I’m almost scared to say anything this early, but I’m pretty sure I am going to love my new job.
I went to the high school last Tuesday and met all the staff - they are (shockingly) thrilled to have a full time therapist in the building. I can basically pull kids out of class at will because therapy is considered “high on the totem pole” according to one of the guidance counselors. Most schools are resentful of any outsider who interrupts classroom time, but I think the previous therapist showed them how helpful it is to have a mental health professional available when the kids are struggling. My caseload is around 50 right now, not counting the incoming freshman that I don’t know about yet. That gives me plenty of kids to keep me busy with billing!
I love the fact that I get to work independently. On Thursday my son was sick, so I just called the school and the clinic, let them know I wouldn’t be in, and that was it! I was able to actually attend a doctor’s appointment with my child for the first time in over two years. Unfortunately, that means I missed a whole day of getting paid, but it was worth it to get to be a mom for a change.
It’s been strange to get home by 5:30 every day and actually have time to live and participate in things other than work. I’m still getting calls from staff and parents from the old job - apparently that place has gone to hell since I left - but I refuse to let myself feel guilty. My replacement started last week and I’m sure it will all work out once he gets oriented. For now, I’m just enjoying things like sitting on my couch, eating a real dinner, and even helping Jay with his homework (though I can’t BELIEVE school has started back already)!
My first paycheck from this job will be pathetic, so I’ll be dipping into the emergency fund in two weeks to make up for it. After that, though, I should start making significantly more money. I’m still nervous about how it will work, but I’m just grateful that I have an emergency fund to rely on. Plus I got my last paycheck from the old job over the weekend, which included 60 hours of vacation time. Taxes ate most of it but I did get my savings over the $2000 mark!
Like I said, I’m kind of scared to say I like my job because I’ve had such horrible work experiences in the past. However, I think a lot of that comes from my hatred of being told what to do. In this job, no one tells me what to do or how to do it. I know what makes money and what doesn’t, and it’s entirely up to me how much I make. Crossing my fingers that things continue the way they are now!
