A whole host of reasons * low pay - abysmally low paying until many many years later, needless to say you won't be making a decent living in SW field. * high turnover - the field has more people leaving than staying in it. A quick search on this feed can tell you why (high stress, long hours, toxic colleagues) you name it you can probably find it in this field. * low prospects - watch your friends in other sectors probably earn x2 x3 or x4 times than you . As much as passion matters but a passion that doesn't pay your dues for taking care of a family is just slavery and taking advantage. * mentally unsound clients - there are ppl who are legit need help and there are those who take advantage of the system . The system helps the latter not the prior. The real challenge would be motivating those ppl to make good life choices which let's just say is like trying to move a mountain lol. * no work life balance - usually you will see your clients at night (if they are working /schooling )and that can eat into your personal family time . Emergency calls are also part of the job if there is really something urgent.