Questions on Job Opportunity

[Hesper]

Hi everyone, thanks for taking the time to check this out. I would like a mirror on a recent decision to switch jobs.

I have been a server for about 5 years, and it seems like all this time I have been waiting ( ;) ) to build up a will strong enough to take on more responsibilities. Well now I'm thinking about taking a pay cut and working at an addiction recovery center (ARC) as a technician. I think I'd be working with addicts and families with my main responsibility being maintaining positive relationships. From a developmental standpoint, with EE I am finding the strength to learn from my own addictions, so I think this job might be a good fit for me.

I wanted to network this choice with the group, though, because it's supposed to be a burn-out job (can't be much worse than waiting tables) and I don't want to get in over my head. I would probably still have to wait tables on the weekend in order to make enough money, but this is just a guess since I'm not completely certain how much the ARC is going to offer. Has anyone else had experience in this field? Thanks!

 

[Beau]

I don't have any experience in that field, but I do think it's strange you are considering switching to a job that is lower in pay and longer hours and still have to work part-time to make ends meet. Whether working in an environment like that would be beneficial in a Work-related way is difficult to gauge. You may find it incredibly rewarding or you could be intensely drained by your daily interactions. Is there only one job that you are looking at, or have you looked around for other jobs in the same field which may pay more?

 

[ScottD]

Hesper, I work IT support in the substance abuse field. I support about 5 different facilities and this is the second mental health/SA company I have worked for. Being a residential technician can be very rewarding as you see some people recover but there are a LOT of people that merely game the system and you. Granted I have a degree of separation with the clients but I do work closely with the techs and the clinical staff. It is generally a low pay field as most of these places are non-profit (some of the higher end 'resort" recovery centers pay really well though. This is also a high turnover field. There are those that are just not cut out for this type of work. It is also a haven for predators (staff).

I would ask if you could intern or work part-time at the recovery center to get a feel for the field and the work involved.

Learn your HIPAA and keep your shields up if you take the job. :)
Good luck with whichever you choose.

 

[Hesper]

Thank you Heimdallr and ScottD, you both brought up the points I have been fumbling over the most. I've noticed elsewhere on the forum that forum members have seen opportunities to switch jobs, but after networking it seems that it is most likely a trap. That seems to be the case here, as ScottD you noted that it is most likely a haven for predators. And any encounter with a pathological can be counted as a loss, so I need to put all my thoughts of "I can handle anything" aside and see that, objectively, I can't.

Also, as you pointed out Heimdallr, I would be taking a pay cut, which, when I'm running my workaholic program, isn't even a problem. I come from a family of "self-made men", and they started me working at 2 years old. So my self-worth is intricately tied up with how much work I do, and how fast I can do it. This obviously plays a big part in my losing my rational abilities when it comes to decisions like these. I might still check out the clinic and see if a part-time position is available, but will most likely continue to conserve energy and work on other opportunities. Thank you very much for your advice, I'm probably missing a trap because of it!

 

[Woodsman]

I once lived with a person who worked in the field of addiction counseling. I can attest to the high stress and burn-out rate.

Sometimes we get urges from the Matrix to do things which will knock us off our path, drain our energy and expose us to negative influences.

Here's a possible scenario to consider. . .

-You get the job.
-Your energy reserves are quickly used up.
-With lowered defenses, you are 'hooked' in multiple ways.
-These kinds of places are usually (as I understand it) FILLED with 4D energetic predator creepy-crawlies, spirit attachments and the like.
-With your defenses shredded, you become an easy meal; even prone to picking up an attachment yourself.

You might even have an attachment now which is trying to steer you towards 'home field', aiming to generate an addiction relapse in yourself. Who can say?

Here's my two cents: If you want to help humanity, then there are countless ways to do so which do not violate your strategic enclosure. If you want more responsibility on the job, keep asking for it with guided intent, shake some bushes, and see what comes up. But make sure you are strong in yourself first and foremost before deliberately venturing out to do battle with monsters.



EDIT******

I also just remembered, (interesting how easy it is to forget), the Wave is almost upon us. Undertaking energy-draining lifestyles now of all times may, quite literally, be suicidal.

 

[Lan8r]

Posted by: Woodsman

Sometimes we get urges from the Matrix to do things which will knock us off our path, drain our energy and expose us to negative influences.

Oh Woodsman, this is so true and it may apply to my own life circumstances. However, I didn't actually 'get the job', I was 'absorbed'. And although I tried very hard to find other employment, I was left with being 'lucky you have a job'!

My position in Public Service is not at all as noble as working at an Addiction Recovery Center. My job may even be seen as anti-noble actually. But it has allowed me to see a little bit into the 'Social Services' aspect of our society. (US society that is)

It is so true that 'your energy reserves are quickly used up'. Particularly if it is a government sponsored (including grants or any form of governmental financial assistance) organization. And at this level of 'Service' it appears to be 'FILLED with 4D energetic predator creepy-crawlies'. I struggle every day to just 'bring home a paycheck' and hope that I am strong enough not to bring home anything detrimental!

Hesper, I applaud your desire to be of service, especially to those who may share your own personal suffering. It seems to me to be a worthy and empathic goal. And Good for You that you are working on other opportunities. I believe that there are many that may offer a more 'mutual exchange of energy' and still allow you to fulfill your goals.

 

[Al Today]

May I offer what I have experienced. When I was a software contractor for years/decades, it was like being a professional job seeker. Always concerned about that next paycheck. Knock on doors, phone calls, send resumes, interview, digging, searching, contacting, shopping, never ending... Sigh...

Numerous times I tried to get a "real job" with a company that offered stability, longevity, steady paycheck, a career if you will. And I gotta tell ya, so many times I was turned down. So many... Was heartbroken only to read, or find out a later date that this or that company went down the tubes, people losing jobs, I would've moved my family only to lose out...

Before finding Laura's work and this forum, I've always felt something/something was ?guiding? ?helping? looking out for the lessons I need to learn, I guess... Always strive to improve your situation, YES. Everything is for something, We just don't know the future... Hard to maintain, but keep your humor for things will turn out as it should be. :) :) :)

fwiw

 

[jordifs]

Please Hesper,

Assist me because I am not able to properly interpret two fragments of your writing, see in bold.

Hi everyone, thanks for taking the time to check this out. I would like a mirror on a recent decision to switch jobs.

I have been a server for about 5 years, and it seems like all this time I have been waiting ( ;) ) to build up a will strong enough to take on more responsibilities. Well now I'm thinking about taking a pay cut and working at an addiction recovery center (ARC) as a technician. I think I'd be working with addicts and families with my main responsibility being maintaining positive relationships. From a developmental standpoint, with EE I am finding the strength to learn from my own addictions, so I think this job might be a good fit for me.

I wanted to network this choice with the group, though, because it's supposed to be a burn-out job (can't be much worse than waiting tables) and I don't want to get in over my head. I would probably still have to wait tables on the weekend in order to make enough money, but this is just a guess since I'm not completely certain how much the ARC is going to offer. Has anyone else had experience in this field? Thanks!

I do not understand the concepts "being a server" and "waiting tables".
The new job position you talk about is to handle people.
I assume it is not a technician related to computer science.

Thanks for your support.

 

[Lilou]

I do not understand the concepts "being a server" and "waiting tables".

Hesper currently works in a restaurant. He is the smiling face who comes to your table after you're seated, to ask what you'd like to eat/drink and then goes to the kitchen, orders/prepares it, then serves it to you. In the USA, they are called "servers", also known as waiter (male) or waitress (female). It is also common to say servers "wait on tables", as they wait for people to be seated, then wait on the kitchen to prepare the food.

Added: Camarero/Camarera in spanish. :)

 

[Al Today]

jordifs,

I did not mean to confuse this thread with my experience in the computer field. I apologize if I got off topic.

 

[jordifs]

Hesper currently works in a restaurant. He is the smiling face who comes to your table after you're seated, to ask what you'd like to eat/drink and then goes to the kitchen,

Thanks Lilou!

jordifs,
I did not mean to confuse this thread with my experience in the computer field. I apologize if I got off topic.

AI Today, I got confused with ScottD (not with you :P)

To Hesper,
A job position is money, which C said is energy (in our reality).
I remember asking C about what we can do. I remember a reply saying somewhat as “do what you enjoy”.
I believe this is a very important tip.
To be creative doing those things you enjoy doing.

I agree with you that sometimes switching a job position is a trap.
This may feed the ego. It raises the need to feel yourself useful, the need to do something on a physical way, which finally triggers reward (ego saying: you're doing something, you can feel well with yourself now).

I believe one key aspect to evaluate is: ¿will you enjoy with the new job position? Doing something everyday that you do not enjoy is painful. By the way, a job position is money, and if it is a stable and a comfortable one, ... a lot can be done with this remaining energy. If you perceive the idea “switching is a sacrifice you're doing for a greater good”, I do consider this idea is wrong.

 

[Gonzo]

Hi Hesper,

I'm glad you chose to ask about such an important question and am equally grateful for the responses it prompted.

I too am a workaholic which I have only recently discovered is actually a surface program for several sub-programs,feeding my ego by feeling useful and important, having people rely of me (and draining me), being valued as productive member of society, etc.

I do wonder why, after hearing about the burnout rate, you equated it with the same stress level of serving and appeared to feel somehow immune to it. This is an interesting program that could certainly lead one to putting oneself in harm's way.

I am curious why you think working with addictions would have the same level and kind of stress as serving? Although I've never worked in mental health services, I have know a few people who have worked with addictions and seem much more drained and despirited than I or my colleagues did as waiters.

I am currently going through transition at work am have the opportunity to shape my new position somewhat. Your post has reminded me to think long and hard about the intentions behind my choices and the traps I could be setting for myself.

Thanks,
Gonzo

 

[Hesper]

It seems like networking this idea was very useful for many of us. Freya, I'm wondering if you haven't networked more about your lack of energy, and what you can do about it? Maybe writing more about it will help. It is upsetting thinking that you're in such a vulnerable position, it sounds like you need support? Feel free to hijack this thread if you need to!

I believe one key aspect to evaluate is: ¿will you enjoy with the new job position? Doing something everyday that you do not enjoy is painful. By the way, a job position is money, and if it is a stable and a comfortable one, ... a lot can be done with this remaining energy. If you perceive the idea “switching is a sacrifice you're doing for a greater good”, I do consider this idea is wrong.

You put it beautifully! That's exactly what was in the back of my mind. There is still a bit of self-importance in my desire to switch jobs. I don't like to say I'm "just a server". I want to be seen as "noble". But the real me kind of enjoys the job. It's taught me a lot about fighting my predator, which pops up because my self-importance is always being poked. But now I'm getting to the point where I can just clear my mind and focus on the moment, and my empathy kicks back in. I guess I do enjoy my job, I like meeting new people and I like making them laugh. The main problem for me is getting to the point where I can sustain this attitude even when I'm feeling the pressure of "it's" intense, fuming anger. So far this job is providing me that invaluable experience, so keeping it is not a problem at all. Thanks Jordifs.

I am currently going through transition at work am have the opportunity to shape my new position somewhat. Your post has reminded me to think long and hard about the intentions behind my choices and the traps I could be setting for myself.

You've brought up several important points, Gonzo. I think the underlying issue you've brought up is "Why don't you think!?" Haha it's true, I am an American and I do have a problem with thinking with a hammer. One more reason not to be led into a job that will drain my energies. It's also great to see the similarity between our programs, your description is exactly like mine. I remember seeing a quote of Gurdjieffs' that went along the lines of "every man should be able to maintain 20 others". I took that very seriously, but now I see that it takes a lot more brains than brawn. Also, I hope you don't get too cautious and lose your adventurous spirit at this time, but I'm really glad that you are analyzing your intentions right now. Thank you and good luck :)

 

[DragonHunter]

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
~Desiderata

I've been single, and pretty much a loner all my life. I've worked so many different jobs that anymore it's hard to list them all, from waiting tables, dressed in a Tux, and carrying serving trays on my fingertips, in a 4 star restaurant, to long-haul truck driver, to Ironworker, welding high steel. Heck, I even spent a couple of years as a classically trained Baretone in an Opera chorus.

For a while there I painted a few portraits, and landscapes, to pay the bills. There was a couple of summers in the 80's in the wilderness areas of the Sierra Nevada high country; workin' a string of mules, and hauling supplies to trail maintenance crews.

The 'Job' we're doing isn't so important, as what we're getting out of it. When building memories, or collecting knowledge, perspective is everything. For example, those dang mules were cantankerous as hell sometimes. Did you ever have to spend 24/7 living, and working, with a bunch of real asses? And learning what, ‘Acting like an ass’ really means? They are fussy about pecking order. If you put the wrong mule in the front of the string, there’ll ass-biting, and other assorted misbehavior every step of the way.

You have to do everything for them. You have to show them where to find food, and water. Heck, since they can’t load their own packs, or remove them themselves, so you even have to dress them.

You see what I mean? It's depressing when you build a memory of a long trip through life with your attention focused on the dust, and mule plop, in the middle of the trail.

But riding down that trail with your attention looking up, and out, you get a completely different set of memories to take through life. Sometimes you just need to get outside yourself, and take a look back.

Have you ever smelled the air in an Alpine meadow? Or watched the sunset from a perch so high you can see it split in two as it sets into an ocean you can see from hundreds of miles away? Did you ever imagine you could hear it sizzle as it sinks beneath the waves? Ever see an eagle fly? Or watch a pair of them fall hundreds of feet, holding onto each other tightly, and breaking apart at the last moment before reaching the ground; only to fly back up, and do it all s'more?

I'd always thought that we humans were the only ones on this world who often mate for no other reason than the simple joy of being together.

Waiting tables required a different perspective too. You know that feeling you get when you’re scratching someone’s back, and some of the pleasure, and relaxation, comes back to you in a kind of feedback loop?

In a similar manner, waiting tables can be extremely rewarding, if one simply participates actively in helping ones patrons have a really good time with their meal.

We are all 'servers' in one way, or another. Serving up the things we perceive as being important to the people who are important to us. 2,000 years ago, almost all transportation was on foot. Those who couldn’t walk had to beg for food. When Jesus washed his disciple's feet, it was because, he wanted to show them how important they were to him. And of all of the things they needed help with, and that would help them produce their survival, and spiritual growth, simply helping them take care of their feet was something he could DO for them right then, and there.

He was able to teach them more with that simple act of humble service than any miracle he could have performed for them. And probably enjoyed doing it.

If you have to choose between the two jobs, drug counseling, or waiting tables, I’d say take the one that gives you the strongest return on that feed back loop.

But sometimes simply taking obvious pleasure in bringing them something good to eat is the best possible thing you can do for folks.

 

[deleven]

You put it beautifully! That's exactly what was in the back of my mind. There is still a bit of self-importance in my desire to switch jobs. I don't like to say I'm "just a server". I want to be seen as "noble". But the real me kind of enjoys the job. It's taught me a lot about fighting my predator, which pops up because my self-importance is always being poked. But now I'm getting to the point where I can just clear my mind and focus on the moment, and my empathy kicks back in. I guess I do enjoy my job, I like meeting new people and I like making them laugh. The main problem for me is getting to the point where I can sustain this attitude even when I'm feeling the pressure of "it's" intense, fuming anger. So far this job is providing me that invaluable experience, so keeping it is not a problem at all. Thanks Jordifs.

Watch the movie "Life is Beautiful". There is a wonderful scene where Roberto Begnini's character is gently admonished by his uncle into the idea that to be in service is the most noble of all endeavors and is not to be confused with being a 'servant'. I can't even begin to tell you of the impact that scene had on me as I have wrestled with self-esteem issues regarding the 'values' of certain occupations, over others, all my adult life. To this day I have a deep and abiding respect for 'servers'. There is no higher calling should your heart be into it.