Power relationship

Congratulations @pip on the new job. Is this a promotion? Or a side step to another department? Either way - well done

@utopia. The new job is simply a side-step. We have designated drivers and this particular job often means the firm has to juggle drivers. With me doing this job, it mean other drivers can carry on with their own jobs. I still have my regular off-sider position, it really is a feather in my cap. I had toyed with asking for a driver job for some time. My inability to count money under pressure stopped me from asking. I approached the hire person to ask and couldn't believe my luck when she told me this job existed.

That's fantastic @pip. You must be so proud of yourself.
A new bf and a new job position.

@Heart Not a bad place Qld, gets a bit hot at times, but I've learnt to deal with the heat. I wrote to bf this morning after receiving an email confirming there was no need to ever fear him, he would never hurt me. This was in a reply to an earlier email to him. I sent a reply email telling him I would never betray him as his ex had done, nor would I ever treat him the way his other female friend had. He had offered a female friend a shoulder when her and her hubby 'locked horns'. Evidently, she abused his offer and he sent her packing. Naturally, this has caused him to feel a bit suss when a female seems to 'come on' a bit strong. I assured him I would never do this. With all this baggage, obviously his trust is a bit dubious. I have also ceased mentioning any possibility of visiting him. I'm just hopeful he may suggest a weekend to see if there is something. As I mentioned though, I'm going to concentrate on my job. I suppose as the song says: 'I'm leaving it all, up to you'.

@Heart. I've been with the firm about 16 months. I started in the office. This is how all the workers start. Getting to know the office routine is important. I had been there just over a month, when I was asked to help a client with shopping. This led to a permanent position as a 'shop assist'. Put simply, 'shop assist' means you help clients with physical disabilities with shopping. These clients are usually wheelchair bound or need walking aids so they require help. I had this position for several months, till one day, an off-sider was ill and I was asked to 'fill-in'. This led to more off-siding jobs. We have a 'Christmas Lights' tour where two bus loads of people are shown all the Christmas Lights. This tour is twice weekly over two weeks. I was asked the second week to off-side for this tour, so I gained more experience in this field. Around May/June this year, I was told I would permanently off-side. Last week, I approached the firm and asked about driving. I have a problem with counting money under pressure and told the firm that. They assured me this was not a problem and said there was a job if I wanted it. Hence the job I'm now 'under instruction' for. On Friday's, I still keep my regular off-siding job. The amount of experience I've gained with this firm, has meant my self confidence has increased, ten-fold. My ex had told me several times I could never do the driving as some of the clients would present difficulties. Plus my inability to handle money under pressure would inhibit me from being able to do the job. After today, I know that is pure rubbish and extremely unkind. I have a pretty good memory to find these people again. Driving is a doddle, so once I have the authorization from the Head Office and Transport Dept, I'm away laughing. I need the Transport Dept authorization because I'm driving a vehicle used to transport the public. We all start with what appears to be menial jobs, but dealing with the public can be stressful, therefore helping them with shopping is where you start, so your confidence and ability to work with disabled people is either 'there' or not. There is no shame in admitting you can't handle the 'field' work as it's called when you're directly involved with the public. If you can't handle the field work, you remain in the office. I enjoyed the office routine, but feel more satisfaction being out in the field.

@pip. Sounds like a rewarding first day - learning the ropes of this new position.
Hopefully it will get better and better as you start building a rapport with individual clients.

@utopia. The guy I was with yesterday, I've known for some time outside the job. I actually met him at the church I used to attend. All he explained was that sometimes these people get a bit excited due to where they're going 'respite'. I've never had problems dealing with physically handicapped people, nor those with speech impediments, so this didn't concern me at all. One of them apparently has dementia (early stages) and is a bit inclined to touch things in the car. For this reason I will have to put my handbag away out of sight. I grinned when told this as when I first did the 'shop assist' my first ever client had early dementia, and would ask me what I carried in my bag. One of our clients yesterday gave me her handbag automatically and climbed into the van. While I was putting her seatbelt on, it 'locked' slightly. This is quite normal for seatbelts, but because she didn't know me and was unsure, she got a bit upset. I recognized her distress and spoke very quietly telling her it's alright, just relax. She settled down, then showed me her fingernails, which had been 'painted'. Because these people can't communicate easily, they tend to stress quickly and need calm and reassurance. I seem to have a knack for understanding their fear and can usually defuse these situations quickly and quietly. I simply refer to them as 'special needs' clients.

@pip. This job sounds so rewarding.
When I worked as a Nursing Assistant (now called Personal Care Attendant), I used to look after the dementia residents. I loved working with them. And like you, I had a knack for calming them down. I so miss this job. Wish I could do it again. But my allergies to perfume and certain chemicals prevents this.
I bet you fall in love with your regular clients, just like I did.