Years in this job have hardened plenty of the people I came up with, turned them cold or cruel or just switched off. I've watched it happen and decided it wasn't going to be me. I run my block firm, because it has to be, but I still see the men in it as men. I've kept my hardness and my humanity both, and I guard that line on purpose.
More people experience this than they realize.
You keep custody firm and humane, refusing to let the work turn you cruel or numb.
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.