Pros
The best thing about WC is the people that you work for and with. If you are in direct client services it can be VERY demanding and draining work but if you have good people on your Team who you can talk to and get support from, it makes a world of difference. It can also be very rewarding work b/c you are helping people who have tremendous needs with multiple issues, not just mental illness. Grinding poverty and lack of access to good health care lead to making mental health recovery even more challenging. If you can keep a good perspective on things and take care of yourself - including support from other workers - you will find that it can be "the hardest job you'll ever love."
Cons
See the "Pros" for the main ones, like working w/ people in poverty and dealing w/ people w/ addictions and major health problems. Also, since funding comes mainly from Medicaid, the documentation and paperwork - even though quite necessary - can become a huge stone around your neck. One has to learn how to balance work and home life and sometimes the job itself makes that very difficult.