Thursday, May 31, 2007

I quit my job!

Just wanted to let everyone know I did accept an offer from the job at Catholic Charities. It's providing counseling to people with traumatic brain injuries, but the best part is its a fairly flexible schedule and they are fully supportive of me working around my family obligations, and just made me feel extremely welcome. Something i have not been feeling at my current job lately.

I was terrified to make this decision, but, ultimately I know I need a change. I have not liked my job for some time, and it's not a great fit for me or my family. I love my clients, which is the hardest part about leaving, but the job just isn't fulfilling or challanging anymore, and I'm bored. This new job is something I have never done before, so hopefully I can learn a lot.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Update on work

Well, I have had two interviews, and got the one job, so far. The one is in the jail and it's per diem, which is honestly wonderful. Being able to work only when I want to will be great. This did not come too soon either, because I got word today from a mole in the administrative offices that they have decided to force me to go full-time, which is NOT happening. After many long discussions, my husband and I decided we are not willing to give up the situation we have with our son now (no day care) to work full-time at a job I don't love or feel appreciated at. Knowing I have a back-up plan leaves my nerves a little soothed and not feeling so desperate. Even if they tell me I'm gone tomorrow, which I don't think will happen, but who knows, I can work at the jail and pick up as many hours as I can to make up the money I'll be missing. And the one girl I'll be doing some coverage for goes on maternity leave within two weeks, which buys me three months to search for a more permanent job. Mark's freaking out a little, but I actually feel relieved. I've been thinking I needed to leave here for a while, and this just lighted a fire under my butt. Now, hopefully, I can find somewhere where I will be respected and appreciated, and get fulfillment from the work. What a novel concept...

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

The latest work saga

I was told today (in passing, not a formal meeting or with the respect I deserve after five years of quality service) that they are making my position full-time. I would be offered it, but if I didn't take it, I am out. It's an at-will agency, which means they can let me go at anytime, without cause or provovation. My performance reviews have always been stellar, there are no complaints about my work - until recently when they started complaining about my use of unplanned PTO when either myself or my son was sick. I have two days left until July 1st, but they are still complaining. My clients have adjusted very well to my decreased schedule (it's been two years, this isn't new) but my co-workers and supervisors have not. Forget that I do more in 5 hours a day that most do in 8, and that I bring in staff for free (I am the only one capable of supervising social work students, who provide many hours of free labor). I don't spend a ton of time socializing, and since my family is so important to me, I do everything I need to in a crunch, just to make sure I can leave re-assured that my clients will be taken care of in my absence every day.

Today was the final straw. I will not put my family behind a job. No job is worth losing time with my family. As it is I barely ever see my husband. My company has proven to not be supportive of families or flexible with me, while continually demanding I be more flexible with them. So, I decided today that I need to leave. As soon as possible.

Now, if anyone knows of a flexible environment, willing to offer part-time work (or full-time with some work at home), that is somewhat even related to social work, in the Rochester, NY area, please let me know. Due to my being distracted (in a very good way) by making my family a priority, I have let a lot of my local connections fall to the wayside.

I am terrified of change, but know that now is the time. Wish me luck!