Should I quit my job??

happy appy · Nov 6, 2012

I have been a child and youth worker for a number of years. I was laid off at the start of summer for the whole summer because of lack of work. I started back in September but the hours are very low. I am getting between 10-12 hours a week. The government has a program in place for people that have been laid off to get retraining if there is no work in their field. I have a meeting this morning to discuss my options. I work in a group home with teenage boys that have behavioural issues. Most are agressive. Over the last couple of years I have been assulted 3 times. It's part and parcel with the job. I have been out of school for over 25 years now and I'm not sure if I want to go back.

What would you do?

MountainWoman · Nov 6, 2012

That's a difficult question. I think I'd make some lists of where do I see myself being happy. What kind of work really interests me and then I'd try to match your interests to your work. Maybe all you need is a change in focus and work with a different group of children with different challenges. I wouldn't worry about going back to school after so many years out. I did it and I loved it.

happy appy · Nov 7, 2012

Well I talked to the agency and they said that the private colleges will cater to the mature student. The day runs from 8:30-2:30. I would still be able to do my shifts after school. Then when work stops at the group home I will have training to look for another job. It means for very long days until summer but I should be albe to do it. I have a very supportive family.

KanoasDestiny · Nov 7, 2012

I was once offered a job at a secondary school for boys who couldn't function in normal schools. It started out at minimum wage, had no benefits, and I would have had to attend trainings to learn how to restrain the boys. During my interview, a boy who couldnt be any older then ten was walking down the hall screaming profanities. Because I was just barely out of high school myself, they were going to have me learn brail so that I could work with one of their blind students. That sounded ok until the woman who interviewed me suggested that I wear long sleeves to work because they had biters. Umm, that was the deal breaker right there. No way was I going to jeopardize my safety or the kids' (I didnt trust myself to take abuse laying down). So I say quit the job. Doesn't seem worth the hassel and danger to me.