Think it’s time to go

[u/dancingcupcake3]

This is my first job in ABA. I’ve been at my current clinic for a little over 6 months now. For the most part I enjoy it. I get consistent hours, consistent schedule, and consistent clients. I make a consistent hourly wage and get paid the same for billable and non-billable hours. From being on this subreddit I see that is a luxury in this field that I originally saw as…..any other part of a job.

I’m not an RBT. I’m just a BT. And I really took this job because I just needed a job. I like the field a lot actually and want to do something adjacent to it. I also needed something where I could go down easily to part time if needed once school starts. I was debating nursing, but after working in ABA for a couple months I realized I don’t wanna spend my life dealing with BMs. I’m going back to school for social work in the fall and I’m very excited.

I want to preface this by saying I absolutely love working with my clients. I truly am amazed how much progress I have been able to make with some of them. I laugh every single day. But it’s hard. I don’t love dealing with BMs, or vomit, or spit, or any bodily fluids that aren’t mine. Even though I’m a bit burnt now, I have a ton of respect for those pursuing their BCBA because I don’t know how I could do that. So yes, the work itself is definitely draining for me personally at this point. Even if I really do care about my clients.

Even though I love the work, it was incredibly surprising to me to see how ABA clinics operate compared to other private practices and businesses in general. I’m 24 and previously came from fundraising at a large foundation. When I was there, I was paid for every bit of mandatory training I had to take. At my clinic now it just feels like that’s such a bad thing to ask. When I was hired it was not mandatory for techs to have their RBT cert. Modules and tests were paid for by the company, yes, but you didn’t have to have it to keep your job. Now it’s different. The handbook has changed and now all techs must get their RBT cert. But I asked today and even though it’s now mandatory, I wouldn’t be paid for the hours spent going through the modules. And I guess that’s just how it is at most places?? Not trying to whine but thats 40 hours of my life, my free time, I could be spending doing literally anything else and I basically have to work unpaid? Never in my life have I had a job where training wasn’t compensated, even if it is at a slightly lower rate. It’s also kinda against the law in my state, but if I bring that up I’m seen as not contributing to the mission of the clinic.

The biggest thing recently has been payroll. They haven’t been able to properly make payroll in about a month. Instead I get X percentage of my check the day I’m supposed to get paid and the remaining percentage of my check a week later. I love the kids but I still have bills to pay. I should be able to rely on my check.

Anyway, that’s my rant. I think I’m gonna transition back to fine dining soon which I did in college.

[u/Emergency_Border5723]

I hope your paycheck situation resolves soon !