7 reasons you should always finish work on time

1 - SOCIAL WORK IS NEVER-ENDING

Our human nature is to see things through and work towards completing tasks. Most jobs require this drive to see projects and tasks through, but social work is different because our ‘projects’ are people’s lives.

Because we can never predict human nature, or direct the actions of others, this makes our work never-ending, no matter how late you work.

2 - INTEREST IN CLIENTS IS IMPORTANT, BUT SO IS INTEREST IN YOUR OWN FAMILY

We need to care, and show unconditional positive regard, for those we go to work for, but not at the expense of our own families.

Many colleagues look back and regret missing out on their own children’s lives because of work. Devote time to your loved ones, and nurture those relationships above all else.

3 - MORE TO LIFE THAN WORK

When the cost of failure in our jobs is so high, and the pressures so great, it’s easy to let work consume you, but you are more than just a social worker.

The whole point of work/life balance is that you try to create an even balance - not snatch one hour every night with your family just before bed.

4 - YOU NEED TIME TO SOCIALISE, ENTERTAIN, RELAX, AND EXERCISE

You must make time for your own interests and passions, otherwise your life will become faded.

As a vocation, social work can take over your life, and it is natural to spend some of your free time expanding your learning or engaging in activism. This is fulfilling, but relax and enjoy yourself too. Don’t be defined by work.

5 - IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT IF 37 HOURS ISN’T ENOUGH

In many workplaces there is a culture of regular unpaid overtime, working into the early hours, and writing reports on a weekend to hit deadlines.

If these situations occur occasionally, and you claim your time back, fine. If this way of working becomes habitual, and the only possible way of working ‘efficiently,’ then you are operating in a toxic environment and need to raise your concerns.

6 - YOU DID NOT STUDY HARD TO BECOME A MACHINE

Becoming a social worker can take up to five years of studying and requires a great deal of dedication.

You didn’t work so hard to simply waste away the best years of your life sitting in front of a computer screen every evening. Work hard, but play hard too.

7 - STAND UP FOR YOURSELF AND AVOID THE RISK OF BURNOUT

Social workers who stand up for their rights, speak out when they are feeling unsafe, and try to get home on time, are much less likely to burn out in the long run.

If you are unpopular with your manager for daring to prioritise your self-care and family, you need to consider whether you want to work in a culture that can only function off the back of burned out employees.