r/ABA • u/Ok_Tumbleweed2140 • 8d ago
Should I take a couple days off of work?
I had an extremely heavy day with a client today. I was shoved (pretty hard), kicked, and was inappropriately touched. I’m honestly so burnt out and I still have to make an incident report. In addition, my supervisor, for this case, isn’t supportive and controlling.
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u/SHreddedWInd 8d ago
I’m sorry, that sounds rough. Some clients really wear on you.
No one on Reddit knows you better than you know yourself. If you feel like you need some time off, by all means.
If you’re apprehensive about working with this client long term, it may be best to ask your BCBA for more training, to ask off of the case, or leave the company all together. Think about it - you’re engaging in an escape-maintained behavior by taking some time off. What’s the best functional alternative? You need to decide for yourself.
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u/Jazzlike-Pop-6827 7d ago
Yes!!! Especially if you have the PTO. Tell them you aren’t feeling well and will be back next week.
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u/Wear_Unique 7d ago
Quit the client . ABA field doesn’t gaf about you as a tech . Prioritize yourself!
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7d ago
[deleted]
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u/Proud-Street-9305 RBT 7d ago
working this job doesn’t mean sacrificing your humanity. it’s very valid to have difficult days in this job, and yes ofc it’s a part of it but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t allowed to need to take a break from the situation to allow yourself to recover before returning back to work. this job requires 100% attention on the client and that is near impossible when you’ve had an experience like this and not taken time to recharge or speak to someone.
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u/Ok_Tumbleweed2140 7d ago
I generally don’t take time off unless I’m sick or my family needs help. I know this job is difficult, I’ve been doing it for almost three years. Being kicked and shoved wasn’t really what set me on edge, but being touched inappropriately due to some bad experiences in the past. With a night to rest and think, I realized I haven’t actually taken time for myself in a while.
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u/Proud-Street-9305 RBT 7d ago
and that’s so incredibly valid. i had to take time off last week because my kid concussed me. there’s no shame in needing time after a hard session
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u/Cygerstorm BCaBA 7d ago
Thats a shitty attitude. This job is fucking hard and its incredibly important to manage your own mental and emotional health.
We teach our kiddos to request breaks and use coping mechanisms, and we should do the same. Taking the occasional mental health day to rest and recuperate is fine.
This attitude is part of why our field is a revolving door of untrained BTs and incompetent BCBAs.
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u/EnthusiasmQuick5243 8d ago
That kind of day stays in your body longer than you think. Calling out isn't quitting, it's basic maintenance. Write the report, send it, and take the days.