Here’s a New Concept: A Job that Actually Values and Supports YOU as an Employee!

I’m backkkkk! I hope you all are doing well!

So, what is it like to work for a company or an organization that not only pays you well, but values you as a person???

Many of you may be thinking, ‘I have no clue.’ Don’t worry. You are not alone in that regard.

First of all, no job or career is without its problems or headaches. But when you work in a toxic work environment, it can most certainly wreak havoc on your mental health and wellbeing. Take it from one who has been there more times than I have fingers and toes to count!

In my 37 years of punching a timeclock:

• I have worked under a Christian boss, who was anything but.
• I have worked in the school system in the 90s. Enough said about that.
• I have worked for an entrepreneur who was a scatterbrain and had no clue how to run his own business. He also had a very angry employee that he couldn’t control.
• I have worked for a place that was supposed to be fun, considering it was geared towards children, but it was anything but. The height of toxicity. I mean when you let the nuts run the farm. Just sayin’ …

When I worked for temporary companies, I had no problems. At least not with the companies themselves.

But after 37 years of working and doing all sorts of jobs, I have FINALLY found work that values me. But it isn’t just the job: It is also the people.

At the end of the day, a job is just that – a job. Some jobs are obviously tougher to do than others, just simply by their nature. But it is the people who can make that job either bearable, loads of fun, or a nightmare in pure hell. And I guaran-damn-tee you, that in every scenario I briefly described above, the people on these jobs made my life and the lives of its employees like the Battle of Armageddon!

And you’re stuck with these jive suckers all day and all week long. Every. Damn. Day. 52 weeks out of a year.

That is not the case now. And what is this mystery job of mine? I work as a standardized patient.

And what pray tell is a standardized patient? This is a person who role plays with medical students in a safe environment where they can practice their skills. The standardized patient or SP, is trained to portray all sorts of characters/patients in a wide variety of different medical situations. We are talking about everything from portraying a patient with a simple head cold to someone who is being told a loved one has just died. And yes, it can get intense, but it is all designed to give the medical students an opportunity to not only practice their clinical skills, but to also practice their communication skills, as well. The communication is what the SPs mostly grade the medical students on. In other words, was the medical student empathetic with the SP? Did they establish a rapport? So, it basically boils down to “bedside manner” and how the medical student made you feel as a patient. It is an extremely valuable role, and so much fun!

The staff that I work with is friendly, fun, talented, knowledgeable and very personable.

The director of the program is the person who makes the department run smoothly. Our director is very positive and friendly. She always has a smile, and you can even tell through the mask. 🤣😂

She always wants to know how YOU are doing. As a matter of fact, she recently “called me to her office,” to check in with me. At first, I was like ‘uh oh. I’m in trouble.’ But I really should have known better. You see, she had noticed I had been working a lot over the past six months and was worried that I was getting burned out. You see, this is independent contractor work and, therefore, not a fulltime job.

I was honestly happy that she checked in with me. She started by asking how my aunt was doing. You see, my aunt – the one who helped raise me – has been in the hospital since June! And it was quite kind of her to ask.

She had also sensed that I was a little frustrated, and I jokingly said that I always try and hide that. And that is when she told me that I should NEVER do that! Let her or someone there know if something is bothering me. Wow. Wow! And Wow!!

I have NEVER heard a boss say that to me. Ever! It was always MY FAULT, particularly from the job that was supposed to be “fun.” And since that HORRIBLE experience, I felt that I had to hide my true feelings and fake feelings that I didn’t feel, which I HATE to do. That is NOT good for your mental health!

Speaking of this particular past job, they gaslit a number of us to pretend to be happy when we weren’t. And if we weren’t happy, it was OUR fault, because THEY were perfect and did no wrong. (Gee, sounds like a particular political party.) I was actually even accused of “acting like I didn’t want to be there,” when they were the ones making me feel that way! No, I don’t want to be somewhere where I am not valued as an employee. Imagine that.

To say I worked with a bunch of narcissists in an EXTREMELY toxic environment is an understatement. And all of this wreaked havoc on my mental health BIG TIME! Until I finally had had enough and walked out!

I am rambling to say that when you work for a company or an organization that TOTALLY supports you, stay with it! And it goes without saying to make sure you are paid well. 😉

When you work in a happy work environment, you feel:

• Valued.
• Supported.
• You don’t mind being at work.
• Heck, you even look forward to going to work.
• And when you feel all of the above, you take ownership of what you are doing and do your best!

And again, it’s about the people. When you work with fun, positive people – and not that faux positive crap – but real people with real problems, but who always bring their best to the job, with a great sense of humor and laughter, you want to stay and bring YOUR best to the job!!

It goes without saying that a happy worker is a productive worker.

Oh and check out my blog post from way back about working from home. I think you’ll find some interesting gems there, too.

Returning to Work (after working from home) is a Real BITCH!!!

And if you don’t work for a supportive organization and you feel that you cannot cope or need to speak with a professional, then online therapy may be the way to go. You can do this in the comfort of your own home without having to get in traffic to drive to an office. Check it out by clicking on the link below:

That’s it, my darlings. Until the next time, please be mentally well!

DEREK’S DISCLAIMER:  I am not a medical professional, neither am I giving any medical or legal advice. If you are seeking help from a doctor or an attorney, please consult said professionals.  These are my personal thoughts and feelings on the subjects discussed, and my blog is my own personal experiences and journey with mental imbalance.  Thanking you in advance!

I do not own the copyright to any songs or videos listed here. 

AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER:  There are products on this page.  By clicking on the links, you will be redirected to that page at no cost to you.  However, I will receive compensation if you purchase something (which I hope you do 😊).