I met a youth worker this week as part of my mapping exercise of the diocese of Sheffield who had been in post for six months and was obviously enjoying her job. As I mentioned in my previous blog, there are many youth workers who drop out of ministry due to burnout, feelings of inadequacy etc. But for this youth worker, she expressed to me a healthy rhythm of work supported by good people and an energetic zest for connecting with young people.
It seems that she has addressed the issues that might lead to her early departure – probably unknowingly! She has recently completed some good quality training which has filled her with confidence in her ability to do the job, and showed an organised approach to tacking each day.
As I continue to map the diocese and meet people – these are the areas of concern I will focus on.
- Feelings of inadequacy – my job to discern the reasons and address them
- Strained family relationships – none of my business really, but encourage workers get a support network of friends around them
- Growing loss of confidence – address these areas with resources, training or simply meeting with others
- Feeling unqualified for the job – assessing the training they have had and offering suitable follow on courses
- Disorganised in one’s work habits – again, this can be addressed with training or a time shadowing someone more organised in their work
- Burnout – analyse the driving force, and address the need to impress or display high levels of activity.
Many of these areas can of course be hidden until they result in break-down. It is a case of spotting the signs and offering sensitive solutions.
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