Don’t Worry, The Pitbulls are Harmless
I work in a rural area. Which is fine... I like rural and grew up in a farm town. I like quiet roads and long driveways and GPS saying “you have arrived” while I’m clearly in the middle of a field. But I need to talk about one client.. I pull up at 9:58am for my 10:00 session…
She tells me that “I need to be more professional… give me a break!”
I need to process something because I genuinely thought I hallucinated this. My supervisor came to session yesterday. She walks in holding a SUPER BIG GULP—I call it a keg of soda—and a FAMILY SIZE bag of Cool Ranch Doritos tucked under her arm!…
Why Can’t I Just Change It? Well… I am going to!
Sometimes I think the programs are dumb. Like if I’m running a target and it feels pointless, I should just be able to scrap it. Why do I have to wait for my supervisor to “approve” changes?? If I see my kiddo is bored, I’ll just switch it up…
I’m Tired of Being ‘On’
No one talks about this part. You are ON for hours. Your face is expressive. Your tone is upbeat. Your reinforcement is enthusiastic. Your body language is inviting. Even if you didn’t sleep well…
Is there a Supervisor in the house?
So technically I’m supposed to get regular supervision. In reality… sometimes it’s 20 minutes of “How’s it going?” while my supervisor answers emails. Or they observe one trial and say “Looks good.” Does it though?? I want feedback.Real feedback pleeaasee…
I Should Basically Be the BCBA
Okay but like… I’ve been a certified technician for 9 coming up on 10, months, and sometimes I feel like I know as much as my supervisor. I mean, I run the programs, I see what works, I know the client, so why do I need supervision every week? And why can’t I just modify the program if I feel like it??…
My company does not appreciate me?!
Okay, I just don’t understand why I can’t leave session 20 minutes early to get Starbucks now and then if I need a mental-health break. Like, I’m their for 3 sometime 4.5 hours. That’s basically a full day. I deserve more breaks! My supervisor said “Your scheduled until 4.” Right…
Any other Behavior Techs Feel Invisible?
You know what is re-donk-u-lous? When progress happens, it’s “Great programming by my supervisor!” When things go wrong, it’s “The behavior technician must not be implementing correctly.” Wait...Huh...What?!? So I’m simultanously invisible and fully responsible…
I am a RBT, NOT a Professional Wrestler
Can someone explain why every job posting says “must be able to lift 50 pounds” but DOES NOT mention “must be able to dodge flying objects”?! I have been: Bitten (too many to count), Scratched, Kicked, Head-butted, Sneezed on...and even slapped with a laminated PECS card And I still show up. But when I report injury and hear, “Well, aggression is part of the population,” something in me short-circuits…
Feedback or Public Humiliation?
Where do I start?? Listen. I am PRO-feedback. I want to grow. I want to be better. I want to run clean trials and fade prompts like a champion. But if my supervisor corrects me in front of the parent one more time with that tight smile and “Actually, let’s try it THIS way…” I might spontaneously combust…
Mileage Reimbursement Is Not a Myth, Right?
Sooooo let me just clarify something. If I drive 38 minutes to a session… and then 42 minutes to the next one… and then 27 minutes home… that’s called WORK. It’s not “a scenic tour of the county.” I swear, sometimes I feel like my car is the true frontline employee of this company…
