Hi Everyone,
I am sorry it's taken me this long to update but I thought my blog was lost! However, I got a new computer and discovered I still have access to it.
For those of you who are curious, I am still in the same job but I admit it has has gotten easier. It could be because self-care has become a more central part of my life. I am ensuring I take care of myself first and I have been successful at letting the little things go, especially at work. Also, at this point I know the job pretty well so it brings confidence. However, recently I have applied for new jobs that are less stressful and some which involve making a bit less pay but I am alright with that. I figured out the dollar amount I need to make to pay all my bills and save for retirement so as long as I stay above that number I know I will be alright!
I think what has also helped me is learning to stand up for myself, both with the people I work with and my clients. I am becoming more honest and saying what I feel which isn't always easy but I believe others appreciate it. Also, I am eating better, exercising several times a week and I have learnt to take time for myself in the evenings and on weekends. I say "no" a lot more to things that drain my energy and it's been a learn as I go process. I had dreams for myself before I started my first social work job and I have had to accept many are not going to happen - either because the goals were not realistic or they don't really fit with who I have become. I doubt I am going to be some social work super achiever. I can't juggle a lot of things at once and when it comes to a family and career I seriously doubt I could handle both, even though many do. But that's ok because I am living life how I want to and I am as close to achieving balance as I can. It's taken a lot of hard work to get to that point and I have wanted to throw in the towel about a hundred times but I am glad I stuck in there. It's made me a confident, more knowledgeable social worker. It also reminds me of a recent conversation I had with a client who was interested in becoming a social worker. I told them that it can be a challenge to help others when they don't want it but for those you do get to help it's rewarding. Then I finished off by saying that it gets easier over time, which is what I wish I had been told when I was starting out.
I will definitely ensure I post more often when I have interesting ideas. I also appreciate any comments given.
As Always,
Patti
