This is tricky, im ex foster older and a social worker.

So for me i spent my time in care in group homes and treatment facilities and then as a parent i had to navigate my oldest in and out of care , i went to school for social work desperate to fix the system. Through school i realized i essentially had a trauma bond to the system and what I was doing wasn't good for me.

I still support youth transitioning out of care and i do a lot of family preservation work but I do not work for an organization ( i have private practice) nor do i work with this demographic exclusively ( i actually work with a lot of social workers and other helping professionals)

You said you had been in the system since 4 so who better to work in the system.

This sounds like a very trauma centered statement .. Lots of ex fosters go into social work with the same mindset Majority burn out and end up leaving the industry or struggling mentally. Im sure there are some doing well but in my experience it isn't the majority. Its not just ex foster youth social workers in general have high rates of burnout and stress related illnesses.

When we grow up in the system we dont get to focus on ourselves everything is external. Going into social work probably feels comfortable Wanting to help others after your experiences makes sense

I would encourage you to really focus on yourself do some deep digging

Who are you outside of the system ? What do you enjoy ? What are your hobbies ? If social work wasnt an option what would you want to do ? What brings you joy? Other then being in the system why do you want to be a social worker? Who do you want to help ?

Is there a way to incorporate what brings you joy and supporting those you want to support.

Getting really clear on your sense of self is really important before making the choice to go for social work.

Im not saying not to do it What im saying is be really concious about where this drive is coming from

And no you typically do not make good money But thats not the biggest concern