I’ve bitten off more than I can chew and I’m TERRIFIED. Please advise me 😔

[Thisisit777]

In a nutshell, have busted a gut doing a postgrad. (Think along lines of social work).

I like the premise of the job but it’s untenable. Unsafe and untenable to do. Involves children amd specialist care (trying not to out myself).

It’s an accident waiting to happen. I’ve ingerited a caseload which is in a terrible condition and it’s clear there’s no support from above. I feel heartbroken. And like a fuck wit for putting myself in this position.

What on Earth can I do?

I like the job, believe I’m good at the job but there’s TOO much to do and it’s never going to be achievable.

Tips for trying ? Before I cut my losses and try to walk. I’d be grateful tonight as I’m so overwhelmed.

And I’m pissed off with myself. For not being enough even though it’s IMPOSSIBLE.

Prioritise and set goals.
Decide what you can realistically manage and so to the boss and say you may need assistance with the rest. IF you are newly qualified then surely there should be some sort of mentor system in place for such jobs?

It sounds like you have a responsibility to whistle blow if children involved

Can you set down in writing how much you think can be realistically achieved against the impossible load you have been given, and take it to your line manager to discuss? At least get your targets in writing and lodged with someone so nobody can turn round at a later date and claim you have failed to do what you set out to do. I don't know if that will be any help to you?

Don't give in yet. It sounds as though you are sorely needed and even if you only achieve a small part of what you need to do, that will be more than is achieved by you walking away.

Everybody feels the way you do in these types of jobs.

Not enough time, resources, money and staff.

What you can do is the best for the family with the time and resources you have. That'll make a huge difference in their lives and that's a good thing.

Talk through your worries in supervision and be realistic about what's achievable. But be proud of doing your best for them.

I have BEEN you.

I feel your horror and fear.

Ps. I did it. Im hoping you can too, I wonder if we did the same shitty course

Or in fact hold the same shitty post 😁 to which I also feel hand knitted for: mores the pity!

You need a 'paper trail'. Everything by email, everything that was verbal recorded and repeated by email. And BCCd to a dedicated backup email so nothing goes walkies when the shit inevitably hits the fan and they try to say it's your fault.

Otherwise, all your work, dedication and efforts will be for nothing, as they'll just brush it all under the carpet and recruit the next new graduate when you have to leave.

How long have you been in the role?

Sadly it is about prioritisation and sometimes that means sometimes having to piss people off and let people down in these kind of jobs.

Identify the risks. Deal with the ones that are actually within your powers to do something about. Record why you can't deal with the ones that aren't and identify who (if anyone) does need to do something about it. Sometimes things are risky and we can't always solve everything.

Even if they are shouting loudly, if they are safe right now they have to wait until you can get to them. Set realistic timescales and don't over promise what you can feasibly deliver.

Demand supervision.

Make sure you don't take on tasks that aren't yours to do however nicely the other professional asked you to.

I feel exactly the same in my job (SW) and I've had to foster a way of prioritising and doing what I can within the timescale I have.
It's horrendous and at times unsafe.
My families are amazing but expect so much from me and I have been trying to encourage and empower them to do some things for themselves.
I only work part time but it's taken a huge toll on my personal life and mental health and I can't see how I can do it untill I'm 67.
Horrendous.

Do you have union support? They may be able to advise about this.

You need to find a mentor. Find someone who has been there and survived the job, they will provide support that the internet can’t.

This is a year-old thread, but now I'm curious as to how @Thisisit777 is doing??

Sadly digestive in my experience departments that have the kind of problems the OP describes are unlikely to have old timers with the emotional resources available to mentor a NQ. There may be people there with lots of experience but they are most likely jaded and looking for their own way out.

Functioning departments don't just chuck newbies in at the deep end.

Oh FFS Iwonder why have you resurrected a year old thread

People who revive Zombie threads should be thrown to the Zombies when they arrive!,

You will have a course tutor and a student supervisor, both of those will also have supervisors. Spend tomorrow morning writing a clear, objective report on current conditions, and how they breach safeguarding, your learning objectives, the mission statement of the organisation, etc. Avoid I can’t cope language, avoid emotions. .at the bottom , request an urgent meeting with all parties. Email it, if you don’t get timely response email the head of Service, Care Quality commissioners,etc..
Do not allow them to make this about you.make it about them. In this sort of profession, clear, calm advocacy is very highly valued, be your own worker and hold the organisation to account.