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Topic starter
Hello there again everybody. Although I have gotten to a point at which I am able to help people with advice (hopefully good advice!), I am in a very stuck place regarding employment.
As most of you know, I am a psychotherapist and have been for close to 23 years. I have gone about licensure here in the USVI and done significant marketing, especially in the two areas I have concentrated on most in the past decade: Serving the 10+ age group of people who live with autism, and assisting those who are transitioning back to the community post-incarceration. The idea of the latter part is to reduce recidivism. So far, I'm batting a thousand in that area. What I am finding is that the largest group of people who use therapy are mandated to do so, and they often are served by people in positions that are full time. I cannot do that.
I think you all know I am also physically challenged after being hit by a truck years ago. I can only work two hours at a time (and that is pushing it), or more hours if I can get significant breaks in between. I need to ice down, do traction, etc. This limits working through a temp agency, and in general does not meet an employer's needs.
I have tried to be creative while I wait for a private practice to build, but in the meantime, things are very, very tight. I am versatile, and willing to do most things, however I have severe restrictions on what I am allowed to do physically.
I am bilingual Spanish/English, keyboard well, have a degree and experience in financial economics, am creative and driven. Still, with the limitations I mentioned above, I have found people and businesses to be polite and concerned, but unable to assist me.
I apologize for this diatribe, but I do believe in group thinking. I also think it is hardest for someone to look objectively at their own challenges or needs.
What I am hoping is that some one of you may now or in the future either think of a job I can do, or hear of something and pass it along. I can work at home or in the community. I have an office, so working from home is not something new to me.
Thank you in advance for your thought on this. Today I will be going out again to speak with local businesses about temporary or fill in type of work. I cannot bring my resume as I have also heard often the 'overqualified' message too often.
Hoping that someone might be brighter than I am right now,
Dan
Posted : September 13, 2006 2:47 pm
Topic starter
Hello there again. In the time since my last post, I fell back on a skill that is not my profession, but is something I love and can do on a limited basis. I believe I have encountered work doing garden maintenance/grooming. When I counsel others in the area of employment, I always ask the to look outside the box. I had a hard time doing that for myself.
The above work involves tending plants to keep them healthy and looking good, trimming them, weeding and adding color plants to add to a garden's palette. Of course what I do constantly at home has a corresponding need in the community.
Although I have found some work, it is not much. If anyone knows of an individual, group, business that needs this service, please let me know. I would certainly appreciate a few more hours per week of doing something I love.
Warmly,
Dan
Posted : September 15, 2006 10:49 am
Hello Dan,
I hope things get better for you soon. Have you considered tutoring highschool or college kids? I am not sure if you are able to do housecalls, but that might be attractive to some people and set you apart from other professionals in your field. Consumting and speaking arrangements might also be another way of income. Companies who often fear away from people with special needs would consider them on a consultant base rather than a full time position.
Good Luck in you search
Iris
Posted : September 15, 2006 3:03 pm
Hi Dan,
This is coming totally out of left field, since I don't know you, but you seem like a good enough writer -- why not take advantage of where you live and try to freelance for travel magazines to bring in some extra money? I've never freelanced and have no idea what all it entails, but it could be an option...you never know!
Good luck.
Posted : September 15, 2006 5:16 pm
Topic starter
Dear Andrea:
What a wonderful idea! I have written articles before, but never considered it a marketable skill in terms of a job or career. That is what I was hoping for: someone who could look at things from the outside.
I really appreciate your thought and advice. I do know a magazine that requested just before I left an article once I truly got the 'feel' for St. Croix. I will contact them today. Then, I have to think of an angle!
Thank you once more,
Dan
Posted : September 16, 2006 11:48 am
As a freelancer I have just one important tip DO NOT I repeat Do NOT give up your copyright of your writings. Make sure to also recister all your work with the copyright office. When the day comse let me know and I show you how and where to go. Good Luck, I believe their is a freelance writer position open in the paper right now.
Iris
Posted : September 16, 2006 6:30 pm
My ex husband used to write op- ed pieces for the daily news and the Source (Bill Turner). He has since left island and has parlayed that experience into a fairly high level of writing Stateside and in Europe - he has created a new persona and is the editor of an extremely successful on-line magazine. He wrote for anyone who would let him - for nothing. The publishing credits are what is important. A sort of 'toe in the door".
As well as 'paid' work - don't neglect the 'unpaid' exposure.
Think about what you know, that other's don't and would be interested in learning. Perhaps a "counselling" column - dual exposure there. One of the island's social workers does a sort of "psych" column - hmmmmmmmmmm. There is definitely room for a better one.
Posted : September 16, 2006 7:07 pm
Topic starter
Thank you again for all of your support, creativity and assistance! There is one magazine that I was in touch with when they were just beginning, now they are large, and had actually asked for an article regarding St. Croix. Still, most of the work in writing I have done was published not under my name, but under the name of some human service agency or another. I know how important the "by lines" are.
I also will check out the copywrite thing, as well as the free-lance in the newspaper. They were also seeking a proofreader, but it seemed that many of the hours are at night. As I sort of drag my body through each day, it alone is a great deal of work. I am exhausted by 7 pm. As I have always given my all to any job, I don't want to short change anyone.
Thank you once again! You have all been terrific during a 'bump' in my life!
Dan
Posted : September 17, 2006 1:07 pm
