There was hardly any room for personal growth. The turnover rate in employees was so high, hardly anyone had experience. When employees worked 14 hour shifts, none of the executives ever offered to be on the "floor" and help with our licensing resident/counselor ratio. The work-life balance started off fine (having three days off, sometimes four), but then became unbearable because of the conflicts with family/friends. Depending on the side of the week worked (either Sun-Weds, or Weds-Sat), you were stuck working holidays. Most holidays during the Oct-Dec holiday period fell on one side of the week only, and of course your colleagues don't want to miss their own holiday fun, so no one could ever cover for you. Working until 11pm on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years might not sound like the biggest deal to some people, but it cut into my life terribly. Missing out on family time and sharing in holiday spirit was not great. The pay was absolutely insulting. Working with children with mental disabilities and behavioral problems should award you a livable salary. $13 did not allow me to pay rent, utilities, phone bills, car payments, car insurance, miscellaneous health expenses, or groceries. They tried to compensate by having counselors work overtime, but working a 60+ hour week only made me upset, tired, and angry at the children and fellow staff. The overtime taxes made the time and a half pay completely not worth it.
