So, I really am still here. I just haven’t had an original post in…well, I would have to look it up. I have tried to keep up with all of you and comment and say hi, whether we are old or new friends.
As both a way of introduction to my new friends, and an update for old, here is my life right now, which has been kicking me in the pants lately:
For those who don’t know, I am a director of a residential program for people with developmental disabilities. It is not an understatement to say I have been insanely busy since the beginning of March. I had to attend a week long class that now allows me to teach and certify my staff in something they are required to have (crisis intervention). But of course, there was still a ton of stuff I had to do in the evening for my regular work load after class was over. We are also currently attempting to move 70% of our residents in to new locations within the next month while at the same time add the same amount of new residents. So my work load has more than doubled. I have been searching for homes, getting permits, furniture, meeting with the new residents, their families, their case workers etc and, trying to hire and train the new staff. Basically think of all the things you have to do when you move, and multiple it by the number of people I am moving and/or moving-in, and then multiple it by the fact that I am hiring and training staff, too.
Oh, and of course, don’t forget that we have to keep the normal day to day stuff going in the mean time, too. That means making sure there are groceries in the homes we do have, dealing with staff who can’t seem to stay certified in state required courses, putting on my plumber's hat and using an auger to unclog toilets (yes that is a skill I have).
As part of this, we have to deal with the state government, as we do all of the time, as well as local governments. It seems like every time we turn around they are changing the rules or, at least their story. “Now you have to do it this way” or “We didn’t get that”. It is two steps forward, three steps back, hurry up and wait, unless of course they need something and then of course they need it now. I have been in this field for over twenty years so I am used to dealing with government bureaucracy, but this has been a very frustrating process, more so than usual.
I just want things to slow down.
The good news is, apparently I have been at my company long enough that my vacation time had increased last year and I didn’t realize it. I thought I only got two weeks of vacation but apparently it went up to three years on my anniversary date last year. We are allowed to bank up to twice the amount of vacation time we earn each year, so where I thought I had three weeks in the banks, I really had four. The problem is, I am getting three more weeks next Tuesday on my employment anniversary, which would take me above the maximum we are allowed to save. However, my company also allows us to sell some time back to them. So I am selling them two weeks back to them in exchange for two weeks extra pay and between that and my tax return I might just actually go somewhere for vacation this year, and maybe Chi Con as well.
Of course it will all have to wait until all of the residents move. And my assistant manager gets back from her honeymoon…
- Current Mood:
exhausted
Comments
Ahhh man, I so know where you're coming from. I worked at a residential children's home once and we spent 90% of our time jumping through the state and local counties' hoops. It would have been funny if it weren't so screwed up. Not to mention the energy this sucked from actually serving the clients :(
*hugs* I feel your pain and I hope it gets better soon.
For every two or three amazing employee who give their best to the clients, it only takes one or two government worker over-focused on regulations (the letter of the law not the spirit) or one employee whose bad attitude or poor performance brings down morale to suck your time and energy away from the clients.
Thanks. I will do my best.
the dip shits that run my company are bigots who don't think people with mental health issues can work full time jobs
It amazes me that there are so many people out there that still have issues with people with disabilities. Part of what we have been dealing with is issues with the new neighbors in one of the neighborhoods that we are moving into. They don't want PWD living in their neighborhood and some of the things I have heard....well, it has been tough.
Hope you are continuing to heal!
Wow, things really sound insanely busy for you. Hope it all calms down soon! I'm busy too - moved back in with my parents, changing my address and etc., having to look up a mediator for what will likely be divorce... I know how it is when you just want things to slow down!
Nice about the increase in vacation. I'd love to go to another con but as things stand I really can't afford it. I hope you get to go!
I have never been to a con, so I am hoping to make to at least one!
They're a lot of fun! They can be a little crazy, there's so much to do, but it's great meeting the guests and hanging out with fellow fans. :)
I think it's nice that you're helping people. I don't think that I would be able to do that kind of job. My aunt does a similar job to you though.