Working as an SLP is a calling that can feel both extremely rewarding and, at times, overwhelming. You’re making a huge difference in children’s lives as you support their growth and development and build important communication skills. But let’s be honest— between packed caseloads, scheduling woes, piles of paperwork, and getting caregivers on board, it can definitely feel like too much some days. The good news?… You’re in control of so much more than you realize! By focusing on a few key areas, you can rediscover how to stay in love with your SLP job!
1. Focus on the Big Picture: Building a Legacy
First, it’s important to focus on the big picture— you’re building a legacy! As you help students develop communication skills in each and every session you complete, you’re shaping their futures.
Pause to remember the long-term impact you will have on your students’ lives. Your role as an SLP is so much more than teaching children how to pronounce sounds correctly, understand and answer questions, or use the correct verb tenses. You are helping build the confidence and joy they need to express their thoughts, connect with others, and advocate for themselves.
You are a part of something so much bigger than any single session you lead or report you write!
Tips to Embrace Your Legacy
To help you remember the legacy you are building, consider these ideas:
- Keep a journal of progress stories: Jot down brief “success stories” and wins and reread them when you’re feeling discouraged or overwhelmed.
- Create a vision board: Fill it with inspiring words, pictures, and photos of students you have worked with in the past to remind you why you chose to be an SLP in the first place.
- Set long-term professional goals: Consider the impact you’d like to have by the time you retire and make smaller goals in order to begin working toward your goal(s).
2. Make Small Changes That Give You Control
After you’ve assessed your mindset, it is still important to consider and address the realities you face. Feeling out of control with your job is one of the biggest contributors to SLP burnout. Reclaim small areas of your job to start increasing your job satisfaction again.
Consider what areas you can make manageable changes in and begin there!
Think about how you:
- Approach session planning
- Manage paperwork
- Set boundaries
- Serve your niche caseload
Intentionally Plan Therapy Sessions
Help your future self by keeping a “toolbox” of go-to therapy resources to make session planning easier. A large binder, digital folder, actual toolbox, or a rolling cart are all perfect choices.
Include favorite print-and-go activities, mirrors, mini objects, basic craft supplies, interactive one-player games, and more! Prep your “toolbox” at the beginning of the year or choose to approach it with a different theme each month or quarter. If you go the themed route, just do a quick refresh each time you (or your students!) are ready for a change.
Manage Paperwork Your Way
Paperwork can feel endless, it’s true, but there are ways to make it less daunting. Managing your paperwork will help you rediscover how to stay in love with your SLP job.
Think about how you work better. If it’s easier for you to tackle a small daily goal, designate 10-15 mins at the end of each day for documentation. Set a timer, put up a DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door, and get to work before heading home for the day.
On the other hand, if you prefer to complete paperwork all at once, dedicate a block of time each week to get it all done in one go.
Give yourself permission to experiment and find what works best for you. There’s no right way— it’s about finding a system that works best for you without draining all of your energy.
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Set Work Boundaries
Don’t let work spill into every crevice of your life. By setting boundaries for when you’re “off the clock”, you can prevent burnout and reserve more energy for your work. When you’re more energized while working, you’ll find yourself filled with more joy!
Do this by creating a clear end to your workday—even if you have to leave a few tasks for the next day. Turn off notifications from work after hours, or implement an “end of the day” routine to signal to yourself that it’s time to shift your focus from work to personal life.
Try these “end of the day” routines:
- Turning on your favorite music while you pack up supplies
- Listening to an enjoyable podcast or book on your commute home
- Changing out of your work clothes when you get home
Pursue Your Specialty
Focusing on a specialty within your work— whether it’s a certain age group, a particular communication disorder, or a therapy technique— can make your job feel fresh again!
When you pursue extra training or specialize in an area you’re passionate about, you’ll find more motivation, job satisfaction, and even confidence. When you become a sought-after expert for certain cases, you will find an even greater purpose in your work!
Add in Quick Wins
Sometimes it’s truly the smallest things that help the most. You can usually accomplish small wins and feel the impact of them immediately, and this does wonders for your mindset.
- Declutter your workspace regularly to feel more focused and clear your mind.
- Batch together similar tasks to save time and keep momentum flowing.
- scheduling, printing, evaluations, documentation, prepping for daily sessions
- Create a personal development plan. Choose one or two areas of your specialty to pursue more deeply over the next year.
- This may look like advertising to specific clients, taking continuing education classes, hosting educational trainings for teachers or medical professionals, and more.
3. Build Your Identity Outside of Work
Another vital piece of rediscovering how to stay in love with your SLP job is remembering that you are so much more than your work!
Nurture some of your other passions and relationships in the evenings and weekends. Schedule time for activities that bring you joy and rejuvenate your spirit. Prioritize self-care too! It doesn’t have to be something extravagant.
Investing in your personal identity will help you feel more excited and refreshed when it’s time to put on your professional hat again.
4. Connect with Other SLPs
Finally, choose to connect with other SLPs. You’re not alone in this journey! Lean into relationships with others to stay encouraged and learn new tips for loving your job as an SLP.
Easy ways to build connections:
- Attend live workshops and conferences (in-person or virtually!)
- Join online communities
- Participate in mentorship
It is possible to rediscover how to stay in love with your SLP job! Taking intentional steps towards this goal will help you find balance and joy in your professional life again. Remember, you are building a legacy one child at a time, and that is something truly worth loving!
You may also be interested in reading:
How To Embrace & Nurture Your Identity as an SLP
Decrease SLP Stress with a Sunday Checklist
4 Ways to Start Fresh in the New Year for Success as an SLP
Data Collection Tips for Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists
