It has been 16 years of working in social services. My work has covered all manner of vulnerable individual from those coping with addictions to children and young people who have been abused. It has been a journey; one which has stretched my capacity and ability. This journey has forced me to face who I have been, who I am and who I want to be. The result is twofold. It has made me a better practitioner. There is no better training in helping people change than going through difficult changes yourself. It has also brought me to a place where I no longer want to be a social worker and though it feels right, it also feels like I am exposed.

It is one of those situations where you feel like everyone knows. Obviously no one does but the realization is just so large within me that it seems to be seeping form my pores, or maybe it it just written all over my face. I am sure it is the latter as every day going into work feels like a chore. I am sharing this because the industry in which I work requires people who are dedicated and passionate. We are required to instill hope in those in seemingly hopeless situations. Being unable to do that or unwilling to do that poses a risk to those we serve.

I wanted to share this because over the course of my career I have run into many cyncial, negative, hopeless individuals who make me question how productive they can be in helping the most vulnerable among us. For myself, when I started feeling as though I wasn't giving my all, or wasn't able to give my all, I took a job in the background - doing quality assurance, writing policies, etc. Too many, however, continue in the day to day, turning social work practice into a conveyor belt of enabling and unhealthy dependence.

I wanted to share just a few gems:

1. it does not make you any less of a professional to admit you need a break
2. taking a break is critical if you are going to be your best self
3. it's okay if your break leads you to understanding that social work is not for you
4. there are many ways to help others (volunteering, mentoring) that don't require as much of you
5. learn the meanings of the terms 'vicarious trauma' and 'compassion fatigue' - checking in with yourself regularly and getting help where needed
6. have a life outside of social work - hobbies are critical to maintenance of positive mental health
7. you can't pour from an empty cup - if you're not your best self then you can't give your all to those who need you.
8. if you're staying in the work - remember why you went into it and who you're helping
9. if social work remains where you want to be, don't be a hero or a martyr - take vacations, enjoy them, don't think about work
10. if you're going to be a social worker, take the time to figure out what kind of practitioner you want to be and hold to those standards no matter where you work

These may seem obvious but sometimes a little reminder of our own humanity is just what is needed to take a step forward.