Is it wise?

[laine]

I'll be graduating from poly next year. I'm thinking whether I should take up degree in social work in Monash. I've done some research. I find that the jobs available are quite a few. But I'm quite interested in MSW because right now, I'm studying Nursing. So somehow, I feel that I can link social work with the knowledge i gain from current study.
Any social workers around here or have friends who are working as social workers? Can share any experience? And what is the average pay like?

Originally Posted by laine

I'll be graduating from poly next year. I'm thinking whether I should take up degree in social work in Monash. I've done some research. I find that the jobs available are quite a few. But I'm quite interested in MSW because right now, I'm studying Nursing. So somehow, I feel that I can link social work with the knowledge i gain from current study.
Any social workers around here or have friends who are working as social workers? Can share any experience? And what is the average pay like?

Not wise. Social workers earn less than nurses. After getting your diploma, you should start work in a hospital, and then upgrade to become a therapist, research assistant or some other specialised clinical job. Good luck.

[glenndanker]

Sorry if pay is your constant reminder, then doing social work may not be your cup of tea. Look deeper into your interest, friend....

[laine]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Not wise. Social workers earn less than nurses. After getting your diploma, you should start work in a hospital, and then upgrade to become a therapist, research assistant or some other specialised clinical job. Good luck.

thanks for the advice. but after being through so much of attachments, i dont think i'm qualified to be a nurse.

[laine]

Originally Posted by glenndanker

Sorry if pay is your constant reminder, then doing social work may not be your cup of tea. Look deeper into your interest, friend....

yup. i understand that being a social worker is not about the pay but its for the individual's passion. its a meaningful job. but i'm just curious about the pay.

Originally Posted by laine

thanks for the advice. but after being through so much of attachments, i dont think i'm qualified to be a nurse.

I though you said in your OP that you're now studying nursing? When you said your not "qualified", were you saying you're not interested? If that's the case, social work will be worse - less pay and poorer working conditions.

social workers earn more than nurses. the thing abt nurses' pay being higher is a myth created years ago

Originally Posted by Unregistered

social workers earn more than nurses. the thing abt nurses' pay being higher is a myth created years ago

But I'd rather be a nurse and wipe ah pek's backside than do a thankless job visiting obstinate unappreciative ah cheks in smelly 1-roomers. And I'm not too if social work pays better. Even if it's 20% better I'd be a nurse any day.

[Husky]

Hi,

I am not a social worker myself but I used to work in a hospital where I had the opportunity to see them at work. Occassionally, my dept refers patients to the Med Social Worker dept, so I do have some experience working with them as well. Sorry if I sound a little less than positive, the following are but some of my personal opinions based on my own subjective experiences and observations.

1) It's a thankless job most of the time. The very people you are trying to help are the ones hurling abuse at you. Once I was trying to explain to this patient that I can only give him a month's supply of FREE medication for the time being as his case is pending approval. Our friend got very upset and started cursing and swearing at me. In my mind I was thinking. I pay taxes which indirectly goes to support you a**holes and here I am trying to help you, and you are screwing me? WTH???

2) Our country is not exactly a welfare state, so... sometimes some people really need help. And the greatest hinderance to helping them is the system set up to help them. Tons of paperwork to clear, layers and layers of red tape to cut thru... then you start feeling disllusioned...

3) Most social workers I have met are somewhat jaded due to the above reasons.

In summary, my advice would be NOT to go into this line unless you are really that passionate about the job. Otherwise, good luck to you. Btw, it doesn't pay that well also.

depends... not all social workers are jaded... i know nurses who are jaded too cos have to work shift work, low pay, kenna scolded by NO, pushed ard by doctors and so on... nowadays, social workers in hospital do more than getting cheaper medications. @ the end of the day, do ur research well, speak to ppl then weigh out ur options and the consequences that u would have to face up to.