When facing challenging clients in social work, establishing boundaries is key to preventing burnout. I make it a priority to set clear limits on my availability and protect my personal time by not responding to work matters outside of scheduled hours. I also remind myself that I can't fix every problem and that it's okay to refer clients to other resources when needed. Regularly practicing self-care, seeking supervision, and staying connected with my support network help me stay grounded. By maintaining these boundaries, I can continue to show up fully for my clients without sacrificing my own well-being.

Begin by clearly defining and communicating your working hours and availability. Utilize a shared calendar or set automated reminders to manage expectations effectively. It's also important to cultivate emotional boundaries; recognize that while empathy is a powerful tool, detachment is essential for your well-being. Remember, creating a professional distance does not diminish your commitment to help; it ensures you can continue doing so sustainably.

I think a key characteristic that every social worker should have so that this does not happen is to not take things or situations personally. Over time I have learned not to be affected by other people's problems, as cruel as that sounds. You can and should empathize, but you leave those problems outside when you get home. Also understand that you can't solve everyone's life. Many times, as has happened to me in some jobs, you don't have the resources, so you have to do what you can with what you have. With the certainty that you will always change lives for the better, and that is the satisfaction that you should keep working for.