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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by wishingstar on January 22, 2007, at 10:44:10
Well, I got a call (voicemail) this morning from a local mental health agency. In a brief moment of actually feeling good, I applied to do crisis work for them with kids and families. Thats the type of work I eventually want to do for a career.
I have to call him back today or tomorrow, I assume to set up an interview. But now I'm back to "normal" (hah) and have absolutely no motivation to get off my butt, let alone be the stable force for some family thats in crisis.
What the heck was I thinking?
I dont know what to do. I HAVE to get a job. The finances just wont allow me to put it off much longer. I've considered getting a less stressful job - Panera Bread is hiring, and I love that place - but it feels like a giant step down for me and I'm having a hard time accepting it. I've always been the straight-A, overachieving, whatever student, several publications, everything, all through college, got asked to stay for the grad program (I didnt even apply! they asked me!) and did... hated it, and dropped out. I never thought I'd drop out of grad school but I do think it was for the best. But taking a job that doesnt feel like a career, that I could have gotten without all this work... I guess I just have to suck up my pride and do it. It just makes me feel even more worthless and hate myself even more though.
I just want to add that I dont think there is ANYTHING wrong with working anywhere at all, so if you're reading this and thinking "but I work at xxx...".. No, I dont mean you. Really. This is a judgment I've reserved specifically for myself.
I could always take the interview and see what happens. I'm fairly sure I'd get offered the position (I have all the qualifications and theyre always needing people). But I just dont know. When I was in grad school, the stress and work hanging over my head used to make my depression worse, and I dont know if that'd happen with this job.
Any suggestions???
Posted by Pfinstegg on January 22, 2007, at 20:51:42
In reply to Job interview, posted by wishingstar on January 22, 2007, at 10:44:10
Hi wishingstar! I haven't spoken to you before, but hve been following your struggles, with Anne, leaving grad school, etc. I also saw the very cute photos of you!
One person really shouldn't give advice to another, as there's so much we can never know- and also, people need to make their own decisions about their lives. But still, from what you have told us, it would seem much more rewarding to try out the crisis intervention job- you are trained for it, and interested in it. And if anxiety or depression become problems at any time, you have Ginny, with whom you seem to be developing a really good relationship. And, of course, there are meds if needed. It seems like a job such as the crisis intervention would give your life meaning and purpose, and might even lead eventually to going back to a different graduate program. It's hard to say any of these things about the Panera job!
This may not be true for others, but my own personal experience (as a doctor) is that I am calm in the face of medical crises, but more anxious and depressed when I don't have these things to think about- i.e., when I have to face my inner self.
I'd be very interested to know what you decide to do.
Posted by wishingstar on January 24, 2007, at 12:37:24
In reply to Re: Job interview » wishingstar, posted by Pfinstegg on January 22, 2007, at 20:51:42
Thanks for posting pfinstegg. I've seen your posts before as well. And thanks for the compliment about the photos. :) I wish I could look a bit closer to my age. I didnt know you were a doctor! If you dont mind me asking, what kind?
I posted this on the psych board as well, but I took the interview. I ignored the first call, but he called back again today. I called and set up an interview for 9am Monday.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. But you're right, it's definitely the step I need to be taking to get myself into another grad program later. I hope to do my MSW in a few years, and working at Panera wouldnt really impress anyone on the admissions committee. In the past, when I've felt better myself, I've gotten a rush out of helping someone and really connecting with them. It just feels different right now though. When I get depressed and have things asked of me, I tend to get overwhelmed and shut down.
The depression is really my fear. Getting myself out of bed, let alone functioning well enough to support someone else, is a problem right now. I've tried many many meds, and I'm still trying, but I'm yet to find any that work. I like that this position is part time though because that means I could still easily see Ginny twice a week.
So I'll go on Monday and see what happens. Theres always the chance I wont even get it. I think I might go out and buy a new interview outfit to make myself feel a little more confident. We'll see. I'll let you know what happens. Thank you for your support.
Heres the position if you're interested... I pulled this off the website.
"In-Home Therapeutic Behavior Spec. #9224
In the role of an In-Home team member, he/she will act as the 2nd individual on a mental health team providing services to SED/at risk children, adolescents and their families in the client’s home, and community. The services will include; individual, group and family counseling, crisis intervention and stabilization, case management, in-home counseling and community support. The TBS will work closely with the lead clinician on the team. The TBS will display a working knowledge of child and adolescent development and mental health issues. A bachelor’s degree in human services required. This is a part-time hourly position. No benefits."
Posted by TexasChic on February 6, 2007, at 21:37:12
In reply to Re: Job interview » wishingstar, posted by Pfinstegg on January 22, 2007, at 20:51:42
So how's the new job going? I know it can be very stressful at the beginning! But also fun and exciting.
And where are those cute pictures? I'd like to see those too!
-T
Posted by wishingstar on February 11, 2007, at 11:09:05
In reply to Re: Job interview, posted by TexasChic on February 6, 2007, at 21:37:12
Thanks for asking. :) It actually starts tomorrow, 2/12. Yikes. The first week is all training - CPR, first aid, agency training, etc. Then the next Monday the "real" work starts. I'm a little nervous but doing ok. A little excited at the same time.
Which pictures do you mean? I posted some on the social board awhile back of my trip to FL.. do you mean those? If so, I'll post the link here.
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