When You've Already Been Working Nine Hours With Clients And Get Called To An "Emergency" Staff Meeting About A Fundraiser:

When Your Ancient Computer Refuses To Read Or Print Any Of Your Client's Court Documents Because They Are In A Newer Format Than Your Computer Supports:

Why You Never Ask For Program Improvement Suggestions From Clients Who Have Just Smoked A Ton Of Pot:

Nope, I don't think we can make our program more 'flowy.' I'll see you when your brain isn't mushy.

All Of Your Potential Clients Your First Week As A Street-Based Outreach Worker Working With The Homeless:

Don't give up, though! Eventually they get used to seeing you and will actually have conversations with you!

When, After Working A 50 Plus Hour Week At A Homeless Shelter, Your Friends All Excitedly Want You To Go With Them To Volunteer To Serve A Meal At One:

"But I just... but this is what I do every day... *disgruntled sigh* Fine."

What It Feels Like When You're Asked To Write A Grant, But No One Has Any Details About The Grant:

So is this for housing, medical coverage, a worker cupcake fund... what!?

How You Eat After Working Ten Hours Straight With No Breaks And Only Half Of a Granola Bar For Sustenance:

If you want to talk to me while I eat, fine, but I cannot be blamed for the carnage you are about the witness.

How You Feel After Being On The Phone For Five Hours, Rerouted Through Seven Different People, And Hung Up On Twice While Trying To Fix Your Client's Benefits:

We All Have Our Own Coping Strategies For Stress At Work:

Prepping For A Gathering of Social Workers:

When Your Client Calls Over The Weekend And Leaves You 18 Drunk Messages On Your Office Phone Because They Can't Remember When Their Appointment Is:

You have 18 new messages!

*Beep!*

This message was left yesterday at 1:20 am: "Heeeeeey. Itsh me. Jusht wanted to check in annnd make shure my appointment washn't today... guesh I'll call back latersh..."

*Beep!*

This message was left yesterday at 2:34 am: "Heeey... do we havesh and appointmentsh today? I can't *burp* remember..."

When You're Roommate At The Social Work Conference Is The Super Early Bird Type:

 

 No, I'm obviously not as excited as you are about the "Homelessness in Rural Areas Reactions to Cattle" seminar. Please leave me alone.

When Your Client Brings Their Kids Into The Appointment, Despite Free Childcare Being Available, And Promises That, "They'll Be Perfect Little Angels:"

I once had a child try to color in my office... which would have been fine if they hadn't been trying to color me.

When You Reach The End Of Your Weeks' Appointments And None Of Your Clients Were Missing Pants:

YAY! I saw no one's underwear this week!!!

There's Always That One Person In the All-Staff Meeting That Is Supposed To Be Focused On Agency Strategies For Efficacy And Efficiency:

Umm... Does she even work here?

That Rare Moment When You Get A Brand New Program Up And Running Smoothly:

What Happens When Gung-Ho Interns Try To Take On State System On Their Own:

You were stuck on hold for three hours listening to the 'Chariots of Fire Theme' played on marimbas? I did try to warn you. How's your head?