Don't give up. It's true that massive paperwork is an inevitable part of social work. However, remember why you wanted to be a social worker in the first place. I received my MSW 17 years ago and am starting my doctorate this fall as I want to teach. A lof of the work we do can seem thankless and redundant, but when I am able to reach a troubled soul and help them to make a difference in their life -- it is ALL worthwhile. Yes, I would like a better monetary compensation, but I am proud to be a social worker and indeed to make a difference even when it doesn't seem that way on the surface. Through all the stress, I try to remember that.