Thinking About Going for a Job in Social Services

[Claire]

Ok, I think that sounds all pretty negative Marilyn. How about thinking what you can do now not what you may or may not be able to achieve sometime in the future. If you agree, as I think you said earlier in this thread, that you aren't ready in yourself yet to do a job such as a social worker then how about working out how you can get a feel for helping people out, maybe as a charity worker on a part time basis. Pick and choose what you can do and you may find opportunities take you in a direction you hadn't thought of.

In the UK there are volunteer centres in most towns. They are like recruitment centres for voluntery work or all sorts, in all areas of the community. Is there anything like this in your area? A lot of people that are getting back into work or have been unemployed or ill get back into working this way. Something like that might be a good way for you to try all sorts of different ways of helping people while also gaining yourself.

 

[Marilyn_S]

Thank You Claire,

I do already work in volunteer services as a Stephen Minister at my church. I provide guidance and mentorship to people experiencing bereavement or other life crisis. I currently do not have a care receiver, but when there is a family in the church with social service needs the church usually utilizes my service as a resource specialist. It is my education and my work history that fills my mind with doubts. I guess it must sound pretty foolish to be so wrapped up in finishing my masters degree, especially since I quit. But I learned so much and it was so foolish and weak for me to quit to begin with that I am having a difficult time forgiving myself for that. Sorry to be so negative and I do appreciate your suggestion.

 

[Claire]

Why do you say it was "so foolish and weak"

What were the reasons? Was it really "so foolish and weak"?

I'm guessing you quit because at the time you couldn't continue due to the PTSD? That doens't make you foolish. It actually makes you sensible!

It doesn't mean you can never resume, its not a once in a lifetime opportunity is it? could you contact the college and explain the situation, find out if you could go back, now or some point in the future and resume your studies or maybe you could transfer on to another course? Many courses allow you to take a break in certain circumstances. Then you could make a decision about it instead of beating yourself about what happened.