FAlling together

Fall feels like it is finally here. The leaves’ colors are changing, it is getting darker sooner, and people are sipping pumpkin everything. Some people absolutely love this time of the year. You can be cozy in your sweater and enjoy an indoor fireplace or an outdoor bonfire. Externally, there is so much that we can do in the cool weather. Internally, though, the fall can feel dreadful for some. Allergies and changing temperatures can bring about coughs, sneezes, and all around discomfort. Bodies may shiver in the cool breeze differing from the previous hot sun. Limited sunlight can make us want to sleep longer and make it difficult to get out of bed. It is amazing to me that we can love something in one aspect and dislike it in others.

You too may have experienced that sentiment in various aspects of your life. In my work, there are many aspects that I enjoy. I enjoy witnessing the healing process of the individuals and communities that I work with. I enjoy keeping up with the latest discoveries in mental health and community care. I even enjoy the challenges of addressing social issues. However, there are aspects that make this work unbearable at times. Working in environments that tend to maintain the status quo, even though it might be harming others. Being in spaces where your title determines your level of power versus your knowledge and experience. Not being adequately compensated for the work that we do. These are the things that make my soul shiver in a way that is hard to shake.

Perhaps you too have felt these shivers and it makes you wonder what to do. In my career, I have seen the profession of social work lose so many great social workers because they could not tolerate the cold any longer. They chose an ounce of more sunlight over the abuse and neglect of the social service system and I can blame them. We in leadership positions can go sit by the fire often when we are cold, but what happens when you are the person who feels left out in the cold?

There are a lot of ways to potentially address the weathering that happens professionally. The first is to quit. Start over-maybe choose a new profession. Or, choose a non-traditional route-become a Podcaster or an Influencer. When we quit and choose to start over, it can initially feel like spring, however, unfortunately, we tend to notice the weathering when our situation becomes less than ideal and may find ourselves equally, or more frustrated than we were previously. The second option is to step back. You start putting less and less effort into your work. You are distracted during meetings. You aren’t volunteering to show up anymore. This might work for awhile, but if you are passionate about what you do, then you end up disappointing yourself and may feel guilty.

So, what is the solution here? Well, it depends on you. However, perhaps that is where we can start-do you know what you want? What is most important to you? What do you value in the work? Are there potential solutions to address the chilly weather? Are there people who can support you in addressing these issues? Most likely if you are experiencing this, there are others who are as well. There is power in a collective-find other folks who are also trying to find some warmth and some who already feel that warmth to keep you going. Finally, know your boundaries. If a position is draining you to the point of suboptimal functioning, give yourself permission to let it go. Life is so much more than what we do at work. Take time to take care of yourself consistently, and you may learn to discern between resilience and self-harm. Most of all, trust that the seasons will change again as they always do, and give yourself space to feel it all in as safe of a manner as you need.