I am taking a chance here...

[laylah]

I am an AWESOME social worker; however, folks here in the IL/IA part of the world do not like me because I am TRULY for the kids. What I have found here is the kids are important...at 3rd - 4th level. After money and politics. That said, the places I have worked fear me and the "word" spreads.

Monday I start a job in a factory. MANDATORY 56 hour weeks...against my doc's recommendation. I am devastated. I went to school, at 42, and graduated with HONORS, @ 50, for this????????? :cry:

[laylah]

1. NP..

I am not surprised

[laylah]

2. My Kaghime!

Where are you???????????

[laylah]

3. I am asking for HELP here!

[Connonym]

4. America has a fucked up set of values

:hug: I can't offer you any sage advice. We're just living in some really fucked up times and I'm sorry that you're having a rough time.

[laylah]

5. ..

:hug: Thank you!

[laylah]

6. What a bunch of phonies!

I have been here since almost day 1~! I ask very little; however, when I have, it has been to no avail! I do not belong to the "elite" crowd but I DO contribute! I am NOT a joiner so go ahead...ignore my plea for help! Furthermore...sincere responses only, not conscience responses!

[WindRavenX]

7. uh, k.

:eyes:

[laylah]

10. whatever you!

I have responded to many of your threads...pleas and otherwise. Uh, k back at 'cha! Your name belies your spirit!

[WindRavenX]

12. Yeah, because I didn't call people who don't reply "losers".

It's really lame to do that, that is all. People aren't "owed" responses--it takes time for people to read things and remember, it's 5PM on the east coast. Lots of people aren't on DU right now.

[laylah]

14. It is called

compassion...Something, after YEARS of reading your responses, you need to bone up on.

Leave me be...please and thank you. Keep your perky responses for someone that has a bit more intestinal fortitude at this time. Catch me in a few weeks, I'll be a match then.

[WindRavenX]

15. Again, just because someone does not reply to you does NOT mean they lack compassion.

I mean, really.

[laylah]

16. after 6 years....

contributing in more ways than one, not being part of the "elite"...yes it DOES mean something.

The end...

[WindRavenX]

17. No it doesn't. I'm not an elite either. My threads still sink. I

I never am part of lounge 'cliches', I never know the drama that takes place.

Why? Because there's 100,000+ members on DU.

Don't take this so personally.

[Droopy]

11. I know you are hurting right now

If you need to talk send me a pm.

[DS1]

20. shut the hell up

in no place did you ask for help, you went on a rant, waited three minutes for a reply and got all pissy

[laylah]

26. Thank you

for your compassionate reply. Bless your heart.

[laylah]

31. and furthermore...

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl::rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Love those compassionate ones...and appreciate all of them.

[Pale Blue Dot]

46. Delete

Finnfan logged into Firefox! :nuke:

[SarahB]

47. Not to mention...

perhaps hyper-reactivity and a short fuse isn't the best quality for a social worker. It might explain a few things (the OP will likely flame me too, but taking a long, hard look at one's self instead of blaming strangers on a website might be better served).

I'm sorry she's having a rough time (so don't we all sometimes), but to flame everyone ON A WEBSITE for not being there enough is kind of sad.

[Wetzelbill]

24. I actually don't normally talk to people with less than 5000 posts

but today, I just felt like mingling with the little folk out there, you know? :)

You know, honestly, I don't think it's that people are ignoring you or anything. Some threads drop and some don't. I had a thread yesterday not get a single response. Sometimes I get threads with over 100. It just depends. Don't take it to heart if a lot of people don't reply though. Just take comfort in the ones who do reply and are sincere. Lots of people care and are compassionate around here, but people typically don't flock to a serious thread like this. There are exceptions, it also depends on traffic, the time of day etc.

[laylah]

27. YOU

Wetzelbill are one of my DU heroes. I hear (see) what you are saying; however, I have asked for help a few times over the years. I watch "the ones" post for..."i have naval lint" and see numerous responses. That said, I am just cranky cuz I feel so alone! Illinois SUCKS! (and I was raised here!)

[Wetzelbill]

32. oh gosh thanks

:)

Yes being alone is tough! I can't stand where I live right now myself. My brother stays with me now, so I am not as lonely. About all I can say is hang in there. Oh, have you tried to apply for a job in another state or anything like that? That could help if you found something worth moving for.

[laylah]

42. Oh my...

I have aps all over Colorado. Unfortunately, they don't want "old" knowledge, just young stuff. There was a time...

:hug: Thanks so much for yet another response.

[Droopy]

8. I'm sorry to hear that laylah

I know how them long hours go. I work 53 hours a week. Luckily I have weekends off. I hope things get better for you.

[Nikia]

9. Did this job seem to be your only option?

After a period of unemployment or burn out.
I know that in many jobs, the job oppurtunties are limited, especially when it comes to jobs that people can live on. It migth be difficult to look for other work when you will be working so much, but it sounds like something that you need to do. One of your criteria of course should be the number of hours which you should be sure to ask about in the interview.
Don't take lack of responses personally. I have this problem with my threads sometimes too.

[laylah]

13. First off...thank you

for your kind response...some do not have a clue. Actually, I have been looking for work for 10 months. That said, it is called a "mortgage" that draws me to this position. However, I had a job offer in my field yesterday but that required reliable transportation. A whole other story! :cry:

:hug: Thanks for your concern.

[Nikia]

18. I am sorry about your transportation issues as well

I understand how that could make your options more limiting.
I hope that things get better for you.

[laylah]

19. ..

:hug: Kind words help everything.

[LibraLiz1973]

21. laylah since I don't know your specific situation

and I am not knowledgeable of labor laws, I can only offer my sympathies.

Going against your doctors recommendation seems a bad decision- clearly you must have some issue
that your doctor thinks will be exacerbated by working such grueling hours.

You may not want to hear this, but you might find a happier job somewhere like Barnes and Noble.
Degree or not, it is never worth sacrificing your health and happiness for money.

I wish you the best.

[laylah]

25. What a sweet dear you are!

Barnes and Noble would be a terrific job...if it would only pay the mortgage. Alas, it will not and Kaghime's dad has gone above and beyond more than most would. That said, I am on my own. Sometimes a woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do.

:hug: Thank you so very much for the words of encouragement!

[Wetzelbill]

22. I am sorry about that

We live in some truly difficult times, to some people up is down, black is white, it's definitely maddening. Lots of us struggle too, just like you, so you're not alone. I wish you the best. :hug:

[applegrove]

23. I am sorry. Social Work has the highest burnout rate of just about any job.

I hope you get good pay at your new job. And find some peace. Best wishes.

[laylah]

29. Thank you...

but I REALLY want the opportunity TO burn out. The midwest "rules" on the at-risk kids are amazing! While the workers care, the "powers that be" DO NOT. I have experienced it in no less than 3 venues in the Quad Cities. They do not want one that is truly for the kids...in that aspect I am not a "team player". My bad but the good news is I can look at myself in the mirror every single day where I often wonder...can they?

:hug: Thanks again for the response.

[billyskank]

28. laylah....

I wish there was something I could do. Something I could say that would make it easier.

:hug:

[laylah]

30. ...

:hug: your response makes it feel better. TU

[TommyO]

33. My ex worked for a county assistance office here in PA

he was working towards becoming a social worker and burned out because of the politics and the fact that he couldn't help people.

[laylah]

34. When I first started

my education at the ripe age of 42, school sw had to have a bachelors to work. As I had small kiddos at the time, I knew it would take me some time. And it did...6.5 years. At the 5 year mark, rules were changed that school sw had to have DAMNED Masters. By then, I was exhausted, the kids were teenagers (adding to the exhaustion...LOL), and I felt I was too old to change course. I have been a sw all of my life, doing my first community service at 22 at a Community Center in Colorado Springs. I just want a job where I can do what I do well.

On another note, the politics SUCK. The main focus for working with those that need a hand UP is NOT the folks that need a hand up. Politics indeed...let 'em eat cake. :hug: to your ex. He tried.

You are a dear :hug: for responding! TY.

[libodem]

35. What a crummy break

Sorry things are not going well. I'm a nurse. So we are both in the caring for people field. The social service people I have worked with are in geriatrics, mental retardation and mental illness. I think kids would be the toughest and bring about the highest level of burn-out. Many places have a Social Services component. Have you thought about Hospitals or Nursing Homes? Sometimes old folks are very interesting. And if I can get buddy, buddy with you for a minute, I've had to play the game before just to be able to help people I wanted to make a difference to. I worked at State Hospital South in the 70's, as a therapy tech. I saw a lot of crap I hated. The first day I started, I wanted to leave. A girl just younger than me was sitting in a chair, restrained, and had blood all over her face. She had been smearing menstrual blood. I was more grossed out by a system that would punish someone in a 'training square' all day as a behavior mod tool. Patients also got pureed food, baby food, for acting like 'babies', while they were in the training square. I stuck it out for a couple of years. And I did see things change over time. I wish you the best.

[laylah]

36. Oh libodem...

you are so sweet! :hug: I would work with "geriatrics" in a heartbeat! I am one of the last ones who had "extended family" but alas, because my background is with the "hormones from Hell" at-risk youth, no one wants to touch me. But I very much appreciate your suggestions. :hug:

[laylah]

37. I want to thank

each and every one of you that responded, positively or negatively. Both sides of the coin is always good food for thought.

That said, being of the "morning person" ilk, I am off to bed. You folks really do rock.

I am angry right now so my messages, I have no doubt, sound that way. It is because of me and my situation, not because of any of the good people here at my "home" site. Please forgive any nastiness I may have projected. That was all mine.

:grouphug: Again, thank you to all.

[wildhorses]

38. same reasons i am dropping our of the health care field and

returning to a factory. patients are important AFTER money and politics. i understand and sympathize.

:hug:

[fizzgig]

39. i know it's hard mommy

:hug:

i don't know what i can say to make it better

[laylah]

40. You cannot

say anything my miracle one. On that note, the papers have been filled out, you should receive them in a few days. Just PLEASE don't let your dad pull the plug...it would give him too much pleasure! :rofl:...kinda

[laylah]

41. btw...

did you see the kind response of #20...omg! some folks :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Guava Jelly]

43. Oh no!

I hope you can find something else.
I'm sorry :hug:

[laylah]

44. Your kindness precedes you!

and I thank you. Nope...had a "menopausal moment" 5 years ago. No taking it back. I am in Hell. The VERY good news is, I am a FIRM example that there is NO Hell after here...that could be a very good thing.

[Guava Jelly]

45. One thing about hitting rock bottom

There is no where esle to go but up..


When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt


Fall seven times, stand up eight. ~Japanese Proverb


When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. ~Harriet Beecher Stowe


The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning. ~Ivy Baker Priest


What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you're going through hell, keep going. ~Winston Churchill

[Redbear]

48. Good luck in finding something better

why do places "fear' you?

[femmocrat]

49. What a shame.

And of course it's the kids who are losing out. I really hope you can find a position in your field. You have worked hard and deserve better.

:hug:

[SPKrazy]

50. Hey awesome!

you have a big heart and a good soul and you will once again find what you need I'm sure. I'm sorry you are going through this but I respect your passion. I'm a social worker too and am always awed by the passion of some social workers besides me.

:hug:

:hug: