What would be one way to sum up the essence of a social worker? It would be someone who not only improves but also helps restore, maintain, and create humanity. That is a refreshing definition indeed.
These professionals are responsible for relieving suffering, empowering people, and fighting for social justice. Social work is a constantly evolving field where new developments in rehabilitation and counseling techniques are taking place.
While that does make life easier for social workers to some extent, the workload may increase. These professionals often struggle to maintain a good work-life balance. In this article, we will address this issue, discussing the life of a social worker and tips for striking a work-life balance.
A Day in the Life of a Social Worker
If there is a quote that can sum up the life of a social worker, it would be the one that calls life a daring adventure or nothing at all. Every morning, social workers across different fields rise to tackle issues ranging from child education to women empowerment and sexual abuse.
Though the nitty gritty of the life of a social worker may vary across different sub-fields, one thing stays unchanging. These professionals work diligently to support vulnerable parties.
For instance, Keuka College states that a school social worker plays a major role in addressing students’ emotional, behavioral, and social needs. Similarly, a geriatric social worker would connect older adult groups with services developed to help them live independent lives.
Another example would be that of a healthcare social worker who helps patients and caregivers find relevant resources. These also happen to be some of the highest-paying jobs with social work degrees, but the caseloads may vary.
In most cases, social workers are extremely passionate about their jobs and work day in and out to bring about crucial changes. Often, a typical day in the life of any social worker would begin with reviewing cases or meeting with clients.
On a routine basis, social workers may interact with others in the field to collaborate or discuss caseloads. Besides clerical work, these professionals engage directly with the populations they support. These may include home visits, in-person meetings, etc., to advocate on a client’s behalf.
Warning Signs of Poor Work-Life Balance
Does that sound tiring already? If this is your life, you know exactly what strides social workers must make.Social work can be fulfilling but taxing on one’s personal life at times. This can lead to the following warning signs that your work-life balance is being jeopardized.
- Finding work to suddenly be drudgery or dreading the morning time
- Experiencing emotional outbursts or disproportionate reactions to situations
- A lack of normal appetite or a tendency to overeat
- Feeling more depressed or anxious.
- Falling behind on paperwork
- Experiencing more frequent physical illnesses.
- Consuming more than five cups of coffee per day.
- Having your family complain that you’re never truly around
- Forgetting otherwise important daily tasks, including drinking water
- Refusing to take a break from work
- Neglecting meal breaks due to workload
Tips to Strike a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Keep in mind that it’s normal to experience such signs once in a while. However, it is when they become a pattern that a problem truly arises. Then, the time comes to reconsider your mental well-being and prioritize a better work-life balance. Here are a few tips:
Set Attainable Goals
When it comes to business, the term SMART goals always enters the picture. Can you set similar goals as a social worker for yourself? Yes, SMART simply stands for Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, and Time-Sensitive.
Forbes suggests that goals must never be ambiguous since that’s a surefire plan to fail. Here are some ways you can set attainable goals –
- Set goals after assessing your current work.
- Break down each goal into smaller tasks.
- Keep track of your progress.
- Reflect on your progress to adapt accordingly.
Make Time for Yourself
We understand your zeal for work and how you take your job seriously. It does not define you. It is important to take breaks as and when you deem necessary. Engage in activities you find enjoyable, including sports, nature walks, and more.
You can even take a day or two off just to have a spa day or time out with friends. During such moments, keep work aside and live in the present. Taking your mind off of work from time to time is crucial to excelling in it.
Learn to Self-Reflect
Did you know that studies found that those who looked inward and took time to self-reflect considered it to be a useful tool in growth? This can include personal and professional growth. This simple practice can help you recognize signs of potential problems and even their solutions.
If one solution doesn’t work, you can use the same method to try other options. Self-reflection will help you have a cyclical outlook which will ease things off. This will enable you to enjoy a greater work-life balance and an orderly work schedule.
To wrap up, remember that social workers are highly vulnerable to developing chronic stress-related burnout. Some of the early symptoms of burnout include feeling trapped or exhausted, constant headaches, reduced productivity, and shortness of breath.
Notice these issues? Take action now. Ask for a flexible work schedule if you must but make room for proper work-life balance. You got this!
