THE ABC OF SOCIAL WORK

Most jobs have their common misconceptions, but there are few as misunderstood as social work. It is experienced first-hand by those who wish to join this field. Friends and family will not be elated upon hearing that their loved one aspires to be a social worker.

People are often heard saying, “You should probably rethink that”, it gets one thinking, ‘Why do people react as if its like degrading professionally in some sort, is it not lucrative enough?’, because to those interested, it is all they are looking for. So, let us dive deep into it and try to  look at the situation from their perspective.

Here’s a possible conclusion, why?- They have the perception that being a social worker entails a lot of emotional labour as well as going above and beyond with frequently limited resources to aid the poor. It is hard to achieve and your close friends might be afraid that you will be overworked. The notion is not entirely false; however, it is a selective struggle. Someone who finds meaning in it,will not let the burnout get to them.

Another thing that came up a lot was, “never-ending work”. While “leaving your work at the door” is the conventional wisdom in social work, it was only fair for my friends and family to believe that there would be instances when I would be emotionally unable to do so. I was told that this would take a toll on my personal life. My take on the perception is that almost every profession at some point in time comes home with you, regardless of what field you work in, some projects will cost you your leisure time and your sleep; which is okay if you love what you do.

Social workers feel deceived when they get told that social workers can help the poor, but they will nearly never be able to achieve everything they want, and they will never be able to fix all of the world’s issues on their own. However, even the tiniest good deed can start a chain reaction of change. All projects need not be big and all problems need not be solved in a day. So, it is better to take things as they come and do what you can, as long as you can.

Families of female social workers are concerned about how difficult it would be for them in the field, as a woman. It makes one wonder if it is easier for  men?  Many female social workers have revealed that it in fact does feel unsafe at times, as they go through unknown neighborhoods, interacting with all kinds of people. The idea of women exposing themselves to danger isn’t cherished by their families. “It is not always safe”, they are told. But then, someone who is convinced that this is something they want to do for life, they must be strategic about their visits and consider all possibilities before stepping in. 

It is common belief that even though being a social worker is not the worst-paid job, it is far from the greatest – and even long-time social workers, no matter how hard they work, will rarely get paid as much as they wish. People often get told that it is not worth the effort. The time one puts in and the money one makes is not proportional at all, but for those who believe in the fact that rather than money, a social worker gets paid in smiles and joy, the remuneration is not a problem. 

HOW TO BECOME SOCIAL WORKER IN INDIA?

The social sector attracts a large number of people, but only a small percentage of them stay. The sector is brimming with people who care about the organization’s goals. They join because they want to make a difference in the world, which is a chance that their organization provides. But how many people who work in NGOs do so because they are passionate about their work and the world in which they live? And how many people join because it’s just another job that pays well and is somewhat stable? These aren’t questions that NGOs ask themselves often enough, despite the fact that they have substantial ramifications, such as succession planning. 

It would be naive to suppose that all those working in the industry are motivated solely by their aspirations and are solely concerned with social change. People who have worked in the field for a long time have estimations that range from 70% to 30% for those who are motivated by a higher purpose, and the rest for those who consider their profession as a means of subsistence.

• First and foremost, you must embrace reality. Too many leaders and organisations try to maintain the illusion that everyone is focused on the purpose. People play along because they are skilled at adhering to group standards on the surface. As a result, these individuals are frequently disengaged from the organisation and its job.

• Second, dedication to the objective is sometimes exploited to obscure flaws and issues. Frequently, it is the work’s quality that matters more. Competence and quality, without which progress is impossible, cannot be substituted by commitment alone. Worse is the circumstance in which a lack of work ethic or folly is obscured by interminable conversations that are ostensibly in support of the aims. Those who have a messianic vision of their mission and pay no attention to the means are culturally harmful.

• Third, people do not always stay in the same group. Those who arrive with short-term goals develop dedication and purpose over time, whereas those who arrive with commitment lose it. When people who are merely doing their jobs start to see the results of their own and the organization’s efforts, they often begin to identify with the purpose. This increases their enthusiasm and commitment.

Many people who began out with a lot of zeal and purpose end up ritualizing their commitments, which leaves them empty and unfulfilled. The myriad corrosions and pressures of time are frequently the culprits. Sometimes it’s due to life’s circumstances, such as increased family duties, other times it’s due to unrealistic expectations about what their efforts can accomplish, and still other times it’s due to organizational dysfunction. Those circumstances in which an entire company has lost sight of its goals and direction while paying lip respect to them and has devolved into a job-creation machine are among the most dysfunctional.

Conclusion

People who are deeply committed to a cause and who identify with it are perfect for social sector organisations. However, the reality is that organisations end up hiring a lot of people who are just searching for a job. Individuals like this can be valuable contributors if they are appropriately controlled. It’s often about recognising and accepting such people without prejudice and clearly articulating how their work contributes to the goals. Individuals and organisations benefit significantly by valuing their professional contribution, skill, and work ethic. And, if all of this is done consistently throughout time, they will embrace the sense of purpose.

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