I think I'm falling back in love with social work!
Published by Professional Social Work magazine, 8 December, 2022
Very pleased to be writing a diary entry that is positive. I am in a local authority where I have a role I am really enjoying at the moment. I feel I am working with teams who are open, communicate and supportive. There are of course some bumps, but because of the no-blame culture and recognition of needs for improvement, it feels overall comfortable.
It’s a breath of fresh air from the last local authority which was toxic. I find that hard to write and feel a sense of betrayal. However, it was not a pleasant experience. Here they are not overloading me, meaning I have time to focus on the tasks at hand, spend time in case discussions - and my workload is almost manageable!
There will always be some overtime, but this is not eating into my free time hugely. Yes, I have lots to do and the work is emotionally draining at times, but I can breathe. Gosh, I think I’m falling back in love with social work!
I am learning lots too, and feeling challenged professionally. I am focused on not being involved in any politics, handing this over and letting it sort itself out. How refreshing not to be in management dealing with that right now. It does give me hope that this time may recharge me, provide that much needed time to process, reflect, learn and to grow from my prior unpleasant experiences and maybe return back into management. If I did return, I would be wiser, thicker skinned, and more aware of the games played and how to let those go.
Side note: I have in earlier entries written about a previous manager who bad mouthed me to a potential employer, then said she hadn’t and that there were no issues with my practice.
I submitted a subject access requests to understand what had been said about me as they wouldn’t communicate with me. To date, neither the former or the potential employer have provided any information and so I have now referred the local authority to the Information Commissioner’s office. How interesting… makes me wonder if they didn’t expect someone to follow up!
Right now though I want to enjoy this time, feeling I’m working somewhere that appreciates and respects me and supports me. Where niceness is not taken as opportunity to exploit or used as part of political game playing. Perhaps I found myself a home where I can go permanent…
What a fabulous end to the year in what has been quite a journey for this social worker. Here’s to a happy Christmas and a hopeful New Year for us all!