Transitioning to work and the new normal
I have not worked at a regular job in a really long time. For the past 10 years I was the family caregiver for my dad. In the beginning, I had adjunct teaching jobs and administrative jobs but were only part time. Prior to that when I was still married I was tour guide in DC (a seasonal job). So the last full-time job I had was in the early 2000s when I was working at the Department of Agriculture.
After my divorce, I got my Masters in TESOL as I thought getting it would allow me to get back on my feet and support myself. Little did I know at the time, the majority of the jobs were temporary, volunteer, or adjunct. I went on to get my doctorate in Instructional Technology and Distance Education, wanting to bring ESL online and then shifting to the Efficacy of Telepractice with Speech Language Pathologists. This was a time, with many barriers, and resistance to Telemedicine, prior to Covid-19. Finding that the economy was down and the difficulty of finding the job/career/path for me, I transitioned again to UX. I am now at another crossroads and for the first time in a long time, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WANT TO DO. And that is actually okay with me at this point in time.
Just after my dad passed 4 months ago, I attended the Care Colloquium. I connected with a number of caregiver businesses, caregivers, and former caregivers. I continued to connect to the members after the conference over Zoom. One was Natalie Handy who has recently started the podcast, Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver along with her sisters. Although I met with Natalie to find out more about her podcast, we ended up talking about next steps and she suggested looking at working at Intercept Health, the company that she was working for, as they were hiring. I am happy to say, that I have completed my first week as an ABA Tech at Intercept.
I am new to mental health and ABA
My background as a caregiver and ESL instructor relates to the job
I am still finding way to my path
This transition hasn't been easy. I have not had to commute everyday, be around children, or other people in a long time. Although I work with a very supportive staff, I kept telling myself.... "I need to get through this hour, day, week...." My background has been around adults, and most recently with seniors, with my dad at the center. As it has only been a week, I am unsure yet if mental health, or working with children will be were I should be. However, I will learn everything I can and see where this path will take me. Maybe it will lead me back to Telehealth, or to working with Seniors, or I will work with Children in another capacity...only time can tell which way I will go.
I will continue working on myself and seeing my path unfold in front of me.... and I will take you on my journey with me, as I discover who Cybele Wu 2.0 will be post-divorce, post caregiving. All I know is that it will be an amazing ride!