There's always one in the crowd; the caseworker who shows up smiling every morning.
She greets you with a genuine hug because she's actually thrilled to see you again this morning. She wonders how your flu-stricken child is feeling. She eagerly dives into an endless stream of emails and seems more energized during the morning coffee break than she did when she first arrived.
What's this woman thinking? What's wrong with her?
We talk to social workers every day. Social work isn't easy by far. And it takes an enormous amount of strength and concentration at times just to stay motivated. Here are some of the techniques that caseworkers have shared with us. We thought we would share them with you.
The 6 Beliefs of Happy Caseworkers Defined...
Happy caseworkers approach their careers in social work with six beliefs that separate them from the masses of unhappy, depressed, over worked, stressed out, and unwilling workers who show up at the office because they believe they have to.
SOCIAL WORK IS NOT MY JOB - IT'S MY CALLING: Happy social workers internalize the mission of their agency. To offer aid to troubled people is a privilege. They are honored to be of service in any way they can.
I DO NOT WORK - I SERVE: Happy social workers never have to go to work. They spend their time and energy connecting with, and trying to aid, the less fortunate.
I DO NOT HAVE CLIENTS - I HAVE SISTERS AND BROTHERS: Every human being is called to serve. When we give in to the impulse life becomes pleasurable and satisfying.
MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN: The happy caseworker is grateful for his/her calling. Imagine being paid to help the less fortunate. We all feel better when we give to the needy. Only a select few are paid to do it as a full time career.
I AM A GIVER RATHER THAN A TAKER: Many recent studies have shown that people who have the opportunity to be of service feel better about themselves and life in general. Happy social workers seek opportunities to give throughout their lives. They are aware that giving makes them more content than receiving.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK FOR MY SOUL: I focus on outcomes not procedure. If even one child's needs are met today, I won't notice a cranky boss, my faulty computer, the inefficient air conditioning, lazy colleagues, oppressive traffic, or my enormous caseload. The look of gratitude in a child's eyes causes me to overlook everything else.
Happiness is a choice. If you choose to adopt the six beliefs above you will become a happy caseworker. You cannot control life's circumstances. You can control your reaction to what happens. Adopt the beliefs above and see how your life changes.
