Chapter 1: The Relentless Job Cycle

I resigned from my fifth job in just a year and a half.

Yes, leaving five positions in eighteen months sounds excessive. However, before casting judgment, it’s essential to understand the complexities involved. My story unfolds here.

As Jane Elliott, PhD, a coach and writer, describes, I am a "Spin-Cycler." This term reflects my tendency to leap from one job to another, driven by both my skills and an insatiable curiosity. Yet, this behavior often leaves me feeling stuck, akin to a squirrel hoarding nuts while constantly searching for the next enticing treat.

I find myself believing that the grass is greener elsewhere. My low threshold for monotony coupled with my high curiosity means I often flit between career options without committing to any. The moment something feels stale or I sense a lack of appreciation, I’m gone. When I realize a job isn’t a fit, instead of attempting to adapt, I take my leave.

While this mindset has occasionally served me well, particularly in escaping toxic environments, it has also left me spinning my wheels. I often ponder why, despite my talents, I struggle to achieve greater success.

In a previous piece, I reflected on my third job to provide context. However, this discussion centers on my fifth position—what transpired and the reasons behind my departure.

From the outset, I had reservations about this job. Yet, I was determined to give it a fair shot, especially after my experience with job three. Quitting after just one day seemed too drastic, even for someone like me.

I intended to stick it out until summer's end, but after only one day into summer, I found myself resigning.

The universe had other plans for me. I was merely waiting for a sign to guide my exit.

That sign arrived unexpectedly.

Upon visiting the home of a patient, I met Hazel, a 90-year-old woman living alone, relying on a wheelchair with one arm amputated. Her physical health was deteriorating, and her mental state was also in decline. Despite this, she resisted being placed in long-term care, depending on her son and neighbors for help with daily tasks, but lacking a steady caregiver.

My assignment was to conduct a psychosocial assessment and find a full-time caregiver for Hazel. Upon arrival, she informed me that she needed assistance with her wet diaper and getting dressed.

To clarify, I am neither a nurse nor a caregiver. I lacked training in transferring patients or changing adult diapers—especially challenging when the individual can hardly stand.

In that moment, I momentarily set aside my professional identity and acted as a fellow human. Though reluctant, I helped Hazel, understanding that she had no one else to assist her and wouldn't see her son for hours. Leaving her in such a state was not an option.

Somehow, I managed to navigate the situation—training or not. To put it bluntly, I performed the task with my eyes partially closed while holding my breath.

Having never received training in caregiving nor ever caring for a family member in this way, I found the experience somewhat traumatizing.

After returning home, I promptly called HR to resign. I explained the situation to the HR manager, who informed me that changing diapers wasn’t part of my job description.

Really? Did HR expect me to let Hazel sit in her own mess for hours?

What frustrated me further was that a nurse had visited Hazel just days before and knew about the situation. One might assume she would have offered to accompany me, given the potential challenges.

Nonetheless, I tackled the task alone, with no support from my colleagues.

This incident solidified my decision to leave, as I was already uncertain about my role.

So, yet again, another job bites the dust.

While I felt taken advantage of, I recognize my role in this. I rushed to find work after a long hiatus, leading me to accept a position I might have otherwise rejected.

This isn’t my first experience settling for less due to financial constraints. This time, however, my impatience led me astray.

Moving forward, I plan to take a break from job hunting to delve deeper into understanding my motivations. I aim to explore the patterns in my decisions and seek clarity on my career aspirations.

Ultimately, I desire a career path that is both fulfilling and sustainable. I have a better understanding of my worth now, and it’s time to stop settling for less in pursuit of lasting satisfaction.

Given my current financial stability, I can afford to be selective in my future career choices.

This experience has highlighted that caregivers and social workers deserve more recognition and compensation for their challenging roles.

For now, I’m putting my social work career on hold—at least for the time being. As for caregiving? That’s one role I never intended to pursue.

To those of you who do this work with pride, your contributions are invaluable.

And for those concerned about Hazel—rest assured, I plan to find her a suitable caregiver before I leave.

Chapter 2: Lessons Learned

In this official music video, Queen performs "Another One Bites the Dust," a powerful anthem about resilience and moving on from challenges.

Here is a live performance of "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen, showcasing their energetic style and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.