Who Wants to be a Social Worker?

Introduction

I became a social worker because I wanted to pursue social justice, not because I initially aspired to be a social worker. The same could be said for many helping professions. You become a doctor to heal people, a researcher to advance scientific knowledge, or to better understand the world. But how often do you hear a child say they want to be a social worker when they grow up?

Eight years ago, The Guardian published an article discussing why some people choose to become social workers. There are many valid reasons for this career choice. Some want to ensure others don't endure the same hardships they faced within the system. Others aim to support people during crises, such as natural disasters. Let me be clear: there's nothing wrong with wanting to be a social worker. If that's your way of helping others, go for it.

This article isn’t meant to invalidate anyone’s reasons for entering social work. Most of the motivations I encounter are valid, reasonable, and often admirable. Some individuals have experienced unimaginable trauma and want to prevent others from going through the same. My argument is about whether people would still choose social work if they had other options.

Poverty is Designed

While I want to be very critical of the social work profession, I want to make it clear that there is an undeniable need for social workers. Our systems are designed to perpetuate poverty, and we cannot wait for policymakers to change them. Immediate front-line work is necessary to provide support right now. I am not doubting the need for social workers or others in the helping professions.

During my social work education, I met some incredible individuals. Some were passionate about nature, others were excellent artists, and some even had small side businesses and hustles. They were talented people in general. What drew them to social work isn't my main concern. What worries me more is the state of the field itself and what happens if people start to leave it.

Steady projected growth

I don’t think there is going to be a mass exodus of social workers anytime soon, as the field is expected to experience steady growth (if we ignore turnover rates). While it may not boom like other fields, future job prospects are rated from moderate to good across Canadian provinces. However, we can't assume people will stay.

In the UK, nearly two-thirds of social workers consider leaving the profession. In Canada, almost half of those who leave child welfare roles do so due to burnout. In Eastern Canada, vacancies are increasingly due to resignations rather than retirements. Social workers aren't the only professionals facing burnout. We’re in a late-stage capitalism, neoliberal endgame where we’re overworked to death and facing countless budget cuts.

A Choice to Stay or Leave

Returning to my earlier question: would people leave the profession if they had the choice and economic freedom? I think that's an important question to ask. I can't answer it for everyone, but I believe it's a question that almost everyone in the field has considered at some point.

Every field must address turnover, and in social work, it is crucial to tackle disillusionment and burnout. The burden shouldn’t be placed solely on social workers by urging them to increase self-care or indulge in toxic positivity. It’s a systemic issue that requires systemic solutions to reduce pain points and support new graduates as they enter the field.

My Choice

If I were given a choice or a better opportunity, would I leave the field? Absolutely. Is it selfish? Possibly. But do we really want a system that guilts us into staying? We don’t have a moral imperative to remain in social work. While there may be a moral obligation to help people, it doesn’t have to be through social work.

Children rarely list social work among the top professions they aspire to. And that’s okay. They should have the freedom to choose and follow their passions. The next generation shouldn’t grow up wanting to be social workers. Instead, they should grow up wanting to help people, but ideally in a world where the role of social worker isn’t necessary.

To My Colleagues

The decision to stay in or leave social work is ultimately up to you. And while I hate to say it, you’re not irreplaceable. The work we do is important, but it’s not about us being special. Our clients are the ones who ultimately do the work to lift themselves out of their situations. You may be easily replaceable, but what isn’t replaceable is your time. You deserve a life where you find meaning and purpose in your work.

Additionally, I suspect AI might take over a significant portion of non-field-related tasks in social services—possibly up to 40-50%. Predictive AI is still in its early stages, but we can’t underestimate its potential over the next 15-20 years. I digress, though; that’s a topic for another time.

Having the luxury to choose your profession is something I recognize and wish were more widely available. Many people don’t have a broad range of opportunities, which is why some end up in this field. Some step up to social work because there is a gap and a need. It’s admirable to sacrifice your artistic endeavors or other passions to help others.

The "Social Work" Label

I don’t want to be labeled as a social worker. Unless I'm engaged in clinical practice that requires strict regulation, I find the label to be limiting. The pursuit of social justice can be achieved through many different avenues and methods. For me, the essence of social justice goes beyond any single profession or title. It’s about advocating for change, challenging systemic inequities, and finding innovative ways to make a positive impact.

In my view, the label of "social worker" doesn’t define the full scope of my commitment to justice and change. Whether through direct practice, policy work, community engagement, or any other avenue, my goal remains the same: to contribute to a fairer, more equitable world. It’s not about the title but about the meaningful work and the difference we make in people’s lives.

Ultimately, the value lies in the actions we take and the impact we create, rather than the labels we carry.