Childcare burnout, a reminder to keep going when it get's tough (don't just become a statistic)

An estimated of 30–40 per cent of childcare professionals leave the field, often due to burnout arising from factors such as long hours, isolation, low pay and lack of respect.  

Will you become one of these statistics?

Or will you rise up and above minimum requirements and 

resolve to find inspiration to keep going, 

to find joy in the journey and pleasure in the present 

(even amidst the struggle for professionalism and quality practice) 

and remember to search for love to

 pass onto children by finding fun in the little things of life?

When you look at a child 
(or parent or colleague); 
Don’t quit. 
Don’t quit in the quest to be courageous with your actions 
(even if you feel afraid), 
to be honest in all your interactions 
(even when it’s not the easiest course), 
to embrace truly inclusive practices 
(even for the times when it’s just plain well easier not to step with the shoes of Empathy) 
and to respect all individuals simply because of their humanity regardless of the personal cost 
(even if you’re grinding your teeth in the process). 
Don’t quit. 
Just remember,...
don’t quit.

The original poem:

The Don't Quit presentation is based on a famous poem which was written many years ago. The author of this poem is unknown. Sadly, in recent years a number of people have claimed ownership of the poem and some have even claimed to have written it themselves!
Here is the original poem in it's entirety:
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Author unknown

http://www.thedontquitpoem.com/thePoem.htm

Suggested Resource:

Finding your smile again: A child care professional’s guide to reducing stress and avoiding burnout

Retrieved from: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/shop/details.cfm?prodid=582

Author(s): Jeff A. Johnson  Published: 2007  162 pages With estimates of 30–40 per cent of childcare professionals leaving the field, often due to burnout arising from factors such as long hours, isolation, low pay and lack of respect, this book is a timely resource for all. With humour and empathy, experienced care provider and former centre director Jeff Johnson addresses the common stressors and challenges, providing proven techniques for coping with stressful situations and diagnosing and preventing burnout. The symptoms of burnout are explored, together with the impact of burnout on attitudes in the workplace, personal relationships and health. The issue of early childhood workers spending more time and energy caring for others than themselves is identified, along with the steps needed to initiate change. Take action to overcome a possible slide into burnout by making different choices, in areas such as getting support and feedback, paying attention to diet and exercise and learning to let go. Become the carer with the smile again!
ECA Code: SUND253
Price: $45.95	All prices are in Australian Dollars