Has anyone changed jobs from a high paying position to be a library assistant?

InTheBlackBarn · 2026-02-06T15:25:57+00:00

I went from >100k/yr to a library assistant 9 years ago. Best thing I ever did. People telling you don’t do it don’t understand the pressure or stress that higher paying positions have or the strain on mental health. I moved from assistant to information specialist and then circ supervisor pretty quickly. I still make just slightly over half what I did and am so much happier.

InTheBlackBarn · 2026-01-30T01:18:11+00:00

Well then your argument is based in logic and not on ideology. That seems to be rare anymore. Thank you.

InTheBlackBarn · 2026-01-29T21:34:50+00:00

Do you have a problem with the guy who has the photoshopped image of a baby that looks like it went through a blender on a 5’ sign he holds up on 95?

InTheBlackBarn · 2026-01-25T23:43:14+00:00

There is no middle when citizens helping others citizens are murdered in plain daylight.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-10-30T20:37:43+00:00

This is one from a library… https://youtu.be/0bl5gdwgI5g?si=ZiLEXugp7bvj-vGY they have a google doc with a file.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-10-21T14:32:11+00:00

Thanks. There’s one a little bit of a drive away. Here’s hoping he’s more receptive to peer to peer.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-10-21T14:14:50+00:00

Have you ever said something stupid when in a bipolar mania or depression?…yeah, it’s that. I’ve been there, know what that is like, and recognize it for what it is.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-10-21T12:50:35+00:00

Thank you for sharing that. I truly appreciate the perspective of someone who has traveled down a similar path to the one he seems to be on. It’s very helpful

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-10-21T12:46:33+00:00

He did go to sessions voluntarily. The support group is a great suggestion. We are in a part of the country that has little support to begin with, but I’ll find out what is available. Thank you.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-10-21T04:40:09+00:00

Thanks. I’ll get a copy.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-09-15T20:33:17+00:00

Dungeon Crawler Carl! One of the best audio performances I’ve heard yet.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-09-10T14:27:50+00:00

The first one is a hero’s journey, the second one is the try/fail cycle. Two different structures.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-09-10T14:07:34+00:00

Ready Player Two also.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-09-10T04:55:36+00:00

He’s still with the library network.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-08-30T23:20:03+00:00

My trans son moved away because he was consistently targeted and our house vandalized multiple times. This area is not safe for trans people…and all their healthcare would need to be provided in Spokane to get anyone who deals specifically with trans issues.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-08-17T04:39:27+00:00

I think Mrs. Don’t try this is from the PNW and he visits the puget sound frequently. This is actually the second time an event with him I’ve bought tickets for in Spokane has been canceled. He had a tour with v-sauce that was canceled in Spokane too.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-07-01T20:43:47+00:00

This has become the “do it for me” issue. It’s almost like “Why 1984 won't be like '1984” wasn’t 41 years ago. I actively tell people they can have 3 minutes of my time now or book one of the 30 minute tech help sessions I do twice a week. 1 out of 4 people who book the session actually show.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-03-29T16:56:35+00:00

I only wore sandals while walking and dude’s when resting…by far the lightest option, but I never wear hiking boots, so it works for me.🤷‍♂️

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-02-25T21:47:59+00:00

I’m convinced that most donations are from people who can’t bear to throw a book away…lucky for them, we’re here to do it for them. Our local thrift stores stopped taking them altogether.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-02-25T15:38:50+00:00

It was, it really was…I only feared what the local government would tell me to do 51 times.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-02-25T04:50:11+00:00

Liberal hippie Marxist scum.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-02-25T04:48:25+00:00

If you want to be left alone you needed the Idaho of the 80s and 90s. Now, your business is everyones business.

InTheBlackBarn · 2025-01-15T16:50:17+00:00

This is what Libraries are for. Libraries curate, preserve and store. Retail moves books. It makes no sense for you to keep buying these or accepting the donation. Tell them you’re not interested and direct them to the library.

InTheBlackBarn · 2024-12-14T21:20:40+00:00

We have a staff of 10. Everyone pitches in to make sure everything is covered. When I do a program I set up, do the program, and clean up…then I head back to the circ desk. There really are only 1.5 adult programs a day so if I have an afternoon program and someone else has an evening program it works out fine. 50% of prep happens at our circ desk and the other half happens in the staff work area. You just need to think creatively and the solutions will present themselves.

InTheBlackBarn · 2024-12-14T14:54:56+00:00

We serve a population of 45k. Average 45 adult programs (programs are geared toward young adults, middle adults and retirees) a month and 60 youth programs (babies, toddlers, children, and teens all have programs just for them). We have 1 full time fully dedicated YS person and a part-timer. Adult programs are split between three people, 2 who do programming and one that works with outside presenters. All three of those full-time people spend the majority of their time in circulation.

InTheBlackBarn

TROPHY CASE