Hello 👋

I am an unemployed social worker who was "let go" after taking PTO that was approved by my manager. I was completely overwhelmed with my case load and don't think I can go back to beingva social worker. My mental health is declining and I just don't know what way to go. That job made me not want to work with people ever again. I feel like I wasted my time at college and am at a loss of what to do next. Any advice is appreciated. TIA

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As a fellow therapist I get it. I started my career being employed at an agency that just piled us with patients. The result was burn out for therapists, constant turnover and frustration for the patients. Just a couple of years in the field and I had the exact same thoughts of quitting and never returning.
I moved to Oregon, got a job where my needs were prioritized and had a realistic caseload. This resulted in me getting better at my job, loving counseling and doing much better. It is still overwhelming sometimes (as any job/career is bound to be) but having an understanding supervisor, competent team and a balanced workplace does make a tremendous difference.
My two cents: leave the job if it is an option, seek a better workplace and really invest in self-care. All the best.

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As a social worker who’s been in the field 42 yrs, and worked in multiple types of agencies /populations; take some time to reconsider your options. Try the school (K-12) is always hiring and it brings a mix of responsibilities (can be stressful but summers off and teacher benefits), psych hospital (inpatient or day hospital), day hospital (was called day treatment years ago), and don’t forget medical social work or EAP. So many types of jobs.

It’s frustrating when we get slammed with clients beyond our control, and when you put poor leadership in the mix, it’s a mental health disaster (speaking from recent experience). I totally get where you’re coming from, but we need good ppl who care in the field. Maybe a different type of job? Our previous school social worker and psych supervisor not only taught us about secondary trauma but was the only advocate for us in terms of our mental health. He was a gem; a professor by trade and a wicked clinician. He retired in 2023 at the age of 72. Five of us left the department by June 2024 bc of his replacement who knows very little it’s embarrassing, 2 retired early (me being one of them).

Good luck! I’m rooting for you.

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I've been searching in Oregon. Would you mind sharing where you work? I've actually noticed that there are several places that seem to be good with work-life balance. I'm moving to Oregon and I'm open to almost anywhere there. I'm just waiting for my license to come through any day hopefully.

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