I was mostly through my youth work degree before dropping out to have a baby (I still can't decide which is easier). I worked part time for a bit too when I was quite young (was probably the most undisciplined worker ever, although I was helpful at times - I like to think I've grown up a bit now...)

Depending on where you work, you'll need to be pretty self motivated, a lot of the time you decide what happens and then just report to someone. There's all the usual stress of dealing with people - they're not a constant, they're a variable, who can change their minds or act however they do differently every day - especially so for youth, mental illness and drug and alcohol. Given that resources are stretched, by the time people get to you, things are often pretty full on.

There are a few uni degrees around, and also many great social workers do a cert at TAFE - a lot of it is networking, common sense and experience. If you can volunteer or do work experience somewhere I'd recommend it.

As for what I enjoyed, it's great seeing people acquire new skills - a job or house, they might stuff up, but if you teach them to cook or how to write a resume or get an outfit together for an interview - that stuff sticks with them.