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The Importance of Saying Goodbye

Daily Work is powered by interns and volunteers. In 2025, interns and volunteers provided nearly 7,500 hours of service to job seekers. As social work students complete their time at Daily Work, job seekers transition to new case managers.

Pictured: Kenzie at the computer during a meeting with a job seeker.

Some job seekers meet with Daily Work’s case managers infrequently, making appointments as needed. Job seekers working on long-term goals or needing more consistent support can meet with their case manager regularly for months or more. No matter how frequently we see job seekers, Daily Work employs a relationship-based approach to case management. We see the working relationships built between job seekers and case managers as just as important as the concrete tasks completed during appointments.

As case managers, we assist job seekers with sensitive challenges such as: finding employment, stabilizing housing, accessing food, building financial literacy, and more. It takes time for job seekers to trust us with their stories, and it takes time for us to fully understand the complexities of each job seeker’s circumstances.

This month [April], I will complete my internship with Daily Work. In fact, this blog may be published after I have left! As I wrap up my time at Daily Work, I am reminded of the importance of intentional closure.

Goodbyes can be uncomfortable, and everyone processes endings differently. Feeling sad, angry, indifferent, and anxious are all common reactions when closing relationships that have been important. If you can embrace the discomfort of saying goodbye, you may find it worth your while. At Daily Work, we know that goodbyes are important because:

  1. Closure helps us to reflect: When we close our work with job seekers, we are intentional about recognizing the progress that job seekers have made in the time that we have worked with them. Spaces to recognize our own growth are rare and promote feelings of self-efficacy. For case managers, this reflection helps us to evaluate our practice and continue improving. 
  2. Closure helps us to refocus: After we leave, many job seekers will continue their relationship with Daily Work with a new case manager. Intentional closure encourages job seekers to reflect on their goals- refining existing goals and creating new ones.

Although Daily Work is in a constant state of change as interns come and go, Daily Work’s commitment to job seekers is constant.

Donating is one way to support Daily Work so that we can continue to show up for job seekers. You can make a gift on our website by clicking here.

 

Kenzie Bingel is pursuing her MSW at the University of Minnesota with a focus on clinical mental health. She’s passionate about walking alongside job seekers at Daily Work to explore meaningful employment opportunities. After graduating, Kenzie hopes to earn her clinical license and advocate for policies that advance equity and community well-being.
 

 

 

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