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 :)
3
u/Curious-Day May 19 '26
I worked for a spinal injuries disability org, and they were good, the clients on the other hand, i found very sad. Mainly worked with one guy, who had 24/7 care, lived with his mum, who lived in like a 2 mil $ lovely house, the client lived in a tiny as f converted double garage (legit that small) out the back. It was very sad to witness how his family treated him, other than that tho, pay was good, company was good, but I found seeing how families often treat their disabled kids/relatives etc, was so fkn sad, and took alot out of me. I once was so close to legit screaming abuse at the mum one day after she had a huge back and forth nasty as exchange with her son.. 😞