Grow Some Balls

Wanna complain about how stressful your job is? Pshh please! Take my job for a day and you're going to look like a pansy. 

I love my job, but it is extremely mentally and physically draining. This is no lie. I deal with irrational behaviors on a daily basis. Sometimes, I put so much time in effort into making a kid understand their irrational decisions and make their day turn around for the best then an hour later you're their worst enemy. I have been physically attacked, spit on, kicked, punched, hair pulled, bit, verbally attacked, witnessed suicide attempts, witnessed self abuse, exposure, etc... Then later on that night they want a hug or tucked in for bed. Or go weeks without talking to you even after you try.

Physically, when they become a threat to themselves, a peer or an adult we have to intervene generally resulting in a restraint. Our philosophy is to be as therapeutic as possible. Therefore we only use hands on restraints. This is where the physical work comes into play. Holding someone down who is engaging in harmful behaviors is quite tough. We are also required to remain neutral during any circumstance. There have been times where I have wanted to scream and cry or spit back in their face but cannot.

There are also many rules to follow, not only when being hands on, but in general. Client confidentiality, HIPPA laws, not exposing personal information about yourself, etc..

The job requires a lot of patience. A LOT OF PATIENCE! I can honestly say I feel like I fit the job very well. I have received multiple compliments from supervisors about my performance. I have an "unusual but therapeutic way of working with the kids". With this being said I am highly satisfied with myself. I have gained sooooo much knowledge from this job. Skills that will forever make myself a better person.

So, with this all being said, next time you want to complain about your job being "stressful"... remember other people can handle shit like this. So suck it up!!