Introduction - Week 0

[lapis_lazuli615]

So, I've always been the kind of person who thought that their vocation would be in some type of service.... For years, I had planned to be a teacher. Graduating my Bachelors with less than stellar grades made that nigh impossible, and then I long-term subbed for a year or so. I found out quickly that I loved teaching and the students - but I hated

Comments

[lapis_lazuli615]

Thanks! It's going to be an adventure. My brain was swimming about noon today after dealing with a person served who had escalated, helping give a tour of the facility to a possible new client, and going through only about half of the ton of paperwork I will be responsible for. Fortunately, the afternoon went much better.

I was kind of amused at the end of the day when I got an evaluation at the 'end' of training. The trainers found my communication style to be somewhat "challenging". I'm used to that, and told her I'm aware that my enthusiasm and outgoing nature sometimes come across that way, and it's something I'm working on. But I also had a suggestion that they may work on implementing to help new hires before they walk into an area unaware of any major points of concern with any of the persons served, and she took my comments seriously. Perhaps we'll see that small change in the future.

But most of all, I notice that when I walk out at the end of the day (so far) it's with surprise that the day is over, not a flight reaction to get as far away as possible as quickly as possible. It makes coming home so much better in the evenings!

[bleodswean]

It's already an adventure and you seem to have the totally RIGHT attitude for it! There is no question that there is a huge tradeoff between cash and happiness. If you are working at a job (which can, obviously, support you) and it's making you happy and accomplished, that's worth more than the difference in salaries. I count myself blessed in that regard.

Interesting about your communication style - I have been told similar over the years. I guess I come across as exuberant and over-enthused. Not sure why that frightens or turns folks off...but it does. I've tried to tone it down or sideways....usually not too successfully. I have come to learn that it is a certain "type" who is affected negatively by my "type". Best of luck with that.

[lapis_lazuli615]

The job actually cannot support me, which is the crux of the problem. I LONG to move out (or kick the spouse-hole out) and start divorce proceedings, but I cannot do that while I'm making less than a living wage. What this position will do is help pay the bills that we share, with little left over. :(

Loving what I do is a good thing, but in the long run I need to be out of here and in a place where I can be happy in ALL of my life, not just my workspace.