For Social Workers and others in the Helping professions
In the ‘helping professions’, it’s not uncommon for us women to encounter moments of self-doubt. The nature of the work, coupled with high expectations and the desire to make a meaningful impact have a compounding effect. You might experience thoughts like ‘Am I making a difference?’ and ‘I feel so shit at this’. These thoughts of self-doubt can have an impact on whether you feel success in your career.
However, it’s essential to remember that success in your career is not solely defined by external measures, but by your own personal fulfilment. Let’s not forget the positive changes you bring to individuals and communities on a daily basis either!
I used to think that ‘success’ meant earning a certain amount of money per year, holding a specific title in my job, having a house, a car, being healthy and fit, well travelled, multiple qualifications, being super efficient….the list goes on and on. But this has changed, success to me now means having ‘enough’, being well, balanced and content in my chosen career path. It also means sharing my life with my love and travelling as much as possible.
But, this changed definition of success only came about as a result of my health deteriorating. It led to a complete change of lifestyle that demonstrated to me what success actually meant to me.
Have you wondered what success might look like for you? Medium published an article on 25 definitions of success, you can read that here for inspiration.
For those of you that are currently thinking about this, whether you’re doubting your own skills and effectiveness in the profession, or are feeling like something is missing…todays blog article was written for you. It is a short read that will go over 5 strategies that you can try to address your feelings of self-doubt and help you to redefine what ‘success’ actually means to you.
1. Embrace Your Unique Path
One of the first steps to conquering self-doubt is acknowledging that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We tend to look at others who are more accomplished than us, who have years of experience and think we are shit compared to them.
The fact is, each of us has a unique journey in the field. We are influenced by our backgrounds, interests, and values. Embracing the fact that your path may differ from others, and focusing on discovering and utilising your own strengths and passions can help with feelings of self doubt.
Maybe this sounds familiar to you, you completing your degree, you applied for a job that delivers security, a decent wage and a title that you could be proud of. Somewhere down the track you start feeling lost, ineffective or you notice the job isn’t actually in line with your values. But, you stay where you are because it is safe, the money is secure and thinking about changing is too daunting.
I want to encourage you to have a think about this, how would you feel if you are still in the same job 10 years from now? Would you be happy if you were still feeling how you are now? How do you think being in a job that isn’t in alignment will have affected you?
You don’t HAVE TO work full time, you don’t HAVE TO work in crisis-driven organisations with high turnover of staff, you don’t HAVE TO have a mortgage, fancy car, partner, children, white picket fence etc by 30, or 40 or 50 for that matter! You are allowed to embrace your unique path in your career. It is YOUR choice what you do with your degree.
If you are stuck on where to start, maybe have a think about what you don’t want. Or – think about your unique needs and how a role could fit around this. What would be best for you when it comes to your personality, your health, your family commitments, etc.
For example, do you get migraines from bright lights? If so, think twice about applying for a job in a hospital setting where there are a lot of white walls, bright fluorescent lights and strong smells. Get easily distracted by open plan workplaces with a lot of noise? Perhaps working for a large organisation with open plan offices isn’t the best idea for you. Do you have family commitments? Does working Monday to Friday during business hours work for this, or do you need more flexibility?
2. Reflect on Your Impact
When feelings of self-doubt or imposter syndrome pop up, it is important to remind yourself of the positive impact you’ve made. Take time to reflect on the people you have helped and supported. This could involve celebrating small victories, keeping a gratitude journal, or maintaining a collection of uplifting stories or feedback from clients and colleagues.
I know of some organisations that include ‘small wins’ in their team meetings – as a way of acknowledging the positive impact of the work they do. I think this is so important for workers to feel appreciated and to allow space for reflection on the impact that you have had in a persons life, or a community.
If you’ve found yourself in a role that you no longer enjoy, please don’t feel that the years you have spent there and the energy you gave is all a waste. It isn’t! A lot of the skills and experience that you develop in one role are directly applicable in other roles. Leaving a job does not mean that the impact you have made completely disappears.
If you work in the helping professions and you haven’t heard it for a while, I want to say – Thank you for everything that you do, for all the nights you lay in bed awake wondering if you’re really making a difference…you ARE. Sometimes just listening, not judging, wanting to help and showing that you care is ENOUGH.
3. Seek Continuous Professional Development
Investing in your professional growth and development can help boost your confidence and redefine your perspective on success. Stay updated with the latest research, attend relevant workshops or conferences, and pursue additional training opportunities that align with your interests and career goals.
Expanding your knowledge and skills not only enhances your effectiveness as a professional but also reinforces your sense of competence and self-assurance. This helps to create space to question what is leading to feelings of self-doubt.
I have found a lot of support in my supervisors over the years, not only in helping me to question my self doubt, but to develop ideas for different career paths as a Social Worker that are not less conventional. It was through supervision, mentoring and coaching that I developed ideas on what to focus on when it came to professional development. Rather than just taking whatever training is offered by my employer, I was able to develop a career path plan and research different professional development opportunities to fit in what that plan.
For more information about Supervision and Coaching, I wrote another article here.
4. Cultivate a Supportive Network
Building a strong network of like-minded professionals is essential for combating self-doubt. Surround yourself with colleagues, mentors, or support groups who understand the challenges that your role can bring. Other people who have walked a similar path can provide guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear.
Engage in regular discussions, share experiences, and learn from each other’s successes and struggles. Having a supportive community can remind you that you are not alone and that others have faced similar doubts along their own journeys.
It is also a great way to meet other trained professionals who have taken a completely different approach in their career. Just knowing that you don’t have to fit in the one size all fits box in your career can feel very liberating.
I have gained experience in mentoring, supervision and coaching and I can honestly say it has been THE most important factor contributing to my ability to challenge self doubt. It has also been key in helping me to understand what success in your career looks like. It’s not only receiving mentoring from more experienced Social Workers that has helped, the reciprocal learning that comes from working with a coaching client, mentee or supervisee is invaluable.
5. Practice Self-Care
Self-doubt can be amplified when you neglect your well-being. Prioritise self-care practices that replenish your energy and maintain your emotional resilience. This could involve setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness or meditation, engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy, seeking professional supervision and therapy.
Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s essential for sustaining your effectiveness as a worker in the helping professions. I never realised the importance of ‘self care’, Honestly, when I was younger, I would roll my eyes whenever someone would ask me about self care. I regret this!
I regret knowing what burnout and compassion fatigue feel like, I regret pushing myself too hard and completely neglecting my body, mind and spirit, just because I thought that I needed all of these ‘things’ and this job title, to be successful in life.
Self care isn’t just about going for a walk after work, it is a holistic approach to wellness – knowing yourself, your body and what it needs. This includes following a career path that is in alignment with your values and what is important to YOU.
Conquering self-doubt and redefining success in your career requires a shift in perspective and a commitment to personal growth. By following the five strategies I have mentioned above, you can overcome self-doubt and find greater fulfilment in your meaningful work. Thus, leading to a feeling of success.
I believe having a solid understanding of your personal values and how you want your life to look – is key – when considering your career path. Your personal circumstances may be completely different to your colleague or even your past self!
Planning a professional life in a way that serves your values, desires and needs…how could that not mean success in your career? If you are interested in working on this, I would love to hear from you. I offer online Supervision, mentoring and Coaching, click here to book a session.
