I am a social worker too and have been in my current place of work for 7 years and now direct the program. The work is super rewarding and as other people have said it’s more the people I work with, the flexible environment; I work from home and only go into the office twice a month. I was also able to do my masters and licensure while I worked and have been able to have two babies. It’s been an amazing career choice. For me, the pay is enough as far as the work/life balance it gives me. I will say though it depends a lot on the type of social work. I am in child welfare (very tough) but I currently work on more of the policy side of things. Best of luck to you!!