Most people who not admit to not being good at their job. In fact, many might continue to deny it regardless of the situation. But I have no issues stating that I am not good at my job.
There are reasons behind this but I think it's important that there is some background to why I believe this.
First off, I am a Direct Care Worker at an adult foster care home in Michigan. I help six men who have developmental disabilities with their daily living. This could be everything from helping with a shower to cooking dinner. I help with medication and cleaning the house. The guys are super independent and I am just here as a helper when needed.
Once a month, the guys all go out to dinner and a movie. Two staff accompany them and I was working that evening. While we were in the movie theater lobby, waiting for one of the guys to come out of the bathroom, a gentleman came up to us and said to me: "Ma'am, you are so great at your job. You are doing such an amazing job with them. You're a good person."
I have never been called ma'am before and I didn't know how to handle that one.
But this comment got me thinking about a couple of things.
1. Why am I being told I am good at my job? To me, I was just out with the guys. I have not considered my job a job since I started working. Often times, I have too much fun and I forget I am working. But what I found even more interesting about this was how that person knew I was working. He knew this was my job and that I wasn't just out and having fun. This blew my mind!
2. Why am I a good person? What was I doing that qualified me as being a good person? Not that I am saying that I don't view myself as a good person, because I do. But, because I was treating these guys with respect and as people, that makes me a good person? It led me to thinking about how sad our views of people who are not "normal" really are. Because these gentlemen were happy, I was doing a good job.
3. I can't be good at my job yet. I am very new to my job and I am still learning so much. Does this kind of thing seem to come natural to me? Yes. This type of interaction requires a lot of experiences. It is trial and error. It is a lot of patience and willing to help a person grow, both in their relationship with you and themselves. I cannot wait to see the growth that I will get as well.
4. How do people who have disabilities usually get treated? This thought really broke my heart. The man who gave me this compliment felt that he should reach out and note something that does not usually happen. I cannot even begin to imagine some of the ways that people who are disabled have been treated. It is heartbreaking to know that respect, kindness and love are not the usual for this group of people.
My job brings me an overwhelming sense of warmth in my heart. I would not trade what I do for anything. At this point in my life, it is exactly what I need. It is challenging. It is exciting. It is always different. It is extremely hands on and I am learning constantly. So am I good at my job? No, not yet. But I know that one day, I will not only be good, but great. Because this isn't just a job. It's caring for one another, no matter what.
Overall, my job is just being kind. That is not something we are taught. Not something that we even have to do. It is something that I choose to do. If that makes me good at my job, then great. But I think it makes my heart full and everything else comes along with it.
