Fiona, a social worker at AWWA Family Service Centre (FSC), has a lesser-known story about her life. While complications and challenges were part and parcel of her work, it got surreal when it hit home.
Complications arose when she was months into her pregnancy. After giving birth, she made a decision that gave her a greater appreciation of life: She left her job to be with her family. Not having to be bogged down by work commitments meant that she could devote one hundred per cent of her attention to being present with her loved ones – a life that could not be any more fulfilling.
Though she was no longer at AWWA, her superior work ethic left an unforgettable imprint in the minds of her colleagues. One day, she received a call from a familiar number with a familiar voice. “Hi Fiona, this is Huixia. I was thinking about you and would like to ask if you are keen to return”? She instantaneously recognised that voice because that was her director of AWWA FSC!
She knew that a part of her longs to serve the community while continuing to care for her family. After discussing and reaching a mutual agreement on work arrangements, she rejoined AWWA and couldn’t be any happier.
Her colleagues, though at different stages of their lives, unconditionally accommodated her familial commitments and ensured that she could attend to her caregiving duties. She, too, made adjustments so that she could better support her colleagues. “It is all about having healthy trust among each other”, Fiona shared.
Fiona reflected on her past few cases and realised that now that she is a mother herself, she could relate better to her clients, especially those having problems juggling work and caregiving needs. Through her experience, she found it easier to connect, empathise, and understand her client’s situation, which translates to her being able to provide better support to them.
Fiona shares that she is now more grateful for her time at work. She can also continue to create positive change in her clients’ lives. Work has formed another part of her identity, and she feels happier about it, which means she is also a happier mum when home!