Combating Burnout
This
week's topic is based on a letter that was written to me recently and I want to
get your thoughts on it. As I go
around the country I am seeing more and more of our staff burnout and getting
overworked. Working with people
with problems takes a lot of emotional energy and can easily burnout the best of
us. What things are you doing to
overcome burnout? Do you think that
those of us in social services tend to be codependent?
We
actually got refunded and then some. My program was staffed by three of us, but
as of last July, it went down to one. (I have been working on the burnout issue)
In all honesty, as a group we are often a bunch of codependents who want to make
a difference, and we forget to take care ourselves.
I have found that when I am feeling irritable, I work on figuring out
where it is coming from. Surprise, it's because I'm not taking care of myself!
Our agency and many non profits and county offices really capitalize on
our tendencies to be workaholics (My assignment this week was to take a lunch
every day! Last month it was not to take work home on weekends and to play more)
I am assuming that other people in the helping professions struggle this way.
Chris
RESPONSES:
I'm in the Marketing Dept for a three county One-Stop and
my schedule can be hectic. I do several things to avoid burnout. Number one, I
remind myself it is only a job, an important job, but still only a job. Second,
I do physical things in my off hours. These include being involved in the Body
for Life Challenge (www.BodyForLife.com),
taking dance lessons, and going dancing several times a month. During hockey
season I attend local games. Third, I do personally relaxing hobbies. For me
that is watercolor painting, drawing, and jewelry making. I think the key to
avoiding burnout is to not make work your whole life. Work is an important
priority and we should seek to be successful, but finding success and positive
results in other areas of interest can carry you through difficult work
situations. Like diversifying your portfolio, you should diversify your life!
Loren in Cal
I cope by taking a
vacation day the day before a college holiday. This extends a 3 day weekend into
a 4 day weekend which is a wonderful break. It helps me keep perspective and
come back fresh and ready to go! I also stay away from negativity in the office
- I just say excuse me I have to get back work and l can't be part of that as it
perpetuates more stress and I don't need any more than I already have! It is so
easy to get caught up in the negativity and bad mouth situations and people when
things are stressful.
B.J. Smith IA
This is in response to the
letter on burnout. This is not an answer that works, for most, but after
32 plus years in the state agency, I am leaving the end of June. The
letter you printed refers to our employers taking advantage of us being
workaholics. My state is understaffed in all ways, and they are expecting
us to be workaholics. Although I won't help customers once I am gone,
maybe if enough good people leave the state will realize that programs must be
funded to function.
Steve
think it is very easy to
burnout in this field because workers have to learn "boundaries" just
like clients due. Work is work, and should stay at work it should not be
coming home with you. Some workers I would agree do have symptoms of
co-dependency. When you are putting more work in than a client, you are
doing too much. Who is it really for then, the client or the
therapist/worker?
Laura FL
I can relate to this as we
are preparing to roll out a new computer system that will change the way we do
our jobs. This requires us to be out of the office for 2 weeks of training and
as a result we are all putting in extra hours in the evenings and Saturdays.
This is a very exciting but emotionally and physically draining time, and we
are all tired and overworked. We need to remember to take breaks, go
for walks, and get some rest on the weekends. We also need to keep in mind
our own limitations and not try to continually push past those but to find a
balance between work and home life. Susan R
This is a very good topic
as I think we all tend to lose site of fact that WE are the hinge pin upon which
all services spin!!!
Balance is the key...at work, at home, in all things. A balanced diet keeps all
physical systems working in top-notch order. A balanced life keeps all phases of
life running smoothly.
What good would any of us be if we sacrifice our health and well-being to the
demands of a job? Taking breaks, lunch, vacations.....all part of balance.
Some days, I forget to get up out of chair...I am so involved in my work and
saddled to my computer. I have to make a concerted effort to remember, don't set
at the computer for more than one hour at a time but I do make myself remember
and get up.
Too much of anything thing...is not a good thing. Too much work, too much free
time, too much ice cream???? It defeats the enjoyment, to have too much of
anything. "To everything there is a season."
Have a little bit of everything...as life is a Smorgasbord....then stress
becomes on a word and not a condition! Ruth
To reduce stress
I have spent the last three weeks taking time at home to sit in my yard, enjoy
playing with my five dogs, taking time to enjoy viewing the mountains, and the
flowers in my yard.
When this simple
pleasure begins to not work for me, I will find another “simple form” of
enjoyment. It is vital we take time
to do this.
As for
codependent: I truly hope there are
more than less that are “not codependent” as for me, I believe in teaching
people tools, so that when I am out
of their life, they can operate without me and on their own.
Patti, CA
Yes, Yes and taking time for oneself is important. I take elevator down to second floor to credit union and then walk back up to 5th floor about three times a week for the silence of the stairwell, sit with people on the bus who are also struggling with burnout and share a few laughs with them. When my significant other says lets go to the movie on Wed. or Thursday night, I say yes instead of I'm too tired and have to work tomorrow. I’ve started swimming when I get home from work while SO fixes dinner. Two days a week I walk from bus transit center to work instead of riding one stop closer. It gives me time to see the morning, get exercise and think about day ahead. Riding the bus actually helps me relax instead of worrying about traffic problems. I encourage other staff to take time out or do something for themselves. My boss works early in the morning and leaves at lunchtime to go exercise and returns later in the day . He is relaxed all the time and accomplishes mountains of work. Wishing you no hurricanes, Paul Aloha, Joy
Yes, staff has a tendency to become burned out especially when overworked, underpaid and over burdened with the drama (stresses) of clients as well as staff. I have suggested in my company fun time workshops. Workshops where we are still gaining useful information but having fun, laughter relieves stress, as you well know. When workshops are not feasible, take time for you, get out the office, walk, lock your office door and cut the phone off and relax and think peaceful thoughts. But most of all do not take work home; do not bring stress from home to work. (Easier said than done)
Management should also express more appreciation for their staff and be genuine about. Co-workers should express their appreciation for each other, every uplifting helps. Stephanie
think I need to take Chris's example and start to make plans for not taking work home. Since I have allot of leave built up I plan to start taking Fridays off for nice long weekends as my stress reducer. Also I work for a non-profit that are work day is supposed to be a 7.5 hour day but I put in more. I plan to work through lunch and then get out early so I can play tennis. Just some things I'm starting so I'm not so burned out.
Thanks again for the newsletters
Dave from Alaska
Just to let you know, I was given my lay-off notice and will only be at this address through 6/30/04. So, I will be a dislocated worker. As far as burn-out and how to combat it, I believe that it can happen to the best of us, but it is our job to work through it and not allow our customers to feel the effect of it. Customer Service is key, and you have to be able to wear a smile and remember that it is not the customer's fault. Remedies for burn-out, take a vacation day, or week if you have the time, leave the office for lunch, keep inspirational items at your work station. Just remember how lucky you are to be employed! GW CA
In response to your question without a doubt, I believe we are codependent. I believe we look for support and encouragement from our peers. In the social service field, we regularly get customers who are manipulators and we sometime start believing that everyone who comes in the door will be playing games. For me, sometimes it takes a co-worker to remind me that I can't judge one person based on another person's actions. There are too many times when I depend on my co-workers for support but forget that they have problems/issues of their own. But I believe that "team effort" is what brings all of us closer together and gives us the ability to be creative in resolving some of the issues for our customers.
I rely on sporting activities to relieve my stress. I have been bowling in a league since 1987 and that is one thing that I look forward to each week. When I started working for this agency, I use to think I was the savior for everyone, took work home each night/weekend, and never took time for myself. As you witnessed with the good relationship I have with the staff in Rockingham County, I learned so much from them. A co-worker would remind me that I have a family and a life and I can only help those who want the help. He would give me his personal testimonies of how he use to get stressed and how he learned to take time for himself. Having that close relationship with the Rockingham County staff enabled me to learn a lot about myself and about life in general. Accepting the position in Winston-Salem was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make because I did not want to leave everyone in Rockingham County. The support and encouragement from all of them assisted me in realizing that we still work in the same region and will see each other regularly. I regularly call a co-worker and the other staff for assistance and on some days just talking with each of them removes all stress from my heart. William Pass NC
Question 2:
I think that to state we have a tendency to be codependent would be a stereotyping. I do think that certain personality types are drawn to social services work.
Bonnie
In answer to your question, I think the ideas presented were good one. My personal feeling is that we in the helping profession do tend to be workaholics and sometimes high feelers -- trying to make everyone happy. I think burnout is often about setting personal boundaries and attitude. These are two things take maturity and practice. My personal experience has been that maturity has been my saving grace in realizing that I must take care of me and make my life and my needs a priority. It is something I continually have to work at. Also, the attitude we chose each day and particularly about work has a great deal to do with our sense of "burnout". I attached the quote by Charles Swindol that we talked about below:
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string that we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our attitudes."
Charles Swindol
From a management perspective I think it is really important to be in tune with staff and acknowledge when they are working hard. It is sometimes important to help them be realistic about their time -- looking at workload, time management, etc. -- and address these issue if they need to be addressed. I think it is also important to have times when you play with your staff. Have staff retreats where you provide some time for professional development but also have time to do something fun -- hold it at a park and hike in the afternoon or play fun board games, bring in someone to do team building or be creative and come up with a activity that everyone can participate in.
On a personal level, create those boundaries. Take a few minutes to get up and move around occasionally. If you don't typically take lunch then at least plan to take lunch one day a week and go to a nice restaurant with a good friend or co-worker. Read something positive and inspiring every day. Block some time during your day where you do not take calls -- this gives you the opportunity to get your most important items taken care of or at least started without interruption. Find an organizational system that you like and stick with it. Finally, realize we are all human!
Tammy NC
One of the most difficult things that I have had to come to grips with is feeling guilty for having a job (one that is finally starting to pay something) when so many of my clients cannot afford rent and don’t really know where there next meal is coming from. I don’t know if that was/is my co-dependency or my “rescuer” coming to the surface. In dealing with this, I decided on a couple of things; one, that I would not feel guilty for having some cash in my pocket, being able to go the movies and to stop (occasionally) for a burger value meal somewhere. What I used to balance that particular aspect is the fact that I support three kids and a spouse and that I have worked (regardless of where) pretty hard to get to “here and now”. I am not comparing myself or being condescending, just looking at it from the side of the family that I am working to keep on the streets (and such).
So, then comes the second thing; and that is that I have had to tell myself that I am not a calloused person for separating the job from my home life. I like what I do, I really do. Seeing someone accomplish their education goal, get a decent job, start certificate training, or re-enroll back into school is sooooo fulfilling. If I do my work and AT LEAST TRY to do a good job each day, then I can go home and hang up my hat and play with my family without any guilt because I will rest assured that I did do something, I did help someone, even if one at a time. Once in a while I have to get tough and give the occasional stubborn client a kick in the pants and hope and pray that like with everything else it pays off.
I guess, all in all, I have to look at myself as humanely as I have to look at my clients. Now and again I catch myself saying, if not for the grace of God, there go I”, then I balance it with the fact that God gave me all that I have and I have used it pretty well, even that kick in the pants that I got from a caring service provider.
Vincent R. IL
Energy is the primary currency of business. Energy is the capacity to do work, and every task requires work to accomplish it. Energy is a renewable resource. Full engagement requires a combination of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energy focused toward the right task.
However, disengaging from work is an essential part of being productive. We need intense focus and concentration when necessary, but the ability to relax between bursts of productivity is essential Have passion and enthusiasm for your job, but know how to relax.
Lucy CA
I think we are charged with a task that has inherent
burnout for anyone. The
timeline for each person is the only question. We are faced with incredible
numbers to meet and programs that offer little incentives other than
sanctions. The outcome of many of these sanctions are inevitable anyway
based on time. Some changes are not possible for many of our clients, yet we
are charged with production numbers that continue to increase. Many measures
are for areas that we have no control over such as job retention. Most of us
in social service related jobs came by it from a desire to help and
facilitate positive change. The only way to avert the impact of the stress
we are under is to see a halt in staff reductions and unrealistic
expectations. Coping effectively definitely depends of taking care of
ourselves, but also in legislative and local workforce board awareness of
our realistic potential. When each day ends without a sense of
accomplishment and our clients continue to be under served, there will
continue to be burnout.
Mary TX
I have to say that YOGA works for me in the Burnout Department. It has truly kept me grounded, and I'm able to "center myself" with breathing techniques when things get crazy at work.
~~
I don't believe we are codependent. We are just good people trying to help those in need to reach their full potential.
~~
Namaste - which translates "the divine in me bows to the divine in you"....
~City Gal Sal~
suppose we can all relate a bit to the burnout issue as
expressed by
the letter you've shared. Oddly, I've not been hit by burnout after
about 25 years of social service in assorted capacities. Of course, I
am working today on Memorial Day when everyone else is planning an
afternoon barbecue that they hope won't get rained out !!!
Hmmmm.....priorities? Lack of other options?
It is all a matter of what we consider "play". For me, it's sailing,
motorsports, collecting antiques, writing grants, mentoring young
professionals, and training. I find no difference between the way I
feel when 'playing' at expected avocations and 'playing' at my
profession. After a masters' in counseling, I did doctoral work in
Recreation and Leisure Studies at UGA. It's a fascinating field.
Researchers have often suggested (and I surely agree) that the excited
and enthusiastic staffer is really just at play. ML NC
Fortunately, I know that charity begins at home.
Women especially need to take care to avoid the "all things to all
people" trap. Discipline myself to maintain boundaries between my work and
the other areas of my life. Too interested in the wider world to get burn out.
Pat PA
I must agree to the attached letter. When I worked as a paralegal, I had the tendency of taking work home, preparing for a case was my excuse. It went from preparing one case to taking home everyday to be one step ahead of the following day. I was always tired and never did anything with my time. That was once upon a time. Now I focus on me. I mentally shut down at 4:45pm. I tell myself that it is over in fifteen minutes and that I helped those I needed to help for the day. Those that I was not able to assist meant that the man above, GOD, planned that it was not their time. I go home and have fun with my children. At least I make that fun. The most important thing is to take care of me.
In the profession of helping others, we are told to think that the business is yours and take care of it. However, some workers feel that if they are provided some sort of financial assistance that the funds are coming from their pockets. This is when the burn out begins. However, the real problem is that they too are going through some things and do not have access to the same services that they are providing. THIS WILL MOST DIFINATELY CAUSE BURN OUT DUE TO STRESS . How is this resolved? The need to find a program that helps that working poor. (Like us).
Another way that I avoid getting caught up in the burn out world is that I make it my business to get to know my clients personality and character. This will help me deal with their situations. This will also help me know if they are just there for the money and not to help themselves. I am in the business of helping people help them self. If we need to assist financially then we will but the client has to show the interest to better he/her self. Once I have identified my client’s personality and character, everything will be a breeze. People say not....do not get to personal with you clients but if you don't, you will always be on the roller coaster and you will begin to dislike your job and get burned out.
Maria NC
Burnout is a big issue in our profession and one that manifests itself differently in members of staff. I think Chris hit on the key below, taking care of ourselves. Too often as caregivers (both at home and at work) we put everyone else first. If this wasn’t part of our nature, we wouldn’t be in the jobs we are in.
So, we need to realize that we can’t help others if we don’t take care of ourselves. I, too, try to take a lunch (not every day, but at least 2-3 times a week), I rarely take work home anymore, and most importantly, on my way home each night, I consciously put everything away in its mental place so that when I get home, I am really there. I can enjoy my family, laugh and relax.
Hope you have a great week.
Reni
I do believe that there are people in the helping professions that are co-dependent and get there own needs met through their work with clients. As a group, it is our responsibility to practice self-care and be aware of when our boundaries are getting blurry. Something that works for me is taking frequent "mental health" days off from work and finding meaningful activities that replenish my energy and my optimism such as aerobics. As an agency, I recommend staffing difficult clients frequently so that it doesn't feel like individuals carry the burden alone. It's also been helpful for me to continuously remind myself that I'm not responsible for my client's lives, I'm only one resource and the services I offer are limited so I try to be very realistic with clients so that their expectations are reasonable. At the end of the day, I feel good about the support I offer but when they leave my office, their actions are their responsibility, I do not feel responsible for them. I think setting clear boundaries for ourselves is another good "self care " practice. I think taking regular lunch breaks and only working 40 hours a week are also good ways for setting healthy boundaries. R. B. WI
believe our line staff are extremely challenged by the enormity of their task: to serve people with lots of problems and help lift them out of poverty. I am extremely fortunate in that my job - although also challenging - allows me a lot of creativity and flexibility, so perhaps I don't feel the burnout issue as keenly as others. Also, because I am a 7 Habits of Highly Effective People trainer (even though I no longer train), if I don't catch myself getting out of balance, someone else will remind me - it is really critical that I walk my talk, credibility wise, and I am a huge promoter of wellness and FUN!!
OK, the short answer is I apply the principles of the 7 Habits, and when I feel myself getting into the workaholic life-or-death mindset about my work, I try to STOP. And breathe a little, and remember who I am, and that angels can fly because they take themselves lightly. Or something like that. Certainly it is easy to be co-dependant in any job where one can really influence the lives of others - because for them our help can be life or death. Part of my job is to encourage people to take care of themselves - and offer resources and tools to do that. Lucky me - I love it! Take care, and nice to hear from you. I like this personalized approach - very effective Stephanie
I think that people in
social service do have a greater tendency to be codependent. I have worked with
many of them. Many become supervisors because codependency is rewarded by many
social service agencies.
The best ways I have found to beat burnout
is to prioritize and maintain interests/hobbies outside of work. Personally, my
priorities are 1) God, 2) Family and Friends, 3) Myself, and 4) Work. I find
that when my priorities become rearranged, I start to feel the beginning of
burnout. If the priorities begin to become rearranged on a regular basis,
usually at the insistence of supervisors/agencies, burnout becomes a reality. I
typically make my priorities well known to those I work with so that there is no
question about them. When burnout hits, I usually request time off to reset my
priorities. This can be to either spend more time with my family, take a day off
to have the house to myself, or do some other type of activity that I enjoy.
I have found that as long as I maintain my
hobbies/interests, burnout is not a large factor in my professional life.
However, I have left a position due to a supervisor not respecting my priorities
and expecting me to sacrifice most of my family time for work. I believe you
have to have a line that you are not willing to cross in order to maintain your
own self-respect and your own sanity. I think this is an important issue that a
lot of those in the helping professions have had to struggle with at one time or
another.
Have a nice week,
David Chissoe OK
These
past 2 weeks have been extremely difficult for me here. There has
been one problem right after another. It has not stopped in 2 weeks.
The only way to avoid burnout is to do your job while at work (8:00 a.m. –
5:00 p.m.). When you go home in the evenings and on weekends; that is your
time, plan fun outings with your family/friends or just plan on spending time
doing the things you love most in life. You should not think nor worry
about work at these times. I know that being in this profession that tends
to be our nature, but I learned a long time ago; each of us is only one person,
we can not do everything and we can not save everyone. Most importantly,
always smile! A smile can cure anything. I know this is not very
specific information, but this has worked for me for over 7 years now. I
hope this helps. Amee
NC
Well, taking lunch out of the office is what I do daily! I never take work home. When I have the extra to do, I stay later at the office and keep my home as my sanctuary (besides, there's a lot to do there!). Peace, Pati
I will have to remember all those who have served our country, from behind my desk! The college is "up and running" today!
Re: the "burnout", I think it is so important that we in the Human Service/ Social Service business set personal limits and boundaries. A balanced life is very important for more reasons than one; health, sanity, enjoyment of life and job, the ability to continue assisting/ guiding our clients.
A lot of the reason we experience burnout is due to our expectations of those we serve and the fact that it's often easier to do things for our clients instead of allowing the client to "do" on their time table.
I feel it's important we live with "purpose". That "purpose" needs to be assessed daily as we find ourself rushing around "doing". We need to ask ourself, "What am I doing? Who am I doing it for and in the long run, is it in their BEST interest that I'm doing it FOR them? I find that being cognizant of these things narrows down "business" and curtails burn out.
I think it's also important that a supervisor have their "finger on the pulse" to be aware of their employers burnout symptoms. If not, co-workers can keep each other "in check". I feel mentors are important. I have a "workplace mentor" and she is often checking my gauges and is quick to pick up on such things.
We are all in this together because we care about people. However, we must first care about ourselves. As the saying goes, "one can not love until he has first loved himself"...well the same holds true for caring for others...you must first care for yourself in order to care for others.
Sarah
Ledford NC
Burn-out is becoming a big issue for many of us. As the funding continues to get cut, there are less staff to do the work. Those that are left are required to absorb the left-over duties.
Fortunately, because of the above, our manager is constantly thinking of ways to make work easier for us. Recently we got a refresher course on "Service by Design". Staff as a whole has been working on deleting those processes that add no value to our center and brain storming ways to streamline the tasks that are required. Fortunately, we have a strong leader and team who want to work at providing excellent customer service and helping each other out.
Truthfully, I am not sure what I do to help with my burn-out.
As far as being co-dependents who want to "help everyone" ... I think that when a person realizes what they are doing, then it is within their power to change it if it is impacting their well being. I don't see a lot of our staff doing the "co thing" with customers because we realize that each person is responsible for their positions. That's not to say that we are not helpful because we are! But I think we all know where the boundary ends and do our best not to step over it. In my opinion, once I step over the boundary I am no longer helping but "doing for."
Calif.
In response to your questions I think burnout is a very real part of our jobs as we are very codependent and emphatic toward the need of others. Why else would we be doing what we do. I know that I am as guilty as the next guy of not taking breaks and working through my lunch. What I have come to realize and I think sitting in your seminar had reaffirmed for me, is that 1/2 the battle is recognizing that we are in control of our own actions and reactions to our environment. So with this in mind I have created my own environment at work, with plants in my work space, listening to blues and Jazz to help "mellow" my area. But then I will also change the music to something more upbeat, to get me moving in my seat for a change of pace and help to break any cycle I might be putting myself in. I have also become more aware (or perhaps reaware) of the negative forces in the work environment (from the top, people we assist and workers) and in the way that people present situations. By looking at them differently I may not be able to change their perceptions, but I can mine and how I react to them. This I think is the greatest tool I can use to help myself avoid burning out, along with just getting up and moving.
I hope I have not rambled on to much, I look forward to hearing from you again and passing on any insight you may wish to share to others.
Cindy WA
We are battling tornadoes at this time....it is the season.
Burnout........WOW, what a subject.
I work around this by keeping focused on why I am here.
Now that I only assist Veterans, who have a multitude of issues, it is very
easy to get caught up in their storm.
Primarily, I take the proactive approach and stay very subjective.
If they are not work ready...then referral to a support agency is in order
ie, drug/alcohol,Rehab, VA, Psych, etc.
The last thing I am willing to do is take it personal.
I am now golfing and fishing and 4 grandkids in the local area keeps me very
occupied.
Burnout only occurs when you hit gas pedal real hard from a standstill.(;-)
jokingly!!
Take off slow and focused, don't get none on you and all will balance out in
the end.
I don't think that burnout is the real title........frustration is the
culprit in most cases.
Minimize/eliminate the things that causes frustration.......the storm
disappears.
Can't get rid of the frustrations......time to change your job place.....or
you will eventually explode.
"That is the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat". Frank O TX
I agree that burnout is always a problem in the helping profession. Usually, 2 years is my limit before succumbing to burnout, but this time, it's been almost 3 years, and I'm still ok. My department is consistently the only one to continue working after quitting time, the only one to work through lunch, & arrive at least 30 minutes early to begin work ASAP. I think I'm not burned out this time, though, because I've set limits for myself, which I've never done before. I've realized that I only have 2 hands & 1 brain. I have 3 piles: PDQ, ASAP, Due. I set aside 2 hrs. a day for PDQ & ASAP. Then I focus only on Due for the rest of the day. This keeps me current, which has always been a problem for me in the past, and caused most of my stress. I've cut down on walk-ins by encouraging my clients to e-mail me w/emergencies if they don't have time to wait for an appt.. I check my e-mail 3x a day, and take care of their emergencies more efficiently this way. It also cuts down on phone time. This has cut my stress to a more manageable level.
Are we co-dependent? Yes, but it goes with the territory!
Josette
This is a very interesting and real subject, BURNOUT! Very common in our field of work because like it stated in the letter it is draining having people come in day after day and unload their problems on us and for some of those clients this is their only outlet. I have been experiencing burnout for some time now and I have been handling it this way. First I pray a lot asking God to give me the strength to make it through. I also have been eliminating those clients that want to dump all their problems on us, you know the ones that come into the agency everyday for the littlest things. We have to eliminate those clients because after awhile we begin to take on their problems. Eliminate all forms of NEGATIVITY from your surroundings, we can't control who comes into the agency but we can control our response to them and what they are dumping on us. We as case managers, job developers etc. have that right. We all have those clients as we here at our agency call them "The Do-Drop Ins" who just show up for some where to hang out and leave their problems and negative attitudes with us. I don't see them and make them set an appointment, you be surprised just how many stop just dropping by. As much as we don't want to admit this but we have to if we are going to eliminate burnout, how much are we contributing to our own burnout. Have an escape valve, the gym works for me, take walks at lunch, after work. Listen to music, in the Bible David used music to calm Saul, have people you can talk to other than your spouse leave your job at work! This will make your home life miserable if all we talk about are our clients. Take seminars sometimes just getting out of the office and talking with others in the field helps a great deal and you find out you are not the only one suffering from burnout. And when you go the seminars unless you have to call your office don't! You are there to get recharged and trying to solve problems while you are there takes away from your learning and getting refreshed. Unless it is an emergency a serious emergency, think about it how much can you do if you are out of state or out of town. These are some things that have helped me deal with burnout and again PRAY and PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens)!
Michael Ohio
Thanks for sharing this; it is truly an art to be able to
balance work,
home, and play. The key word in that is balance, and as a social service
worker I've seen many people cave to the pressures of not being able to
fine that balance. You both are on the right track...you must find time
for yourself. In that time you have for yourself you must treat yourself
good, and not even think about the work in a way that will prevent you from
relaxing. WE all want to do a good job while on the job, and with that
comes the drive to want to stay on top of things. That in it self is a
very hard thing to do in today’s job world. We all have what seems to be
more work than any one person can do. Again I say balance, along with
priorities and organize. If you do this the time for fun and relaxation
will be easy to fill into a schedule. If you take time to do this you are
less likely to suffer burn out....keep your eye on the target because it
will move. Steven D
Good question. I enjoy working with people; however, I don't feel that I must have someone with issues in order to feel needed. Therefore, I don't think I am codependent on them; however, because people need our services which in short help finance our lifestyle, maybe we are codependent!
As for burnout, sure we get burned out. But vacation time, taking time to have fun, physical activities and doing something different from time to time (on or off the job - such as workshops) helps fight it. RG NC
When I catch myself, skipping lunches, I resolve to not
only take lunches, but to take breaks. Fortunately, I work in a beautiful
area where I can take a nice 15 minute walk and refresh my batteries. (It
also helps my waistline!) Mary
Yes
– a little to a lot of burnout. One has to understand you can only help
those whom desire to help themselves. I adapted this practice many years
ago. Doesn’t work all the time I believe it’s the only way.
There is not the time or resources to spent your energy on individuals whom will
not work at helping themselves. Also all workers need to continually ask
themselves is why I am do this – such as attending a meeting or doting an I.
What is the purpose – is it going to make a difference – is it going to
assist me in reaching my goals or actually helping someone. Codependent
– as a program manager I would like to say it’s not allowed. We are in
the employment and training business – not social services.
Bob WI
The major change the Spokane Southwest Community Service Office(CSO) made was move to generic /unassigned caseloads on 7/1/02. This did a number of things:
Other areas we emphasize:
The most significant struggle that I have observed that I believe can drain emotional energy and create burnout is the increased dependence on technology to perform Social and Health Services tasks. The "old school" staff have adjusted to this transition but the reduction in "personal" contact I believe has contributed to staff "burnout" and has been an emotional drain for many. New staff coming into the system have adjusted to this more quickly but the trend continues to remove the "social" contact for the delivery of social services. Pete WA
I work with the public helping them
look for work. Every day people come in and tell me they are almost out of
unemployment benefits and have not found work yet, the bills are piling up,
their spouse is yelling at them/or leaving them, the house they have been living
in for years is about to be foreclosed by the bank, they are accepting jobs that
do not pay the bills because there is no more work in their field, they can not
afford to pay medical bills or their prescription medication needed to live on,
many in their fifties think that employers are NOT hiring them because they are
to OLD. ( that would include me!) Many want to know what I am going to do to
help them solve all their problems (which we know we can not do). Every day I
listen to the stories of those struggling and it can at times cause me to feel
very down. The way I deal with it is to spend some of my lunch time in a quiet
old church down the street from my office. I go and pray there, sometimes just
sit and become quiet. There is a "peace" there, a quiet place of
"rest". Now that summer is here I can also take my stress out in my
garden. Planting flowers, listening to the birds sing, smelling the fresh air,
just being outside lifts my spirit. I am constantly reminded to count my
blessings. A roof over my head, daily needs met, family and friends, and a
relationship with my Maker keeps me focused on what counts the most. While at
work I do my best to HELP those I can the very best I can. I can only do so
much, I am not responsible for everyones broken lives. I can help and will help
where and when I can. My job is to assist clients with their job search. I
direct them to others who are more qualified/ trained to assist them in any
other areas of need. Stay focused on what I can do, not on what I cant do. LK MA