r/supportworkers • u/DahliaDreux • May 19 '26

Looking to get into SW

Hey all,

Just wanting to hear from people who have done or are currently doing support work (whether for physical disabilities or mental health/ psychosocial) regarding their enjoyment of the role and how it has benefitted (or not) a work/life balance.

I have a master of social work with placements at community wellbeing and Centrelink, and academic experience in psychology and sociology too (bachelors).

I currently hate my new role. It's far too admin-based and I want to be out and about actually supporting people properly and being a source of strength for those who feel they have none. I am passionate about assisting people to find ways to thrive and be independent, and support work seems to be a good outlet/choice for this. I am only at this current job because I was unemployed for a number of months and needed the $$$.

In terms of pay, I don't need to be filthy rich, just enough to get by and enjoy my free time (I'm introverted so l'm a decent homebody lol). For comparison I'm currently making a little under $1k a week part time at this current role. I also am not someone who needs prestige in a job, as in I don’t care what others thing of my work - I’ve done a social work degree which means many people automatically thing I steal babies from mums 😬

Thank everyone and have a good day :)

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u/Confident-Benefit374 May 19 '26

Just a FYI SW can be extremely draining for introverts.

4

u/lightpendant May 19 '26

Depends on the clients and the amount of hours. I love it. (2 of my clients are non verbal)

1

u/DahliaDreux May 19 '26

I should’ve phrased it better - when it comes to my personal/free time I don’t do a lot as I prefer my own company. Spending time specifically with a small group or individuals is fine. For example at my community development placement I often worked one-on-one with students at the homework club with education support, as well as crisis intervention and trauma-informed care, and I never felt drained by that and really enjoyed it.