Motivations, career decisions, and decision-making processes of mid-aged master of social work students

Abstract

Professionals working in health and social care in the United Kingdom face long-term stress and burnout. Some staff decided to leave the health and social care profession, particularly since the United Kingdom left the European Union. While Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated the insufficient human resources in health and social care and the shortage of qualified social workers, the resultant stress and burnout is the long-term issues. This study aims to understand the motivations and reasons why second-career Master of Social Work students decide to join the social work profession during their mid-age. Phenomenology was employed and twenty Master of Social Work students at three British universities were invited. Using social cognitive career and motivation theory and a two-step data analysis procedure, the four main findings resulting from this study were the success of the internship arrangement in boosting careers in populated rural communities, the ability of rural social workers to improve the lives of aging populations, and the advantages of being part of a supportive work community, including experiencing a supportive managerial style. This study will fill the gaps in identifying issues related to workforce shortage, social work education, and internship placements in social work settings.