Social Work often receives a bad press, but it is an intellectually, emotionally, and practically challenging profession which, in order to help people effectively, needs to attract the best candidates. This book takes a personal and human approach and presents a Newly Qualified Social Worker's experience, reflections, and gentle advice on the training process and early years of a Social Work career. Written in an accessible and honest style, it gives a fresh perspective at a time when there is a national turning-point in Social Service reform. It highlights the positive and negative aspects of becoming a Social Worker and is grounded in real service user cases from the UK. For those embarking on or thinking about a career in social work, this book will be an invaluable read.