Dear Tweetie: I can’t seem to switch off after work

Dear Tweetie,

I can’t seem to switch off after work.

I replay things in my head, worry about whether I handled situations the right way, and feel tense even when I’m home. The shift itself might be fine, but it follows me around afterwards.

Is that normal in this job?

Still Carrying It

Dear Still Carrying It,

Yes. It’s more common than people realise.

Support work can be different from other jobs in how it follows you home. Caring, responsibility, and second-guessing don’t always stop when the shift does.

For a lot of workers, learning to switch off takes time. Some say that working out how they end a shift matters as much as what they do once they’re home. Having a clear moment where the work stops, even if it’s simple, can help.

Others find it helps to notice what actually lets their body and mind settle after a shift. A walk, reading, music, or something familiar and grounding.

These things don’t erase the thoughts straight away, but they can help draw a line between work and the rest of your life.

Struggling with this doesn’t mean you’re doing the job wrong. It usually means you’re taking it seriously and learning how to carry it in a way that doesn’t stay with you all night.

Tweetie