Losing Job

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Today I found out that the county Intellectual Disabilities unit I work for is closing. This is incredibly upsetting, especially as management has said we have harder jobs than the other units in our building, and they cite our high turnover as a main reason to close. We have had a fairly stable set of caseworkers within the past year, at least, and we have all become pretty close. Everyone is very upset. One other worker in our unit and myself certainly thought we'd get to retire there, in the future.

They have presented some other options. Two other agencies will take over and we could work for either, but it's still so difficult. I'll be able to process and let go in time, but I really hate changes like this. Especially since we're the ones who did the hard work, but are sort of punished. I know it's not a punishment, but it feels that way, especially since people who decided how to organize/hire for our unit (and did so poorly, in my opinion), will remain.

The good news is, you'll still have a job,
even though it's a different one.
That's what I would focus on.

If you opt to work with one of these agencies that are taking over, how does this impact your day-to-day job? Is this a concrete change to your work, or more of an emotional/change difficulty sort of thing?

I suppose not knowing the job you do or understanding much of these units, and turnover and such would make it hard for me to empathize with that feeling of injustice you have about it. But, unfortunately, it's cliche but that's how it always seems to go. The people who f**k it up never pay for it. Doesn't matter what "it" is. It's some natural law I think.

But I second that at least you have a job. I see "Central PA" and I'm thinking lots and lots of trees. I can't imagine it's easy to find work where you are, because it isn't most places.

I am so sorry this has happened, HighLlama. I can't imagine how difficult something like this must be, given the nature of things you've expressed. I do hope you are fairing well -

Thank you all for the supportive words.

I'm not too far from Harrisburg, Beaky, so it's not totally remote even though I travel to some pretty small towns to see people.

I'm a caseworker for people with intellectual disabilities. With one of the agencies taking over, I'd be doing the same thing. That is the upside. So for me it's more an emotional/change difficulty, as you said. I thought I'd retire with the county, or at least another county or in some similar position. Our unit was small (right now six of us, and up to 9 fully staffed) and we get along so well. I was also going to interview for a supervisor position--now I know why that kept getting pushed back. Another difficulty is not knowing who from my caseload I may see again. That's hard for me, and many of them will be angry and upset at the change, too.

It was also somewhat fortuitous that I got into this field a few years before I started learning about ASD/Asperger's traits in myself, which happened in the past year or so. It was fun to see the similarities and differences between myself and the autistic consumers I served. So the job means a lot to me for many reasons.

And, it may sound weird, but I'll really miss our building. I really feel a personal connection with buildings.

I know it's not the end of the world, but it does mean rethinking the next 20-30 years of my life, at least on some levels. I thought I was getting out of the corporate world and would have job stability, if not great pay. But, this seems to be the way counties are going, unfortunately.

That is an interesting set of circumstances you have in that your own discovery is aided by actually being able to interact with others who are ASD, and this is now your career. You cannot downplay how incredibly fortunate you are, regardless of specifics, to have a rewarding job. One that you get something out of besides a paycheck. That is really, really rare. And most people who do, have hard time making a living off of it. So always try to be thankful for that. As someone who's never felt I've done a 'meaningful' day of work in my life, it makes the supporting one's self part of life very, very burdensome and tiring. It heavily contributes to one's ability to live contently. I'm sure that fact doesn't escape you, but take a moment to contemplate the gravity of how important that really is.

I know with myself, relatively small changes send me into a state of panic where most of what I see or concentrate on is this change. I lose out on so much that way. I recall your music store analogy from our conversation about my s**t. This is no different. Corporate, county, regardless of building, you have a rewarding job that you can sustain yourself on. But I do get it. Just saying.

The building thing actually does not sound weird. I get attachments to things, not always buildings but it can be. I've gotten emotional every time I've had to get rid of a car though. Like, teary. I thought of all the places 'we' went and how that period of time is now over and will never come back. I've done this with most places I've lived too, which are many. Even furniture. Forks. Ticket stubs. articles of clothing. I can make almost anything sentimental.

I'm of the belief, while having to be planned, looking 20-30 years into the future can be dicey. You don't even know you'll get there as morbid as it sounds. Of course, you live like you're going to, because it's a horrible way to live if you don't. But looking that far forward can cause stress that will never even come to be. No one knows where they will be in 20 years despite the most diligent plans.

Hey Beaky,

Thank you so much for the response. You are absolutely right--I can still do the same things, even if in a different way than I intended. And I am really, really fortune in many ways. I got a lot of the anger, grief, and tears out of my system in the past 24 hours and feel pretty decent now, considering.

Yes, your relationship to cars is very similar. Funny--a guy on my caseload does the same thing!

And you are right about projecting too much into the future. Usually I don't, but sometimes I do, and it's not always helpful.

Reorganization in companies and agencies is unfortunately a thing we all have to cope with. It sounds like you are processing the issues and changes well. Cut yourself a little slack as you go through the adjustment phase of dealing with all the changes.

I think it's interesting that you have this kind of career. I'm sure you help others a lot.

Sounds a bit to me like you're more upset over the change than anything else, i prefer stability myself but life is (unfortunately?) about change.

I've had a few jobs in my life (just at my agency i've had 3 positions), and even though it can be upsetting for some aspies, it helps you grow as a human being.

Mental health FUNding and decision making is very fluid.

It's interesting that I have worked with clients on handling change - when it (change) comes to rest in my life.
Change
Confronting
Hardship
As
Growth
Experiences
Much easier to type and say.
Many in MH and Addiction Fields use the serenity prayer

The full version ends something like
Be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy forever in the next.
I did not copy and paste because that sends my use of this site into a Capcha loop.

Thank you, Bea, Ichinin, and drlaugh. I have realized that, while this transition will have its ups and downs, maybe the change will end up being really good. It feels like the "end of an era" to me, since I got this job years ago when I was with my ex (she does similar work). That relationship ended over a year ago, now this. But, I am lucky to be able to support myself, and have been seeing someone new, so maybe this is just part of a whole new chapter for me. That's how I see it now.

Returned to see how you are fairing. Glad to see your last post, and all is looking up for you. Much happiness and success to you, as you begin your 'new chapter', HighLlama!

Thanks, Britte!

Those 'end of era' things are something I always get caught on. Especially as they tie into relationships and friendships.

Looking forward to new chapters, as you know, is where I'm trying to be. It's all you can do and makes you stronger. I'm really getting behind this positive outlooks thing. It used to sound so contrived, but, when you actually start to do it from the heart, your life gets better because you see things in the light instead of darkness. I really hope everything continues in this positive direction for you.

You say you don't think you deserve anything, none of us do. And I think that's healthy to feel that way. I also try to feel like those of us who routinely, genuinely give of ourselves to comfort other human beings, not looking to be repaid, will get repaid many times over. I happen to think, from how you've treated people around here and no doubt personally and professionally, that you've well earned a happy, exciting new chapter in life.

The unknown is still a challenge to me. Funny in some things like live shows I love and fear it.

In live life it's the same.

Fear can lead to good and ugly.

The ugly includes
Running ( as in going away not jogging or marathons-but wherever you go - there you are)
Alcohol
Weed
Other self medicating
Meltdowns being mean to those you love/like

Good includes
Sharing
Seeking wise counsel
Exercise - gym and discression
Nutrition
Support face to face as well as on line
Spirituality

Me-going to a Celebrate Recovery
It is not just about addiction to booze/drugs..
It's about hurts----etc. ..

Thank you so much for the thoughtful words. Your are right about new chapters, and things have been strangely (in a great way) turning around, overall. The only real stress is this work change becoming more real, but of course that transition will pass and I'll feel better once I'm settled somewhere new.