After 20 years frontline Social work I've left

[CurlyTop1980]

...some of you may have seen my posts about wanting to leave
Yesterday was my final day and I left my lovely team who were crying. I had so many people reach out and some family's I've worked with in the past dropped off cards and cakes for me.

I feel really flat today......

It took me 7 years to stop occasionally looking at jobs, imagining going back, using all of my experience and passion for the job...but it was the right thing for me to do. I still miss it, but less often, and to be honest, I think i would be on my knees and unwell, had I stayed.
I renewed my registration up until last year, the day I chose not to review was the day i finally accepted I would never go back.
You will still have great adventures, and new passions-be kind to yourself, and enjoy your very well deserved freedom.
☕

I agree with all of that.
I missed the adrenaline, the constant fire fighting and the rush.
But it really wasn't good for me it would have shown in the end.

Give yourself time to adjust.

Hats off to you. I'm 8 years in and it's a hard slog. Take the time to adjust, you've done amazing and had an impact on so many families you should be proud of yourself.

Thank you for your commitment.

16 years in and I really don’t think many people understand the toll SW has upon you. It’s exhausting and relentless.

Thanks. I really appreciate your comments. I have a new job working as a DSL in a local private school- 3 days a week starting in January. So I have this to look forward too.

I reckon it will take me ages to decompress from frontline. I was managing a contextual Safeguarding Team in West London for 4 years till last week
...🤯