When I was in elementary school...and high school, I was, since grade 2, in a "special" class. This class was geared to pupils who have different learning abilities...or as some put it, "slow learners." When I am in a positive, calm environment with friendly and helpful people, I have no problems with picking up the skills I need to do a job. However, if it is a very stressful, and/or unfriendly environment and really fast paced, I feel at odds as far as being able to pick up things as well as I would like to. I am a very good worker...punctual, loyal, honest and hard working. I just march to the beat of a different drum than others, I suppose...and since we are not all the same, and it would be pretty boring if we were, I guess. I sometimes get frustrated when I feel that I don't have the same "capabilities" as others. I am learning to not compare myself to others, as I am better at some things than some people...and not so good at some things as some people. But I am always...me.
I never told anyone about my having been in a special class, because it was an embarrassment to me. I have worked all my life, getting my first job right out of high school, and fortunately I have had great employers for the most part, who have taken the time to train their employees. I broke down and admitted about my schooling, though, last November, telling health professionals and the government. I feel as though I am in a time warp, in a way. However, I feel that I did the right thing by telling my doctor and other health professionals, and the government, as the more the job market changes, the harder it is for me...so there it is. I am very blessed to have a really good doctor, who is very caring, concerned and professional, and he is never rushed and always takes the time to help in any way he can.
When I see in jobs that are advertised things like "fast learner", "fast paced", it makes me feel frustrated in a way. I broke my right wrist in two places 5 years ago in a work accident...that, plus I have arthritis. This means that I cannot fully close my hands, so there is not a lot of strength in my hands. This also affects the speed at which I perform, but for myself, I think that accuracy and a job well done is more important than the speed at which it is performed. However, try telling this to some employers...especially today. It seems that the more technology advances, the faster they expect employees to be.
Today employers are understaffed, so you sometimes have one employee doing the work of three. This is in many fields, including customer service, which is why, when you go to a store, it is difficult to find anyone on the floor to help you...if and when you need it.
I am currently getting the help of an employment counselor, which thankfully is free, because I am on welfare. This employment counselor specializes in helping those who are either (or both) intellectually and physically disabled. She is helping me with my resume and just about everything else job-related. She will not, however, get me a job, this I must (and really want to) do on my own. I don't like being on welfare. I am used to working and like to have the feeling that I am making an income, as I am independent and a worker. I know, though, that the majority of available jobs are not advertised, so I make it a point to tell everyone I know that I am avidly seeking employment.
I would very much appreciate your prayers and/or thoughts on my behalf, as there are days where I just feel totally useless and discouraged. It isn't easy looking for work in this day and age, especially when one has one or more disabilities. I still try to stay positive and look at my abilities, though.
Here is an image of old fashioned customer service. Thank you all for listening and for visiting my blog.
Please feel free to share your thoughts by clicking on the "comments" button at the end of my post.
Linda, thank you for sharing! There are still lots of jobs out there that will fit the bill. Hang in there and listen to your counselors.The right job for you will come up. That I am sure of.
ReplyDeleteHi Ian,
DeleteThanks a lot for your kind words and encouragement. I really appreciate your response.
I'm afraid the days of good customer service are almost gone. I worked for 30 years as a waitress in a local restaurant that is popular with locals & travelers alike. If the job had been JUST about customer service I might still be there, but in addition to the fast pace of a busy restaurant, the job required many trips up & down the stairs to the basement to haul up heavy case boxes of supplies & 5 gallon buckets of homemade salad dressings, in addition to taking care of customers at the same time. It's more cost effective to get the waitresses to do the work of three people because the waitresses don't have to be paid the minimum wage. Stress & the wear & tear on my body from beating the concrete floor for too many years took its toll & I left, or RETIRED. I said a prayer for you to find a job where they appreciate your hard work & devotion & respect your gentle nature. Someone out there needs a worker like you...maybe GOD can help to make the right connection!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
DeleteYour words touch me deeply...and I thank you for that.
Hi Linda, what a wonderfully touching post. First of all I wish you all the best thoughts and good luck in the world for getting a job. Second of all, I fully and truly can sympathize as I too had a hard time at school and was considered 'slow' and made to feel that way by teachers who were none too kind. If I didn't 'get it' the first time I was shoved into a corner and left behind. I remember getting terrible panic attacks that were thought of as histrionics, and consequently spent a lot of time away from school, plus the fact that I had many ear infections back in those days. Older and wiser, I hope, it seems to me that we all develop in our own way at our own rate, but not everyone is put into this world for academia. I think we need to give ourselves a good pat on the back for the good we bring into this world. My talk to myself many times over the years and my tuppeny's worth even now :)
ReplyDeleteHi Denise, thanks so much for your comforting words. It is such an encouragement to me to know that others have been through similar experiences. I very much appreciate your response.
DeleteHi Linda, please read my "About me" right down the at the bottom of my blog.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to do anything, but not everything.
Hi Bob,
DeleteThanks so much for sharing that! It is an encouragement to me to know that I am not alone in dealing with some things in this aspect. I appreciate you drawing me to that, I didn't see it before because as you said it is at the bottom of your blog and I am new to blogging. Thanks again!
Of course I did not know any of this, it is too bad. Nowadays I think people do not take pride in their work like they used to, the only thing that matters is sped and results, a high turnover. My husband works at a huge local rehab center, people come there from all over. He has worked there for over 40 years. And I certainly think you would qualify fr something like this. It is not only disabled people they see. They even take in high school students to test and see what kind of job they would be good at. They not only do rehab, they find people jobs that they are good at.
ReplyDeleteLinda, keep on keeping on. Your time will come. Don't be afraid to expand your horizons. Try some volunteer work in different areas to see if there are other things you like. I could totally see you working in a library. As I've said before, everyone learns in a different style and pace. You and I grew up at a time where not all of that was understood. Students that they didn't know how to help were often labeled incorrectly. You are extremely intelligent and do not tear yourself down. We cannot change the past, but we can change how we react to it. Never be ashamed of using welfare when it needed, but never become complacent while on it. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I was in 2nd grade and was lucky enough to be able to achieve it. Don't get discouraged in your job search. Just keep your chin up and give it your best. Someone will be very lucky to get a caring, hard-working employee like you. You are a treasure just waiting to be found. God Bless you . . . I will continue to keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda. I'm glad you shared this and hope some of the comments will be of help to you. I cannot add much to what has already been said. My childhood was mostly spent in hospital, like Denise, with ear problems. Consequently when I did appear at school I could never catch up. Oh boy, did this knock me back. It took many years before I felt equal to adults but I got there. I was also going to suggest helping out with voluntary work simply because it helped me. Through that I ended up at the top of my particular tree. Hope and pray that you too will find happiness and satisfaction in the working world.
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for your kind and encouraging, helpful comments. I really appreciate it so much.
ReplyDeleteA very timely and poignant post. I really can't imagine what you're going through, but from reading your blog I find you to be sensitive and articulate and I think would be an asset in many businesses or organizations. But I hope that you realize there is nothing wrong with being on welfare. We all live with the help and assistance of others. Even the richest of the rich got there with the help of many millions of people - parents, teachers, friends, taxpayers who provided them the means -- roads, railroads, tax relief, public schools, public post office to ship their goods, etc., etc.
ReplyDeleteWelfare is for those who are currently in need and should have no negative connotations whatsoever. I applaud your desire to work, but we are not defined by our work. You are a valuable and important person just as you are. I hope you find a job because that is what you desire. But I will think no less of you or more highly of you if you do or don't find a job.
And it just might be that as you share your thoughts and insights on this blog you will be able to touch other people who have gone through tough times similar to your own.
Best wishes!
Hi Lowell,
DeleteThank you so much...your words touch me deeply. I am also seeing a social worker due to the stress I have been experiencing, and she same the same thing you did here...that she applauds my desire to work and thinks it is a good thing that I am really trying to find a job, but she said that I am not defined by my work. Thanks again, Lowell, I really appreciate your response.
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI hope something suitable comes along for you soon. I am very fortunate to live in the Falkland Islands where there is no unemployment. If people dont work here it is because they do not want to or are unemployable due to in the majority of cases unreliability or drink problems. I know we are very fortunate to be in this position and I truely hope you find a fulfilling job in the near future.
such an honest and brave post Linda.. thanxx so much for sharing your story w/all of us.. you are a sweet & gifted woman and you will be blessed with not just a job..but i believe a mission..a true vocation..one that will satisfy you just as much as you have satisfied your past employers. Let this time be about discovering you and your many giftings you have to offer the world .. God bless my friend <333
ReplyDeleteHi Lindsey and Jenny,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your responses, I really appreciate it.