u/SpecialEducation5152

I'm 9 months away from graduation, about to quit yet another job. It provided incredible experience, but the hours and emotional labor have been too demanding for me while I'm in school, so I need to switch back down to part-time, especially as I prepare for my final internship. I feel a little embarrassed about my resume because I have had about 5 jobs in the last 2 years I've been in school. I live in a partly rural area, with so many underfunded social services organizations, and I'm someone who doesn't just "tough it out" if the leadership is poor at my company. Before I started school, I stayed at 2 jobs for over 5 years each (separately) because I think it looks better on a resume, but now that I'm in school my standards have changed immensely! Also, with the ever-changing demands of schoolwork and internships, I've quit some jobs simply for logistical reasons. Oh and I support myself financially (no kids or partner; 38F if that makes a difference).

TLDR: I'm seeking validation to see if it's common for social work students to have several different jobs throughout their educational journey.

Hey all, I’m a newish SUD counselor of about 6 months. I do occasional volunteering in my community which is a partly rural area. I signed up to pass out meals at a men’s shelter in my town tonight. I just remembered there are some patients at my clinic (who are not my regulars but I’ve talked to them when their regular counselor was out) who go to this shelter. Is it unethical to still go in case they might recognize me?

Edit: I went and it was totally fine! I brought my mom with me (my usual volunteering buddy) and it was a cool experience for both of us. I didn’t recognize anyone and no one called me out as a counselor. But now I’m informed for the future, which is cool.

I’m an SUD counselor. The whole system is broken and has been for a long time. If I choose to give a dollar to someone, then that dollar is theirs to use as they please. Maybe they use it towards a coffee or a sandwich. Maybe towards a pack of smokes. Or maybe towards some heroin. And honestly, if a little bit of heroin keeps them alive that day, then maybe the next day is the day they finally enter into treatment. Who knows; I’m not god. But if I can give someone hope with a dollar, you’re damn sure I’m going to.

Edit because some of you don’t understand nuance: of COURSE I WANT THEM TO GET TREATMENT. Jesus Christ. But recovery is an insanely long process, especially if they’re homeless. If I have one interaction with them on the street, I want to treat them as a human. With dignity and respect, the way I would anyone else. Having a dollar contributes to feelings of autonomy which they likely don’t have very often. Also my few dollars a month is not “funding the drug industry”… good lord. The pros of someone being treated kindly outweigh the cons of giving them minimal cash. Maybe they’ll think twice about what they spend it on. It’s not up to me to change the whole world. Just make someone’s day better. And if you’d rather buy them food and/contribute to charity, that’s fine too.

Lastly, I’ve had more success with people finally reaching abstinence after months of simply providing active listening and empathy. ANYWAY my lunch break is over lol peace out

I’m 37F for context. I’ve lost 47 pounds so far, slow and steady. But everything fits me wrong, too tight or too loose. I don’t have a ton of money to throw around, so I end up trying to adjust what I have, like just wearing baggy clothes usually. It feels like a waste to buy things in my current size because I may only wear it for a couple weeks or to buy clothes in the lower size when it may be too tight right now. Curious on everyone’s experiences with this!

How do you get through the weekend study grind?! Currently working on a final assignment, 10-12 pages. What a fun weekend. I have intense ADHD and "study with me" youtube channels help a lot!

I haven’t had a chance to make a report yet (work schedule has been crazy). Wondering how the process works and what their response was? Thanks!

I’m new to the SUD field, started about 4 months ago. My background is in child welfare but logistical issues caused me to have to leave that job then led me to this one. I’m also an MSW student.

Anyway, these guys. Man, I swear. As soon as they hear/see I’m a woman, their tone changes sometimes to Mr Charming. I don’t want to break rapport but I also want to keep it professional. Just wanted to vent and hear others experiences especially as I’m new to the field.

Ps most of our sessions are done over the phone or video too and they still do this lol

I think I got cross contammed after a 4th of July bbq yesterday. Me and the other people I was with were really careful, but I’m highly sensitive and I know my symptoms. I passed out hard last night but woke up 4 hours later with stomach cramps. 2 hours later still cramping and …bathroom stuff. At least it’s Sunday I guess. I can’t fall back asleep through the cramping. Hopefully I can nap later.

I’m in the last year of my program while also working FT. I need more social support but don’t have much time to get out. I attend school online and they have an online community but it doesn’t have a great UI/no one regularly interacts with it. I don’t have time to write super long emails back and forth but a discord-like chat thing would be awesome. Just thought I’d ask if anyone had suggestions!!

It’s basically summer, my least favorite time of year. I haven’t worn a tank top or regular swimsuit bottoms in years. If I go to a body of water, I sit on the side in shorts and a t shirt. My HS is mostly contained (thank god) but I have scars and skin tags in/around my armpits, under/around breasts, and upper thighs. No one knows this; no one asks. I’m just the weird girl who doesn’t get in the water. I avoid/change the subject if people bring it up. I’ve lived 8 years like this.

The thing about not caring about what you wear, is that people are going to see the scars and ask about it. Then you get the sympathy comments, then a million questions about what it is, recommendations for treatment, people not understanding, thinking it’s a rash, etc. I don’t want to have to explain this to anyone except maybe a close friend or family member if it’s the right place and time. But not at a pool party or lake day.

So no, hiding parts of my body doesn’t mean I don’t “love” it. It just means I don’t want to be othered. I’d love to hear your guys’ thoughts about this.

I’m particularly interested in children, youth, and families but also curious about other populations as well!

I get worried that there is something else “wrong” with me. I’ve been on the meds for 8 months now and have made good but slow progress (37F… 255->217)

Will this starving feeling be there for the rest of my life?