Professional Abuse

I remember when I was ready for a career change. I didn’t necessarily want to change
organizations, rather I wanted a role and compensation that reflected my expertise and value.
I was comfortable at this particular organization so I only asked for a nominal salary increase
twice. It wasn’t until that small requests were denied that I decided to move on.
I held that job for almost 5 years. It was the longest I’ve ever held a position. I stayed so long
because I loved being a school social worker. More importantly, I loved working with students
who looked like me
To be honest, other than the fact I could’ve been making more money, I had no real complaints.
But then I realized they kept demanding and benefiting more from my expertise without being
willing to compensate me for it.
This is professional abuse. I stand by what I say.
The education system is notorious for perpetuating experiences, behaviors, and ideas that
mirror the cycle of abuse.
You are often demanded to give more, perform more, and work later in exchange for school
branded swag, luncheons, and “early dismissals” in an effort to soothe your exhaustion. But
rarely is there ever any real change in behavior (expectations, systems, demands) or your
reward for participation (salary increases, opportunities for growth particularly for BIPOC
professionals).
Even with this understanding, I really didn’t want to leave because I was comfortable. It was
familiar and despite the lack of compensation and increased demands, I had a lot of autonomy
in my role. I knew I was underselling myself when I initially asked for a nominal increase. The
second time was when I had enough of being told “no”. I started openly discussing with other
school social workers about what they made and my earning potential. I grew furious. Not at
them, but at myself for choosing ease over my value.
Finally, I started doing what I do best: Trusting myself and working my network. Next thing you
know I was in a position that not only paid me more but I actually worked less.
I’m not sharing this to gloat. I’m sharing this to remind you (especially those who work in
education) that your experiences and feelings are real and valid. The demand is often too high,
boundaries are often crossed, your values seem misaligned and the compensation just never
seems to reflect your expertise and the demand of the work. All of this can impact your mental
health. It can leave you feeling burned out, resentful and isolated from your work community.

If this is an experience you are familiar with I encourage you to get help. Lean in on your
community, your mentors, invest in career coaching and therapy. Here at Journey Therapy
Center we specialize in life and career transitions and we are ready to support you in unpacking
your experiences, identifying your values, establishing boundaries, and gaining clarity around
your needs so you can advocate for them-whether it be at your current job or if you decide it’s
time to move on!

Be Well,
Tiffany

Tiffany is not only the CEO of Journey Therapy Center she is deeply committed to building
mental health literacy via storytelling. She contributes to the Journey Therapy Center blog
regularly by sharing her own stories with bravery and vulnerability in hopes of being an
inspiration and destigmatizing mental health.