We chat with Erin Lee who has a professional background in social support work, particularly helping people with mental illness in a non-clinical space. Highlights from our conversation include:

• How she manages the emotional burnout common to work in this field
• The changes to what she wants and needs from her job as she entered her 30s while in a common-law relationship
• If we're using the word 'trauma' too loosely
• How to effectively help, support, and validate others in need

(00:00) Intro

(03:23) Social support work for people with mental illness

(08:16) A non-profit career path

(10:46) Supporting people in moments of crisis

(15:50) Drawing boundaries to avoid emotional burnout

(21:31) Work-life balance/job priorities change in our 30s

(29:23) Passion vs income in choosing fulfilling work

(32:33) Mental illness challenges during our 30s

(38:54) Are we overusing 'trauma' and how to really help others

(53:19) Effective communication and when to give advice

(1:02:49) David and Ge post-interview wrap up

Do you have a story about what helps you thrive in your 30s, or challenges you’ve endured or overcome? Let us know at ⁠⁠that30sshowpod@gmail.com⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠DM our Instagram⁠⁠⁠. Perhaps we can have you on the show! Any questions and feedback are also welcome.

Links:

• ⁠Listen to That 30s Show on YouTube⁠. We're on video for Season 2!
• That 30s Show on TikTok⁠
• ⁠That 30s Show on Instagram⁠
• ⁠⁠Ge’s Instagram⁠
• ⁠⁠David’s Twitter⁠⁠

Theme music: “⁠⁠Grab A Bargain⁠⁠” by ⁠⁠Scott Holmes Music⁠⁠. Available for use under the ⁠⁠CC BY 4.0 license⁠⁠, at ⁠⁠Free Music Archive⁠⁠.