I would be lying right now if I said I was not completely overwhelmed.
It's only day three. I need to give myself a break and repeat my mantra: "This is temporary .... this is temporary ... this is temporary."
I hate to sound like a big whiner. And I want to whine. In appropriate ways with appropriate people. Will you be my appropriate people for a moment?
Monday: I spent the morning at my regular/paying job (magazine), then headed over to the IOP from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Then I came back to the magazine to finish out my hours.
Tuesday: First day of classes. Our first prof never showed up so we got up at the crack of dawn to sit in a classroom from 8-9 a.m. The class schedules were rearranged before the day was done at 5 p.m.-ish.
My newest mantra: "I don't mind what happens."
Today: Started the day at TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). In the early a.m. I was asked to watch the children for a moment while my field instructor had a very brief meeting with the social work aides. As I cradled one child in my arms, read a storybook to two 3-year-olds, all the while keeping my eye on a 4-month-old lying on a floor pad at my feet, I thought, "Who knew?"
So, as I settle back into my familiar magazine duties in the late afternoon, I am once again able to do some deep belly breathing.
This is temporary. I don't mind what happens.
--Ms. T. J.
Welcome to The New Social Worker's Blog
The New Social Worker is the quarterly magazine for social work students and recent graduates, focusing on social work careers for those new to the profession. This blog is a companion to the free online magazine at http://www.socialworker.com.
I just wanted to thank you for doing this blog. It has been and I am sure will continue to be a tremendous research for me. I am in the process of researching MSW programs and preparing myself for the road ahead and this blog is definitely helping me get a sense of whats ahead. I will remember your mantra and repeat it often...it's only temporary. Try to remember that in your (very busy) days ahead and thanks again!
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Aw honey, I've been waiting for you (the new social worker) for two years! Kvetch as much as you want. And I'll get you some great P.R. next time I get around to bragging about all my new friends.
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ReplyDeleteYou don't know how great it feels to get feedback like yours. It inspires me to keep blogging.
Thanks.
--Ms. T.J.
TJ I really enjoyed and needed to read your blog. I am an MSW student getting ready to start my second semester tomorrow. I am also 52 years old and hoping for a career change when I get out. I've been struggling with the idea of going back. It is very stressful, as well as expensive. (I have two kids who we are still saving for college for) You are an inspiration. Keep blogging! Thanks, Betsy
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