Many volunteer in the social sector, however working professionally in the same sphere is not considered viable due to myths surrounding the work, says Dr Geetanjali Chopra & Parul Kamra
When one hears of someone volunteering in the social sector, the immediate reaction is to always congratulate the individual on choosing to give back to society, on being a changemaker. However, when the same individual announces a full-time job in the social sector, this news is met with hesitation, trepidation and sometimes even rebuke and criticism. What causes this sudden change in perception, and is this shift validated?
Unfortunately, there are several myths associated with the social sector that set it in a bad light not just for donors, partner organisations but also for those looking to make a career in social work. Some of these myths are that there is no growth in this sector, it is a waste of time, there are no returns, the money is negligible and the work is dreary. However, if one does take out the time to talk to someone who has worked in this sector for a while, they are sure to get a clearer picture of what the sector actually comprises of, and what actually lies in store for those who want to enter the world of social work.
One of the prevalent assumptions is that there is no advancement in the social sector, that it is an area worth investing only a small amount of time in order to boost resumes. However, there is immense potential to develop and evolve in the social sector. It offers space to grow not just professionally but personally as well, for you get the best of both worlds- desk jobs as well as field work. Further, this sector itself is always growing, taking into account the varied requirements of beneficiaries across demographics. Since the sector itself is never stagnant, growth always accompanies it.
Several people also assume that there are no exciting opportunities available to social workers. However, the sector is extremely dynamic purely based on the fact that the work is directly related to people in need. Since humans themselves can’t possibly be put into black and white categories, the work too has to adapt itself to situations and the issues it brings up. Each day brings with itself new challenges, and new opportunities to bring about change. No two days are the same while working in the social sector, making it a vibrant and lively professional sector.
What seems to be the most pressing and overarching myth related to working in the social sector is that there is no adequate recompense or rewards, that there is no money for a social worker. While it is true that most NGOs cannot offer salary brackets that are possible at a corporate job, this does not mean that the salaries are meagre. Further, International NGOs have extremely attractive pay packages, and these come with several perks as well. Depending on qualifications, the returns can be extremely rewarding. Of course, what makes the work even more fulfilling are the blessings one receives from the beneficiaries, something that no amount of money can ever give.
The social sector is as enterprising, as exciting, and as rewarding as any other professional sphere. The myths surrounding this sector are exactly that- baseless. The world is your oyster when it comes to social work. No matter how you engage with it, it always gives back multifold.
The writers are from Wishes and Blessings NGO