I am so incredibly discouraged!

[laylah]

I left Colorado to start a new life, use my education and good common sense, only to land in freaking' backward Illinois/Iowa area. Although I have worked in my field (Social Work) I wind up being shunned because I am a purist! I am an advocate for those less fortunate, period. Screw the politics and bottom line (as in money). I now find myself working in a manufacturing environment, cement floors, mandatory 56 hour weeks, cement floors, total control. I want my life back! I wasn't even this unhappy with the ex! I have applied for numerous jobs; however I do believe my age (56 yrs. young) is playing against me. I am so tired, so very tired. I just want to get a job that lets me DO my job and leaves me the fuck alone when it comes to politics and unethical shit that I have no choice but to speak out against!

Thanks for letting me vent.

[billyskank]

1. ....

:hug:

[laylah]

2. ...

thanks special one :hug:

[lizziegrace]

3. Vent away

you certainly have reason to. :hug:

[Rambis]

4. Iowa City IA job listing

http://jobs.uiowa.edu/jobSearch/pandsDetailDisplay.php?requisitionNumber=53681

[laylah]

9. Thanks so much for the link

but did that some time ago. I am a Generalist which knocks me out of the running for many of the specialized fields.

:hug: Thank you for your response.

[Rambis]

24. Plenty of SW type jobs here

IC has a vast amount of Social services and organizations -wish you the best!

[seemunkee]

5. Do you have a reason for staying in that area?

What about moving to someplace where the job prospects are better for a social worker?

[laylah]

12. The only reason I have

for remaining in this area is the evil $. I have started to apply to DHS within 150 miles. I figure I can do a sleeping room thing through the week, back here on week-ends to get my little nest in order so I might sell. Whatever it takes. I am so damned tired. I just want to work, dammit!

:hug: Thanks for listening.

[Critters2]

6. Sorry to hear you're feeling this way.

It's probably the specific agency you're working with. For me, Iowa was the perfect place to start my life over (I always say I was born in Iowa--twice!). But then I just left Illinois to go there. Maybe the culture of the two isn't as different as I imagine.

So, if you're this unhappy, can you go back to Colorado, or some place else? I do understand the age thing, though. I keep telling myself that I need to decide where I really want to be (Iowa, btw) and how to get there soon, because it won't be long before churches will consider me too old to hire.

So, the best I can do, I fear, is wish you well. And this...:hug:

[laylah]

7. Thank you all for such

loving and supportive responses.

BTW, I have not worked in my field since September '06. As I said, right now I am in a manufacturing setting that is literally running me down. The least of it is mandatory 56 hours a week, working on cement floors, running a machine. As we all know, we do what we must to pay the mortgage.

I have applied all over the state of Iowa as Illinois makes it so freakin' hard...I don't get it. I have applied back in Colorado and tho' my ego thought I had very good connections there after 29 years, the reality is NOT. *sigh*

I do very much appreciate all the responses. The DU family is one to be loved and revered.

[ThomCat]

8. I'm very sorry.

:hug:

:cry:

I hope you can get out of there and get back into your field doing something good.

[laylah]

10. What a dear...

tx TC. Me too! :hug:

[SPKrazy]

11. Hey you...

as a fellow social worker, I commend you for speaking your mind and advocating for those who are voiceless.

I hope you can find something that leaves you feeling better at the end of the day.

:hug: :hug:

(also 'cause your Kagehime's mom, but that aside, I hope for the best!)

:hi:

[laylah]

13. Hey YOU...

thanks for the positive remarks.

I really am so very sad, tired, discouraged. Voices are not wanted, only little robots, from my experience here. Alas, I will probably wind up homeless because I am so tied to my convictions and morrels (:rofl:). I have found nobody wants someone of integrity. In fact, at my last job, which I quit due to MAJOR ethical differences, when I sadly asked my clinical advisor why there was such a lack of ethics and what about the Code of Ethics, he literally LAUGHED at me, and stated "Nobody follows those!". Need I say more.

I hope your life is progressing peacefully and as painlessly as possible, SPK, and thanks so much for your response. :hug:

[SPKrazy]

14. "nobody follows those"

a sad statement indeed

I know that in Arkansas ethics violations can be reported and can result in suspension of license etc.

:hug:

[laylah]

15. I tried that but could not

verify if the advisor or others, were LSW. When I spoke with the head person of NSWA in Iowa City, the first thing she asked me was if I am licensed (no, haven't found out HOW to become), her reasoning being, if you are licensed, you MUST adhere. She was amazed (which amazed me) that I was so adamant about the code and wasn't even licensed. Hell, I don't know.

[LSK]

16. get a job on one of the campaigns in Iowa?

:shrug:

[laylah]

17. Great idea!

All I have been worrying about is paying the mortgage, car payment, and my medical bills. If I could work on a campaign and pay my obligations, I would LOVE it. I am outgoing, persuasive, dilligent, and hard working. Any suggestions how I get started?

[LSK]

18. go to the candidates websites and find their Iowa links?

[laylah]

19. Thank you! n/t

[laylah]

20. Just checked THAT out...

no headquarters within 170 miles from me. Great suggestion though and I thank you.

[Maestro]

21. I don't have too much to say other than keep looking

for that job that you want. Sometimes just to know that you are looking for something different helps you get through the present job. It would seem that social work, a field relatively few choose, should have some openings in some cities. Come to the Dallas Ft. Worth area. We aren't all repukes and repiglicans!

Here is a start.

http://dallas.employmentguide.com/Healthcare_jobs/18/Public_Health-Social_Work/276/interview_page3.html

[TK421]

22. Sounds like you moved from one world to another...I'm sorry this

happened to you, but there are always other jobs out there, you just need to know where to look

I would offer advice in looking, but I'm not really sure if you are at a point where you would want to move again...moving is such a pain in the ass, believe me...I know.

[laylah]

23. Thank you and YES

moving is a pita. There was a time all I owned, to include a 120# German Shephard, fit into my then mode of transportation which was a '74 Super Beetle. These days...well, I agree, it would be a pain in the ass. HOWEVER, I am open to the Universe. Something has to give. :hug: tyvm for responding