Honestly has any Social Worker Liked Their Job After 6 Months

The answer to that question is probably, “yes” with a “but.” Social workers love their jobs when they start. Regular pay allows them to pay that monthly student loan amount when due. They learn new information and experience the differences between what books say and practice realities. The sense of purpose creates an excitement to impact the world. New social workers feel satisfaction believing that they have entered a noble profession. All of their dreams, hard work and effort paid off.

Six months to a year is a honeymoon period for any type of relationship. Everything feels new and exciting. Partners get to know each other intimately. They explore, learning each others’ interests, strengths and quirks. During this time period we just have fun with the courtship.

Then something happens. As we commit more of ourselves to the relationship, we begin to expect reciprocal responses. The relationship sours when our commitment does not match the response. We may not get out what we think we are putting in. We get frustrated because the relationship no longer feels good. All of a sudden we must make a decision about the future. Should we stay in the relationship or should we go?

This is the social worker’s dilemma. Many of us cannot quit our good paying jobs. We need them to sustain our modest lifestyles. However after 5 years in a job we feel burned out from the unmanageable workloads, hit or miss supervision, and political jockeying. We also experience depression from vicarious trauma. We feel edgy and anxious because our stress response is in overdrive. Social workers who have worked 20 plus years in the same job for the same organization sometimes check out emotionally. They opt to just go through the motions putting in their eight doing no more than is necessary.

I have never wanted that type of relationship with my job. I wanted and have given my best in every position I have held. I am sure the majority of professional social workers have as well. Social work is a noble profession. While the institutions in which we work tend to be bureaucratic wastelands, we still enjoy providing service to the best of our abilities.

So, after 27 years as a professional social worker, I developed a way to stay fresh. I started with a few smart questions.

Am I compelled to do this specific work? This question relates directly to the drive I have for the work I do. It prompted me to look at my own personal/professional mission. I also looked at how my mission complemented or matched the mission of the organization.

Am I demonstrating competence? I asked this question to determine if I used the skills, abilities and interests that I have mastered. I also wondered whether I used those abilities that I enjoy the most. Finally do these skills, abilities and interests fit the needs of the organization?

How comfortable am I in my work and work environment? I wanted to be honest with myself about my comfort level with my co-workers, work space, and clients. I realize that I also have to be okay with the policies and procedures which drive the way things are done. Once I asked myself these questions, it created space for me to re-tool my thinking and approach.

So, what about you? Do you need to re-tool? Do you have at least five years of experience as a social worker? What questions are you asking yourself? Share below we would love to hear from you.

We are launching a new web series entitled Smart and Simple Questions. We will share smart questions social workers should ask to boost their career opportunities or income. Connect with our sister website Happyhalfhour.club on Instagram@happyin30 for relaxation tips and updates on the launch of the new series.

I work with social workers and hard working professionals who want to be happy. I would love to hear from you. You may join the conversation by commenting on this post  or on our Facebook fan page REAL Social Workers Online Magazine or connecting with me on LinkedIn.