New support worker feeling really exhausted after every shift is this normal?
I'm new to the support worker industry, and I'm looking for some honest advice.
I've recently been assigned a client（My first client) with very high support needs. My shifts are only 4 hours long, but by the end of every shift, I'm completely exhausted.
During my every shift, I'm helping with things like meal preparation, feeding assistance, laundry, changing bedding, toileting support, Medication assistance, cleaning after incontinence, mental health support, shopping and other household tasks.
What I'm struggling with is that the client often asks for multiple additional tasks right before my shift ends. Sometimes in the last 5–10 minutes, one of the things I struggle with is feeling guilty when my shift ends. I know the client genuinely needs support, so it's hard for me to leave when there are still things that need to be done. So I stay back to finish tasks, even though I'm not being paid overtime.
I honestly don't know if this is because I'm new and still learning, or if this is simply the reality of support work and something everyone experiences.
I also wonder whether it's normal for a new support worker to be assigned such a high-needs client so early on, or if most people usually start with less complex clients and gradually build experience.
I genuinely care about helping people, which is why I often feel guilty leaving when my shift ends and there are still things that need doing.