work some nights and weekends as a social worker, depending on your specialization. Switching specializations is relatively easy, which offers more flexibility than some other careers.
You can also enjoy a lot of flexibility when it comes to the types of settings you work in as a social worker. Sure, many social workers work out of offices and hospitals, but others visit clients and travel throughout their communities. Research your desired specialization to see how flexible it is before you choose your social work track.
Impact Your Community
Social work is a selfless career, even if it is lucrative and rewarding. However, dedicating your life to helping others in your community is quite admirable. The effect you have on others as a social worker is a form of payment in itself.
You have the chance to positively impact each person you help. This can have a ripple effect throughout a community as you instill positive changes and behaviors. Social workers advocate for their clients and often help them get into treatment and even get jobs.
The more people you help, the bigger the impact you’ll have on a community. This is especially important in communities affected by poverty, addiction, crime, and widespread mental health issues.
Fight for Social Justice
Social justice is one of the key values social workers must hold dear. Sadly, the communities that need social workers the most are often left behind by the rest of society. Whether it be corruption, racial disparities, or government neglect, communities can slowly crumble when left helpless.
That’s where social workers come into play, and they can make a difference by advocating for social justice. Social workers can help their clients find resources to overcome addiction, gain employment, and find housing. This is invaluable in communities where people are often born at a disadvantage and struggle to get ahead.
It’s equally important for people who, unfortunately, got swept up in the legal system or struggled with addiction. Leaving such people without help isn’t just dangerous for them, it’s dangerous for the community. If nobody else will advocate for their justice and rights, at least social workers will. From there, the people social workers help can set a strong example and create a ripple effect.
It’s Never Too Late to Make a Difference
You’re not alone if you’ve ever wanted to switch to a career that is more rewarding on a personal level. The ability to see your hard work reflected in the lives of people who need your help is priceless. Social workers have job security, benefits, and flexibility regarding hours, locations, and specializations. Switching careers may be scary, but the payoff is worthwhile when you positively impact even one person.
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