For those who work with low income clients

mylittlesunshine

How do you keep from becoming burnt out?

I work at a place for low income/homeless women. When I came back from ML a few months ago my job had changed so now I am having constant contact with our clients (whereas before I did fundrasing/volunteer work).

I am just feeling very burnt out...almost negative somedays dealing with some of these clients. Quiting isn't an option and honestly the only thing keeping me here is the generous time off. I have been looking for a new job for almost 2 years

Erinmmo

When I was in the field doing diret contact I felt burntout all the time. I also worked for a homeless shelter for woman- so I know exactly how it can be. 

I switched to working for insurance- a more administrative job- no more direct contact- look into that- not sure what your credentials are but look into the local managed Medicaid in your area. 

Hang in there and know you are trying to help people better thier lives!

Zimger

I hve worked in a DV shelter. Now I am a Volunteer Coordinaor with CASA for Kids. I still manage cases though. It's tough. I agree with the pp that suggested some regroup time (I'm not sure how much you have though if you are just returning from ML).

It always helps me to realize that everyone has a story. they may or may not divulge it all to you but it is there. I just tell myself that I do he best that I can. They have to take it from there.

Ago

I am reading Trauma Stewardship by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky right now (and she pulls a lot from working in Domestic Violence shelters).  Also, a training on self-care by Greg Lester helped me - maybe you can google him.  The Greg Lester training really provided some immediate coping.  Hang in there- I know what that's like.

mexicolombiana

I'm a bankruptcy lawyer so yeah.

Funny thing is many of my clients are NOT what you would consider low income, but instead mismanage their money or are BIG spenders.  OR they had a catastrophic event like someone dying, medical bills, or someone losing a job.

Anyway everyone I deal with by definition has financial issues, but hey without them I wouldn't have a job.  It's depressing but at least I help people by eliminating their debt.  

I don't bring my work home with me and I don't let anything get to me.   

mylittlesunshine

Zimger:

I hve worked in a DV shelter. Now I am a Volunteer Coordinaor with CASA for Kids. I still manage cases though. It's tough. I agree with the pp that suggested some regroup time (I'm not sure how much you have though if you are just returning from ML).

It always helps me to realize that everyone has a story. they may or may not divulge it all to you but it is there. I just tell myself that I do he best that I can. They have to take it from there.

Yeah I am working at a DV shelter and used to do the volunteer end of things but not anymore.

I try and think positive and sometimes it is so hard. Especially when people are really rude to you when you are trying to help them.

Thanks ladies for all the encouragment!

groovygrl

Maybe there is an opportunity of mixing up your responsibilities to have some administrative 'down time' more often?
I think having people to talk to at work that you relate to well and can blow off steam with is important, as well as some coping strategies that work well for you both during the day & after work (whether it is going for a walk, exercising, reading, whatever).

GL