Social Care Jobs. How much should I expect to be paid?

Question

I've just finished my social care degree. I have experience in child care, but now want to move on to other areas. I don't have much other experience.

I've been offered £11,124 for 37hrs per week, term time only. I don't know whether to take it, as everyone says its far too low. Although i've looked around and it doesn't seem that low. But I want to move out, and I'm learning to drive.
Its spilt shifts as well, so will cost me quite a lot in transport.

Should I hold out and wait for something else or take it? It seems like a good organisation, I'm just worried about the shifts and the wages.

Answer 1

Right now I am doing a master's in psychology after a Bachelors psychology first, Sociology second.
Part of my strategy is to take a low paid job right after graduation. It will give me a work history and provide the basis for better later on.
The £11,124 may not be the best, but it is a good start. Like Ollie said, depends on where you live. In spite of taxes taking a huge bite, as noted by Bob, it is still a starting place. You may not be there too long.
When a better situation comes along you will be more likely to be hired than only with your Masters.
Me so far:
Tutoring Social and Physical Sciences
English and ESL
Private coaching and mentoring, academic and lifestyle choices.
This goes on vita, and how I have my career roughly charted out.
So good luck,
Charles James

Answer 2

Whilst I can see your side of it as you said you have not got a lot of experience in this field, this is quite a good wage and the old saying is it is easier to find work when you are working my suggestion is to take this job do your best get some experience and let people know you are good at your job then start looking for a higher paid position. Shift work is an acceptable way with this type of work it depends what they are and how they are run you might find you enjoy it.

Answer 3

I would keep on looking that does seem like a low wage.You will not be left with much after tax & stamp.

Answer 4

if you are a graduate you should expect more, unfortuanately that's going to depend on where you live and how much experience you have.
consider doing a masters in social work to get qualified