Step out today- its a new day

Posted on by socialworkergirl

Let go of the people who dull your shine, poison your spirit, and bring you drama. Cancel your subscription to their issues.

Steve Maraboli

This morning as I got up I had such a beautiful feeling that I had accomplished something. What? I suppose being up. However I know more so, the fact that I finally got this blog up and running. I can be as crazy as I want to and be as creative as I can be. Besides, its a a new day to get active again.

Its Monday and I tend to feel a little deflected on a Monday morning when I think of the week ahead- be it that difficult core group meeting or a Reviewing Child Protection Conference (RCPC)or that unfinished Parenting Assessment I definitely know the Independent chair is so keen to see by Tuesday! In fact, most of the above are actually for real this week! However I am not fretting- it doesn’t solve nothing. Besides, by Friday I will have crossed this ridiculous worrying bridge- regardless of how I will have done it. It may involve a sleepless night today as I race against time to complete the Parenting assessment or that RCPC report- all I know is- it will be done- its always done.

Its typically so for most safeguarding Social Workers to forego their weekends in order to stay on top of stuff. The volume can be punishing- what with endless Statutory Visits, Direct Work with children, sessions with parents to complete assessments. The write ups can be ridiculous that your family would complain that your face is forever glued on your works laptop. Needless to say that COVID-19 and working from home has not helped the situation as it has meant more work in terms of admin volumes. You can easily find yourself going 16hrs none-stop- no wonder most Social Workers are finding themselves burning out.

Not me, not this weekend. Regardless of how much I very much know I have on my plate at the moment- I refused to entertain my works computer. I was tempted a few times but was able to prep talk myself into giving my family some attention. In this profession where you are ever worrying about the wellbeing of the children you case manage- its very easy to then neglect your own family. It takes so much discipline, self control and being super organised to successfully separate what you do and who you are with ease. Over the years and with some experience under your belt, and above all with a supportive team and Manager- you get the balance finally semi-decent. For years I struggled- but I am getting there. The truth is to last in Social Work- you really have to manage this area well. Thus, pacing yourself and taking very good care of your wellbeing by exercising, meditating and staying super positive goes a long way to keeping you sane and productive.

So, I am off to doing exactly that – these days I brisk walk for about an hour first thing before another excitingly crazy day of playing catch up begins.

Bear With Me or Bare With Me–Which Is Right? | Grammarly

Author:

So, there we go…. This is my thinking pad. I am first and foremost writing this to myself but happy that you have taken time to check it out. I do hope that as you read my thoughts put on paper in a very small or big way it helps demystify social work as a profession to you. If not that, at least shed a light on how different the world looks from my point of view. I know it’s a cliche that social workers enter the profession to give back. It’s more than a job to most, it’s a calling. Hands up- I started this blog to speak up and not go silent since I too truly entered this profession to make a difference. My difference may be minuscule in the whole scheme of things- but as long as I brighten the little corner I am perched- no matter how small the corner is… I will consider it success. Amongst other little quaky habits, note I am an intentional odd sock girl which may or may not ruffle some feathers out there- random- but just saying! I also wish in my little way to contribute to newly qualified Social Workers who may find their work daunting. If you are or know anyone who finds themselves all muddled and confused in their new adventure as a Social worker- point them this way for I intend to paint a picture that Social Work is all but rocket science. It’s all too familiar to feel overwhelmed or challenged when you begin your practice but just remember, you are not alone or the first one to feel that way. In all circumstances you must always reframe your internal dialogue and constantly remind yourself that even the most qualified and confident of social workers you know once felt inadequate once upon a time. It’s important to always remind yourself that this is the first time you may be doing something- no wonder it’s difficult or challenging or taking longer than expected. With time, it will becomes easy peasy!

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