The empathy factor

[Mr.Obvious]

Jack, as one social worker to another; you need to guard yourself.
To an extent, I know your strife. I too find it hard to shut off the balance between clients/work and your own life. It's why we are drawn to this kind of work as well as why it's difficult for us. It's not a surprise why, (at least in Belgian statistics,) so many social workers have burn-outs. It's an emotionally exhausting profession. You get critique from the higher ups, your colleagues, strangers and even your clients. You are always the middle-woman. You don't see the good case alll the way 'till the end to get that sense of accomplishment, only just far enough untill they don't need you. You however do see those stuck that you have to give it your all to just stop them from 'drowning'.

Can I ask you, how long have you been a social worker? I've been one for three years. It's only been a year since I've been able to seperate my own life from my work. The first two years were extremely draining. The third one is still, so far, but to a lesser extent.