Application Unsuccessful
I applied for a job last month – co-ordinating services for family carers on behalf of a learning disability charity.
And I didn’t fit into their culture.
Why? Well, from what I learned during my time at interview, it was because I didn’t empathise like they did. I didn’t show that I was in tune with the anger, frustration and desire to make things right that they all experience, every day in their offices and meetings.
Well, I wouldn’t, would I? I have no idea what it is like to sit in meetings and work in offices full of people who worry themselves sick for people with learning disabilities and their families. Because I don’t do that.
I fucking live the life.
Yes, I am also a professional who is absolutely focused on problem solving, solution seeking and result getting. If you aren’t, then you aren’t cut out to be a teacher. And that means that when I see a problem, I don’t agonise about it. I work to solve it. And if that means I don’t fit into the charity culture, then the charity culture isn’t for me.
That’s completely insane. In our intervention organizations, many of the parents have children with disabilities. And those people are valued above all others. They are resources and mentors – people who can take a person who doesn’t even HAVE kids (like me!) and help us relate to parents living with disability.
Anybody who doesn’t think a parent who has been there to “fit in” isn’t running a good organization, IMO. You sound right on track to me. An experienced educator PLUS a person who knows what it’s like? You are anyone’s dream employee. I am starting to think yo live in a very weird country!!!
Comment by Amy — February 24, 2007 @ 3:33 am
THAT IS CRAZY. Who could show more empathy towards family with disabled children that a person who is part of one.
“DIDN”T FEEL ANGER AND FRUSTRAION” What a load of c**p. I think you should feel relieved that your not a member of that group because they seem to be a load of idiots! (sorry maybe that was a bit harsh)
Comment by chocoholic — March 1, 2007 @ 9:57 pm
This beggers belief. Clearly you are too good for that job. SO stuff them. Surely the in-sight you have is worth more than saying the right words.
Comment by Jade — March 3, 2007 @ 8:38 am