Maybe I’m not cut out for social work. Maybe it’s best I stop

[Water-Lily]

I had a difficult situation with a client.

To make a long story short, I helped them with applying to jobs. They were expecting a call back immediately and did not receive a call back within some days

Yesterday they came to me really angry and demanded to know why nothing was going the way she wanted. My co worker intervened to help

During this time I tried to ask the client further questions. I could feel the frustration in my voice as, well, I already struggle with speaking up. I speak very fast, I don't pronounce my words, and it seemed she wasn't understanding me as she didn't respond to what I said. Just kept reacting angrily.

It felt like I was fighting a losing battle and I retreated

I have to meet with my supervisor tomorrow. I'm thinking of telling him I'm dropping the program and I'll CTB after

 

[Suicidebydeath]

I'm sorry, that seems like a difficult job.

 

[Water-Lily]

I'm sorry, that seems like a difficult job.

I chose this career path as I want to start working as a therapist and give myself financial independence. but, maybe I should just ctb. Its cheaper

 

[Worndown]

My last job was in a mental health clinic. Our caseworkers had the insurmountable task of keeping our clients moving forward.
You cannot take this personally. It is like you are bailing out a boat with a small pail. You can try as hard as possible but you cannot control the size of the hole. Some boats sink.
She was yelling at everything but doing it to you. You may have some successes with her, you will have some failures. Celebrate the successes.

 

[Water-Lily]

My last job was in a mental health clinic. Our caseworkers had the insurmountable task of keeping our clients moving forward.
You cannot take this personally. It is like you are bailing out a boat with a small pail. You can try as hard as possible but you cannot control the size of the hole. Some boats sink.
She was yelling at everything but doing it to you. You may have some successes with her, you will have some failures. Celebrate the successes.

Tbh the success was due to my co worker stepping in and helping me. If she wasn't there this would have fallen apart.

There's no success to celebrate

 

[Ernest1964]

I worked in Social Service for 14 years. Never do for your client what they should be able to do for themselves. Learning how to empower a client to overcome... is one of the toughest things to do in SW. I once had a client who I asked if they went by the employment office to look for a job, he replied," Yes, I was on the bus on my way home and I "went by" the employment office on my way home last week." The client hadn't actually gotten off the bus! They just did EXACTLY what I told them to do... "went by". Can you imagine being so concrete in your thinking that they thought that they had done what I asked them to do?!

 

[Worndown]

Tbh the success was due to my co worker stepping in and helping me. If she wasn't there this would have fallen apart.

There's no success to celebrate

Well, you now have more insight into how this client operates. That might not be real success, but it sets you up for a future success.

 

[Kit1]

I work with people who are extremely vulnerable and try my best to help everyone. However the degree of vulnerability of clients means that pain can be transferred to us and we need to be wary of this. Please do not blame yourself.and take it too personally.

 

[Water-Lily]

I just want to appreciate everyone who has commented here. You have all had me reflecting on what I should do tomorrow

I will speak to my supervisor honestly. He has been great support and I am going to face this obstacle head on. If I give up now, I won't make it in the field and I don't want that

 

[Raindancer]

I think that is one of the hardest jobs. I minored in social work and my second job out of college was working with kids in trouble. I found the field to have high turnover and stress but believe helping others is important. I think it's very admirable you are doing this and really as you get more experience you will get better. I was a wreck at first, had no idea what I was doing. I hope your meeting goes well with your supervisor. I am glad they are supportive of you.

 

[lostinmythoughts]

I had a difficult situation with a client.

To make a long story short, I helped them with applying to jobs. They were expecting a call back immediately and did not receive a call back within some days

Yesterday they came to me really angry and demanded to know why nothing was going the way she wanted. My co worker intervened to help

During this time I tried to ask the client further questions. I could feel the frustration in my voice as, well, I already struggle with speaking up. I speak very fast, I don't pronounce my words, and it seemed she wasn't understanding me as she didn't respond to what I said. Just kept reacting angrily.

It felt like I was fighting a losing battle and I retreated

I have to meet with my supervisor tomorrow. I'm thinking of telling him I'm dropping the program and I'll CTB after

One thing I know if you need help you won't be able to help others. Please first help yourself SW is involving advising, counseling, and treating so you can't be suicidal and successfully help clients.