I (29f) have decided to leave a job I love. I'm an IOP therapist and I love a lot of things about my job.
1) they've been very supportive of me even when my license lapsed earlier this year
2) my manager is really nice
3) I like most of the staff a lot
4) I like my clients
5) the schedule is really nice. 9-1 client facing, 1-4:30 non-client facing. So nice.
But I need more money. I make $27.44 for 40 hours.
I've been offered a really great opportunity. But the opportunity comes with a big risk.
I have accepted a position as a Contract School Counselor filling in for someone on maternity leave. My contract will be from December 1-May 21. I will make $45 an hour for 37.5 hours a week with have health insurance. I've been promised a conversation about an extension or permanency in the Spring and had a conversation about what responsibilities I'd take on post-contract. But ofc, there's no guarantee I'll have a job after May.
It feels really risky but it also feels really smart and career wise. IOP is a great beginner position. But if I can get my foot in the door as a School Social Worker, I'm golden. I feel like that's a career. I feel like I'd hopefully find my people. Teachers I can get to know. And I can help students, which I've come to realize, I find more hope in. I do enjoy working with older adults. But helping kids is helping future adults, helping them early will prevent trauma from sticking to their minds and bodies for their whole lives. If we can get that out early, even better, yk?
I just feel really sad about leaving IOP. They've been so good to me and I would love to stay longer. But I'm looking forward to the higher pay. And I'm hoping I'll feel less pressure now that I won't have to prepare for 3 groups a day. I feel guilty. I feel relieved. I feel excited. I just hope this all turns out well.