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.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Comfortable with change

TODAY TWO MORE CASE MANAGERS RESIGNED. I have spent a good deal of time with both of them, so naturally I am disappointed that they are leaving. It took me "a minute" to get a bit settled at my internship, and once I got into a rhythm with each of them, I felt a bit more comfortable.

Perhaps I'm not supposed to be comfortable. My lesson may just be about being comfortable with uncertainty (Pema Chodron).

I understand why they need to leave, and just a couple of months ago, I did the same thing: I left a job that no longer served me. I needed to move on. That's how they feel. They don't want to do it anymore. I get it.

I wish them well, along with a third person who resigned two weeks ago tomorrow. I am grateful for what I have learned from them, and I hope they find some of what they are looking for and also what they need to do to feel better. Most of all, I pray that they know they made a difference in many peoples' lives, including mine.

~Ms. T. J.

2 comments:

  1. circling the parking garageNovember 16, 2009 at 7:20 PM

    Ms. T.J.
    I'm enjoying reading your blogs. It is nice to be able to see into the life of another social worker and relate to the emotions and experiences that you share w/us.
    This particular blog attests to the level of flexibility that you exercise. I know getting settled into a workplace can take some time, especially one that lacks organization and strong leadership. I think your introspection and decission (whether conscious or not) to learn and grow from your difficulties is an example that others, incuding myself, should follow.
    Thanks for your contributions to the social work community.

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  2. Thank you "Circling"~

    You remind me of a wonderful memory I had with my most influential case manager.  We were trying to get to court on time and after her third circling of the parking garage, I quickly said, pointing, "There! Take the ramp!" We laughed so hard. My favorite part was when she said: "This would be a great story to tell if it was about someone else."

    I will always remember her and everything she taught me.

    ~Ms. T. J.

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