A Youth Worker's Best Friends: Self-Care and Professionalism

October 28, 2024

Article author Sära-Sthella Tohv

Social professions, including youth work, mostly originated from 19th-century charitable work, often carried out by religious organizations and volunteers (Kötsi, 2017). However, today, youth work has developed into a science-based profession that is much more than merely 'babysitting and playing with children'. Nevertheless, a lot of work still needs to be done both within the field and in society at large to change the perception of youth work's seriousness. Furthermore, youth workers must also take great care of themselves to avoid burnout.

A youth worker's daily life is, quite humorously, truly like having nine different professions. In our work, we acquire the necessary foundational education, learning youth work ethics, developmental psychology, counseling, pedagogy, including how to address special educational needs, community work, and more (Community Education and Hobby Activities, 2024). This ensures a professional and high-quality youth work service for both young people and the wider community. A youth center is not merely a pool table; in the broader picture, it encompasses the characteristics of a non-formal educational institution, a counseling center, and a leisure center.

However, the foundation of youth work is self-management. The issue is not a lack of work or ideas, but rather an infinite number of opportunities. To avoid losing oneself in the daily hustle and bustle, it is crucial to find time for one's own activities and thoughts, even amidst the most exciting projects. It is quite cliche to mention all the mental health 'vitamins' such as sleep, exercise, and nutrition. This has become clear to many by now. More importantly, especially in a professional context, it is to truly notice and share difficult moments with colleagues, seek external support, and find real solutions to these problems. But how can the image of a youth worker in society be elevated to ensure an even more supportive environment from the state? In summary, this requires education and effectiveness. If we want to make youth work taken seriously, we must first speak about it seriously ourselves, highlighting genuinely demonstrable positive changes in the community.

Every profession involving working with people is quite unpredictable and mentally exhausting for the worker. However, it also offers a lot of spiritual fulfillment and joy, an opportunity to support other people. To maintain oneself in this environment and gain broader recognition in society, self-awareness and a sense of purpose in one's actions are essential. Even playing billiards can be a deeply meaningful and effective activity.

Used sources:
Kötsi, K. (2017). Youth Work as a Profession: The Professionalisation of Youth Work. Master's Thesis. Supervisor: PhD Ilona-Evelyn Rannala. Tallinn University, Institute of Educational Sciences.
Curriculum of Community Education and Hobby Activities at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy: https://ut.ee/et/oppekavad/kogukonnaharidus-ja-huvitegevus.

Further reading:
Reflecting on youth work and the role of a youth worker: a collection of youth work articles. Editors: Tanja Dibou, Ilona-Evelyn Rannala, Author: Tallinn University, Estonian Youth Work Centre: https://www.digar.ee/arhiiv/et/raamatud/119656

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