What feels illegal but it’s not?

Dyson Engineer Sandra Lup’s when she was interviewed by Bustle gave this advice to women in STEM fields (which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is to “Be inquisitive, step outside your comfort zone, and find good role models”

To be honest- that’s bloody brilliant advise to just about anybody- especially Social Work practitioners. Without curiosity bad, really bad things happen- Serious Case Reviews proves this. Its so funny and a running joke with Social Workers that when you do- you are doomed and when you don’t you are even double doomed. Thus, if you assess a child as being really suffering or at risk of suffering significant harm- and then act accordingly and find alternative carers for her or him- you are vilified as an unfeeling evil and awful person. Yet , its also true the same knife cuts even more blunter when you don’t. Then, something really dreadful happens. Then you now have the hard hand of the law falling hard on you- proper doomed in fact.

Therefore, practicing Social Work calls for guts. It calls for total confidence and courage to do the right thing even when it looks and feels wrong. Yesterday a friend sent me a caption “what feels illegal, but isn’t? Before I read the answer- my Social Worker brain was all over the shore thinking- removing a child from a risky situation, or even probably putting down boundaries to a child– Nope,

the simply but super true answer was “Leaving work on time”

Off for my walk.. have a brilliant day 🙂

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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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