Real Life of an MSW

Reading the journal entry  “Edible Donations”  – Just those two words made me smile and brought back a flood of memories, but it also became another topic of clinical supervision. The issue was I am an avid gardener. I would bring various bowls of fruits and vegetables to the clinic and set them on the coffee bar. I would also on occasion bring premade brownies when I caught the mix on sale for $1. My philosophy is we can all use a little joy in our day. Most of the clients appreciated my kind gestures. Then there were those with entitlement issues requesting certain fruits and vegetables, and then there were a few who stole whole pans of brownies and bowls of fruit (yes, including the pan and the bowl). My question was “When is enough, enough?” I am unsure what wisdom my supervisor gave me at the time but knowing a younger me I am sure I just stopped bringing treats to the clinic. When clients inquired why, I probably said, “One apple spoiled the bunch.” Albeit if a student asks me this question, I would tell them it’s time to stop bringing treats, and possibly look for a new job when:

• You always watch what you say if you find yourself saying “How would this sound? How would this be interpreted? Was this statement too far off the other views around the table?” If you can’t be ‘authentic’ in your job, it’s time to reevaluate.
• You’ve got serious trust issues you should never feel pressured to comply with activities that could hurt your career or make you feel bad.
• Disrespect This can come in many forms, but in this case, I mean someone who mistreats you through constant verbal abuse, mental games, and degradation. If you are in a position where clients complain and attempt to make you look like a fool, then it is time to reconsider your behavior and possible position.