My social work parents said don’t be a social worker (but I ignored them)
I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I discovered the significance of social work. However, my earliest memories of the profession take me back to evenings after school, sitting around the kitchen table listening to my social work parents discussing their days.
I am a third-generation social worker, following in the footsteps of both my parents and my grandmother, who is now a retired social worker. Despite being surrounded by discussions about social work throughout my life, as a child I had no real understanding of the profession and could only describe them as working for the local council.
However, there were aspects of their jobs that impacted on me. From a young age I observed their busy schedules, often hurrying to get me to school before heading to work. Many of my evenings were spent at clubs alongside other children awaiting the end of their parent’s working day in order to be picked up. It was clear to me that whatever it was they were doing, their roles were important, and that they both played a crucial part in supporting our community. When the opportunity for work experience arose at school, it felt a natural choice for me to spend a week shadowing social workers.
As my interest in social work continued to grow, so did the concerns expressed by my parents. They warned me about the emotional toll, work-life balance, and broader systemic issues. Being experienced social workers themselves and looking out for my best interests, I guess they wanted to ensure I understood the challenges of social work.
Despite these concerns, I am now in my third and final year of studying social work, and I have been reflecting on how having social workers as parents has influenced my outlook on this profession.
I have come to realise that my parents’ concerns are not unique; they are widely acknowledged in the profession. I remain determined not to let these opinions influence me. Over the past few years, I have worked to establish my own understanding of social work, and I have resisted preconceived notions of what social work ‘is’ or ‘should’ be. It will be what I make of it.
During my time at university, I have become aware of the inherent uniqueness of social work for each practitioner. Despite adhering to the same guidelines, the vast body of research available allows every individual to shape their own approach, drawing on various theories, methods, and personal experiences to shape their own definition of social work.
As a student, I am currently in the process of cultivating my own social work identity. Furthermore, in my initial first years of practice, I strive to listen to the diverse interpretations of social work to refine and develop my own understanding.
In an era where media narratives often shape opinions, particularly negative ones about social workers, it is essential for us to define for ourselves what a social worker truly is. By embracing our individuality, learning from diverse experiences, and staying open-minded, we can each leave our unique mark on social work, enhancing the contribution we make by bringing a distinct outlook to every person we work with.
I am genuinely grateful for the invaluable support I receive from my parents, who each have over 30 years of experience in the field. One key piece of wisdom they have provided is the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Moreover, while a substantial portion of my time is currently dedicated to completing placements and university assignments, I consciously strive to view social work as just one facet of my identity.
I actively engage in activities beyond my social work commitments, such as socialising with friends and dedicating meaningful time for self-care by going to the gym or writing in my journal. This deliberate balance ensures that I use the skills developed to support others on myself and prioritise my own wellbeing.
Throughout my first mandatory placement, my parents emphasised the importance of supervision. To maximise the benefits of these sessions, I plan the topics I wish to discuss and outline my desired outcomes for each session. Establishing this routine as a university student is particularly useful. It not only enhances my current learning experience but also prepares me for the transition to a qualified social worker managing a full caseload. I aim to continue using supervisions as a valuable tool for professional development in my career.
At this stage, I am careful not to assume that I know everything as I understand the importance of remaining open-minded and curious, embracing various forms of learning beyond solely listening to the experiences of my mum and dad.
I intend to carry on with this approach as a newly qualified social worker and to learn from experience and research throughout my career.
Now few months away from my graduation, I am now looking forward to finding out what social work means to me as not just a student but as a practitioner. I will aim to blend the guidance I have received from my family, knowledge gained from university, and my own inherent qualities to mould the kind of social worker I want to be.
Thankfully, debates with my parents about whether I will or won’t be a social worker have subsided from our family conversations. My mum and dad are proud that I have chosen to pursue my passion.
Once I graduate, our household will officially consist of three social workers, which I am sure will be stressful at times! Nevertheless, I am grateful to be part of such an environment, and look forward to the ongoing support they will provide as I transition into a newly qualified social worker in 2024.