A leap of faith
Hello all, I hope this doesn't become a novella, however I need to ask the ' hive mind' for support . I moved 900 miles to be with family, my father has a serious heart condition and my children asked me to come to help out. So far I have been underemployed and am trying to reinvent myself . My work experience is very diverse, I worked a lot of different jobs in my life purposely, to experience as much as I could and I found my calling about 5 years ago working with people who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. I was a conflict free case manager, meaning I managed 30 people ensuring they got the services and supports they needed while maintaining and teaching Person Centered Thinking among the staff and agencies. This is sort of technical jargon to mean, the person comes first. This position doesn't exist here in Rhode Island although it is something that has been agreed is needed by those who make things happen for disabled people in the state. I am working part time as a therapeutic worker implementing behavioral goals. My push is towards being an advocate for people with disabilities and working with folks as a case manager , creating my previous job and it's something happening, recognized as being implemented in the future by the State Agency that oversees this and by people in the community. My fear is that I am chasing a pipe dream and wasting time. I am near 60 and this has been a factor in employment, I also don't have a Bachelor's degree . There seems to be a glut of people with Social Work degrees and little to no real experience. I have been treated badly for being from TN, even though I am from Michigan and lived in Florida for 30 years and in TN for 10 years. I am overlooked for the young, out of college types with no experience but a degree. I guess my question is, do you have any advice for me? I am networking hard and taking a certification class which is furthering the type of plan writing I did in TN with the newest approaches being advocated by the State of RI. I have directly contacted the State Agency Director and am getting to know the people who submit legislature and know anyone who is a mover and shaker. Still, I am feeling frustrated and a bit hopeless. What say you?
Hi Christine Ferris -
First off, I want to thank you for doing what you do. It is hard, often grueling work that receives little thanks from the general public. I also want to commend you for the work you've put in so far. Networking, taking a certification class and doing all you can to bring a much needed role to the state of Rhode Island.
I think that you are going to be able to create your previous job as a conflict free case manager, or some variation of that. I know that the path towards that is not going to be the easiest thing to do, but you will get there! Believe in yourself, your tenacity, your skills, and your strength. It's going to be frustrating, but once you are offered it, you are going to feel amazing about it. Play up your experience - it is more valuable than any degree.
In the meantime, however, you might want to consider getting something part time. It will give you a break from the grind of going through all the red tape of dealing with a state agency, and some piece of mind about finances.
I hope that this helps! I'm going to tag Mary McLain in this, as I know she is a case manager in DC. It's not the same state, but she has a history of providing excellent advice and encouragement and I am sure she can do the same here. :)
Christine Ferris , becoming an advocate for such an underserved community in a state that consistently take a non-progressive stance or indifferent towards that workforce demographic is always going to be a major challenge so be very careful on how you manage your expectations. Your passion to be an advocate for others is a honorable one but try to be very careful in the way you manage your expectations when it comes to balancing efforts and results.
Results will come but only typically after a great deal of effort and time has been invested organizations will always be attracted to recent grads over experience unless you're a well know and reputable entity within the help community which you seem to be working on by getting to know people in the legislature.
Sometimes it's a good idea to go for it on your own. Look for national, regional, or local grants you can apply for and become the Executive Director of your own non-profit around this issue. Funding opportunities might be limited but untapped and awaiting grant petitions.
I think your advocating for such an important cause so don't give up the fight. I sincerely wish you all the best.
I understand & have experienced a lot of the same. Having a varied & broad background & years of experience over 30 plus. Federal, State & Non Profit. While very comfortable within myself - have endured the brutal attack of less experienced top to bottom.
I decided you can’t change what people think or feel - that’s their Reality. I assessed & evaluated the situation - thought about Steven Covey - First Things First.
First of all - the work - I do I’m helping others less fortunate in being their Advocate & knowing what I do is MY Purpose in Life. God has given me this Gift as some would say I do what I do with such Passion & I do this because helping others is MY Passion.
Next - I decided that I can’t take on other “Folks” Stuff - recognize what’s yours & what does NOT belong to you. But be truthful with owning your own stuff.
Continue to Do What you do & know that along comes your Blessings - God will put you where you need to be.
Recently - I endured the most horrific attack my whole career - Young, inexperienced - not really caring about those they served but their jobs & getting that paycheck. And - Not wanting anyone around not sharing that same mindset. I was told to my face - I was uneducated - because I did not have a degree. Yet my background directly related within Department of Human Services & Certifications according to HR equal to a Masters Degree. Working in a workgroup of Social Workers less than ten years of years or at most 15 years.
I was isolated, attacks against my person & verbal remarks to bring me harm - DEFAMATIONS of Character- I reported to Management & later Retailiation- Performance Evaluation from 4.0 - 2:5 next Termination - went to Leadership and expressed all this was told - Don’t make me put on my other hat! Whow! Leaving this to God!
This is what is going on ALL over - targeting Older Workers, They Don’t want anyone around with experience to see they don’t know their job - they feel less empowered & know you know. Leadership is the problem - they allow the behavior & feed into the cliques & violate EEOC & Human Rights as IF they do not exist.
Leaving that behind - soon they will be in the Graves they built for US.
I’m looking at the smaller fish bowl as. Any Boomers we need strong Advocates for Seniors & Disabled in our Local Communities & Leave the Crazies behind in their own mess.
Do you & Leave other people with their mess - “Knowledge is Power & cannot be taken - cannot be gained over night & needs Wisdom & Life Experiences - Head Up! Chest Out you’re not in the Struggle anymore!