Name: J. Dawson Wells
Title: Licensed Master of Social Work
How long have you worked in your current role?
I became a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) in 2016. Since then I have worked for several organizations at different capacities (W-2 and 1099). I chose social work as a profession because it qualifies me for many different roles, allowing me to collaborate with others and help people meet their goals.
What are the benefits of working as an independent contractor in your industry?
Ultimately the ability to better safeguard my own wellbeing and protect my longevity. There are not a lot of professions in the U.S. where employee wellbeing is prioritized, even though it’s been proven to improve the quality of service and productivity.
I appreciate the autonomy of being an independent contractor. A lot of companies don’t trust that you understand the assignment and can deliver on time without micromanaging you. I have ADHD and working in the “normal” office structure has always been a challenge. I’m more productive when I can space out my day a certain way, have quiet time and breaks, and batch like tasks together.
Are there any drawbacks?
Work and pay can be inconsistent, there’s no PTO, and if anything breaks, it’s yours to replace. Health insurance is also more expensive, even though it can sometimes be a perk to be able to choose your own plan.
What makes a company good to work with?
I can, truly, only speak for myself here. The ability to set my own schedule is key. I also look for a company that can bring me clients or projects while being otherwise relatively hands-off as long as I’m hitting all our agreed upon-marks.
Also fair pay! That should go without saying.
What advice do you have for other contractors?
Try to always have at least 6 months’ worth of living expenses set aside for a dry spell.
What do you wish the average person knew about mental health?
This is admittedly an oversimplified response, but the cavalry isn’t coming. Certainly there’s a socio-economic ceiling on how effective our personal self care can be, and I believe we should advocate for greater social support for ourselves and others. We don’t and can’t live in bubbles, and a well-supported community is unequivocally shown to be better for everyone.
But if you want to be happy and lead a balanced life, you are the only one who will ever have that as their true #1 top priority.
Also, while suffering and hard work are glorified in our culture, it’s almost always the least valid measure of our effectiveness. But that’s not really how things work. The people that are truly the most happy, most helpful, most successful, and most sustainably productive are the ones that prioritize self protection and look for maximum impact with minimal effort. Society would have us categorize that as lazy or selfish, but from my perspective, it’s ingenuity.
Have you noticed changes in the public’s perception of mental health over the past few years?
Seeking help is less stigmatized and more people are using mental health services. It’s great that more people are choosing to look after themselves and take greater ownership of their wellbeing. It’s also a cultural red flag that so many people feel distressed. Social, economic, and political factors contribute to an increase in conditions such as anxiety and depression. People naturally do better when they feel they have the space to try things and make mistakes. This is just one example of how culture can have a massive impact on mental health.
Do you think the pandemic affected your clients’ mental health experience?
Absolutely! There’s something called a therapeutic window, and if people are either overstimulated or under-stimulated, the first priority is to get them back in the productive window. During the thick of it, I spent most of my time just trying to calm people out of overstimulated panic, anxiety, frustration, and fear. There was nothing in our textbooks under “Evidence-Based Practice for Pandemics.” Now I see a rise in “jumpiness” and anxiety in my clients. They struggle with more social anxiety and fear. Our sense of safety was really shaken, and the fall out of that is continuing to present in several direct and indirect ways.
What are some ways people can support their mental health?
Allow yourself time to relax.
Too much of our time is spent trying to prevent bad things. That’s important, but don’t forget to spend time trying to create good things. When things go well, focus on what went right. See if you can consciously recreate those events more regularly.