This job has required us to serve and care for those who are not necessarily grateful, for those who do not understand how our care is good for them, and those who engage in destructive activities like substance abuse, alcoholism, and risky behaviors. They are not easy to work with, let alone understand. In these last couple of weeks, I have actually felt chronic anxiety--and only when I go to work. I feel anxious about being yelled at, harassed, belittled and then having no support from the administration I work for. I thought to myself, "I have to get out of here, or I will end up taking the same anxiety medicines the clients take."
No more. The universe has decided to unleash good karma unto me and now I have a job at the Pinellas County Head Start. Yes, a NEW job. A job that pays more, appreciates my degree, and allows me to have my own office to hang that shiny new degree in. It almost feels like a rags to riches sort of story, but experience tells me to not get too geeked up about it. I know there will be trying times, frustrating moments, and conflicts. However, I will not have to pass meds again, endure being called "a fucking bitch" frequently, or have a client tell me that if they don't get the meds they want, they'll lose their temper (all within 3 inches of my face). So bring it on. I can take it. And I will handle it without batting an eyelash because I've dealt with SO MUCH WORSE.
I finally feel that my degree is paying off and that I just might be a little bit of an adult. A professional one, at that. Go figure. I have a really good feeling about this job and feel compelled to tell you ALL ABOUT IT. Please don't hate me for it:
-If you want to know how much it pays, call me. Somehow I don't feel comfortable putting it here in the blog (but it's ALOT more than what I am paid now)
-Head Start is a federally funded program that exists all over the country, so when James and I move, I would have a pretty good chance of applying to one wherever we go
-Did I mention I get my own office? There's definitely going to be a picture of Neville there because he is my cat-child.
-I will be doing health education and health screenings for the Early Head Start program (expecting mothers, infants, and toddlers). This means I will be making sure they are up-to-date on immunizations, doctor's appointments, and other health tests, teaching mothers and toddlers about health issues like baby bottle tooth decay, eating better, and health living, and helping them get the health services they need to ensure their children are prepared for head start and beyond.
-Somehow, my Public Health Education B.S. with a concentration in Family Studies PERFECTLY fit this job description. I turned in my application (for another job) on a Friday, had a phone call by Tuesday, interviewed Thursday, and was offered the job on Friday. Pretty cool.
-6 weeks vacation per year (plus holidays). After 90 days - PAID vacation. :)
-Contract position until September, but there's a high probability it will either be extended or made into a full time position. If not, they'll find a job for me or I'll just go back to school and figure it out. (I'm going back to school regardless).
-If I go through their driver's training class, I can roll around in their vans or Priuses. Yes.
I'm really not trying to brag, but I am just so happy because my former job was THE WORST. Okay, not the Worst Job in the World, but for me, it was not healthy. I mean I haven't worked out regularly or at all, really, since we started there. James and I have been eating bad stuff and I've just felt like a lump of flesh. I just haven't been me. However, I feel so hopeful, alive, and ready to make things better for us. My new goal is to find James a kick-ass job.
That's amazing Linsey. Congratulations! I hope that you enjoy your new job and that things keep looking up for you and James :-)
- Jessica M.
Thanks Jess! I am so happy and I can't wait to start. I hope things are going good for you too!