Burned Out in social service?

Burned Out? Want to leave the Social Services field? Is there a way?

There absolutely is a way. Just for background, I am an L.S.W. Career Counselor who works as a Director, Vocational Services for a public mental health agency. We also have significant programs for people with Developmental Disabilities and Transitional Youth. We are dually CARF certified. I have assisted those who were Dishwashers and Doctors. The process is the same. (The Doctors HATE that reality)

Back to topic, burn out is a common problem. It happened to me. I'm THE JOBS GUY, and had to go manage a Radio Shack for a bit. I also started a successful computer business. I hear what you are saying, and remaining in a job that has become toxic is damaging to you, your clients, your staff, and your family in both obvious and subtle ways.

For advice, I would ask if the problem is with the job or the field. Sometimes it is a specific place of employment that no longer fits. And sometimes, it is the profession.

SOMETHING caused you to enter a profession that requires a HUGE educational commitment in terms of time, energy, and money (and more). People don't go get Master's degrees and put up with the lying, non-compliant, deceptive, bed bug laden scary home visit (Oh God I am going to die today) client for no reason. Once, there was a passion. Did a specific employer (or series of employers) take that from you?

Or did you change? That's OK too. I ask these questions because of my own experiences. And because I know that people should do what they love. I wrote an article about that. http://thejobsguy.blogspot.com/2012/02/do-what-you-love-love-what-you-do.html

IF you have grown and changed, or our profession has become unrecognizable, then it is time to think about something else. A person with a degree in Social Services, and experience has skills. I suggest you think about your passions in relation to those skills.

Sick and tired of the stinking paperwork? Then a career in Human Resources will be an issue. You may do well with the part where you deal with applicant, interview candidates, and (particularly) help employees with their troubles. However, HR is loaded with paperwork, regulations, and pointless activities designed to protect the company during a lawsuit or arbitration.

But Non-profit people have skills. What about organization? Attention to detail. Here is an article about transferable skills. http://thejobsguy.blogspot.com/2012/02/transferable-skills-career-changing.html Social workers tend to be action-oriented and results driven. The best ones are good salespeople “Give up my foods tamps and GO to work! Whey would I do THAT?” If you can motivate someone then, well...Sales. Or a Coach. Or a Jobs Guy :)

The summary-Don't abandon your passion if you just happen to be in a job that doesn't fit. It's OK to burn out for a while, just come back to what you love when it is time. If it is time to leave, don't undervalue your transferable skills.

Good luck and best wishes,

Chris