I still have not heard from all of the places I interviewed at (the one remaining is the private practice in Seattle). Anyway. Nevertheless, I have made a decision. But before I get to that you all need some context.
First, it looks like California is going to be a bust. Although I got an offer at the autism clinic I am not going to accept it because I have fundamental problems with their ideational philosophy of therapy. Basically - they believe that by shaping simple behavior with small reinforcers (candy, verbal praise) they can shape complex behavior and ultimately cognition. I think that the human brain is much more complex and what is really going on is they are shaping the students to be ... well, well-trained. So, I do not think that I should go there. Then, the hospital in San Mateo went with another candidate. And finally, I withdrew my application at the third place (long story - basically they didn't want to hire me because of my stutter [illegal, I know, but if this is how they're going to be I don't want to work for them anyway, so there's no point in pursuing legal action]. There's a lot more to the story, maybe I'll recount it in a later entry). So - that sums up California. California = bust. Which - that's sad because I really liked the weather.
So, in Seattle. I have an offer at the public school system and I'm waiting to hear from the private practice. The school system might work - but I'm not excited about that either. Besides there are lots of hoops to jump through - finger prints, sending transcripts, etc. And it's not what I really want to be doing anyway. So ... this is the decision I've come to:
I'm moving to Seattle regardless of whether I get the private practice job or not. If I do not get the job then I will work at a nursing home for a while until something better comes along. It's not an ideal job, but I'll make more money that I would in the schools and I'll feel better about leaving in the middle of the year if something better comes along.
So I'm sure there are a number of questions. For instance, why Seattle? Well - because I absolutely LOVED it out there. It was amazing. There was enough to do, the people were friendly, there is city, mountains, water, wilderness all within an hour drive. Plus - it's just a super cool city. And if I'm not going to get my ideal job I'd rather be in an ideal place with a less than ideal job than a less than ideal place with a less than ideal job.
Next - why nursing home over school? It's not ideal, but it gets me medical speech pathology experience and higher pay. The road to unhappiness is paved with gold, this I realize. But if something better comes along mid year I want to feel okay with leaving. And nursing homes can better afford to contract out. Plus, I'll be working with a contract company, so they will provide a housing stipend for me. Along with more continuing education money, a sign-on bonus and moving expenses.
Anyway - I don't have a job yet ... and I will not be moving until I have a job. So, I need to get cracking.
So, that sums up my life so far. YAY for Seattle!
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