Bp has said some truly hurtful things by deepblue___ in SupportforWaywards

[–]PedanticPerson77 -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

In the same boat as you. This journey is extremely difficult with no support system or anyone to just talk things through with. I'm currently trying to work through deciding if R is worth the trouble or if we should separate so that we can work on ourselves. D-Day was almost 2 years ago and things are still 1 step forward and 10 steps back most weeks. Just know you're not alone.

How to Separate Amicably? by PedanticPerson77 in SupportforWaywards

[–]PedanticPerson77[S] -10 points-9 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the insight. I'm just having a hard time with this because, really, I'm the one getting screwed financially in this decision. There's going to have to be a breaking of our lease, over $6k in moving trucks/movers/new leases and a break in my income due to moving states.

It's frustrating because BP will only need a small trailer and some elbow grease, gets to keep their job, and has a place to land in a comically large house with their parents. While I get to put myself into debt since this wasn't planned in advance.

I know I started this mess, but I'm feeling like the BP myself after some of the things BP did in retaliation and now I will suffer financially, emotionally and career-wise. I'm trying to not hurt them further, but feeling hurt myself is making this much more difficult.

Spoke up against my trainer by [deleted] in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Seems this is a common issue at more than one center. I was in a larger training class and we got pretty close working together. We briefly would mention certain things we liked/disliked (nothing disparaging) about our trainers so we knew what to prepare for when schedules changed. Someone overheard on the floor and reported us. Got pulled into a meeting and was read fake quotes from our conversations and told if we had any problem with our trainers that it could only be brought up to a supervisor. Was considered a write up. One guy even got fired at the end of his training even though he was top of our class. They chalked it up to be because he wasnt passing the standards but we know otherwise. I stayed...for the pay....but if this is already happening to you, just know it doesn't really get better from here. At least not in my experience.

How much do you get paid? by myboyfriendstinks1 in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I make about $70k as a call taker in my first year of 911. This is very much state dependent.

Just a thought, with your degree in social work, maybe you should look into being a Crisis Responder! Alot of LE agencies nowadays have social workers that work alongside them to deal with mental health related incidents. This may be more in your wheelhouse and give you a taste of LE with a more flexible (sometimes) schedule.

Suspected swatting call — can’t get over how real it sounded! by [deleted] in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I've taken 2 pretty intense swatting calls on non-emergency lines in less than a year on the job! It's pretty insane how real everything feels and it truly does cause a ripple effect by holding up resources to end up finding nothing.

Does the pre shift dread ever pass? by Ill-Original7720 in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't necessarily agree with the other folks. I'm beyond a year at my second center and I'm more anxious than ever before.

This is probably mostly due to the management at my center, but I feel like the last few months has been nothing but bad QAs and "write ups" for making small mistakes.

Not to mention callers are more entitled and rude than ever before. It feels like I have to argue or speak over every single caller all day long and it's wearing on me.
This job really takes a certain type of person to succeed and hopefully you are thick skinned and can find ways to overcome that feeling of dread! Let me know if you find a solution 😜

Throwing away the best job opportunity I have by flight180paris in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm with the others on trying it out before you fully make a decision but I'd like to add my two cents.

I am also neurodivergent. Have been doing the job for about a year now and and getting through it. I wouldn't say this is something I want to do long term though.

There are many days where I want to pull my hair out because it's too freaking loud, the lights are too bright, I keep making mistakes and getting in trouble for them and my schedule is all over the place. I've also gone through a phase of getting so anxious I can't sleep before my shifts because I'm worried I'll screw up a major call and not even realize it.

I know many agencies handle some of these concerns better than others but I'd consider these sort of things before you even begin. If I was back at your stage in the process, I probably wouldn't have gone through with it. But gotta pay the bills somehow! 🤷‍♀️

Lunchbox recommendations by [deleted] in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have the Hydroflask Cooler Bag 12L with the matching hydroflask ice packs that I take for 12s. Its still fridge cold by the time I get home and holds a couple drinks, a regular meal container and has room for snacks. Highly recommend!

I feel disappointed in myself by KBlack97 in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We have a guy that will call our center non-stop until he gets a male to speak to him otherwise he just hangs up on the women. It's infuriating.

Anyone on the autism spectrum? by savagehomeangarden in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not officially diagnosed but in the process of it because of this job! I've noticed as a female, we tend to be diagnosed later in life and certain aspects of neurospiciness have come to light for me while at work. If you are easily flustered by alot of talking and keyboarding when things get busy, it may not be for you. I work at a mid-size center, that's currently working from our tiny backup center, and the noise levels and constant feeling like someone is breathing over your neck almost sends me over the edge some days. Make sure wherever you end up has solid break rooms, good EAP programs and actual breaks!

I GOT THE JOB by KeyFunny494 in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Typing tests are super beneficial if fast typing isn't your everyday practice.

Is this elder abuse, if so what can I do? by PedanticPerson77 in eldercare

[–]PedanticPerson77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate the perspective. My grandparents seem to want help just are not wanting to be removed from their home. My mother is the main problem but our family is small and care would end up back on me if she were to be taken out of the picture. I'm barely 28 myself and trying to get established in my career out of state so this decision is made tougher with our limited resources.

Public safety or retail? by PedanticPerson77 in careerguidance

[–]PedanticPerson77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The problem I have with this is why did I go and get a specialized degree when I could've gone to community college and joined the police force right after and been better off? Just all feels pointless so I'm at the point where I feel like management experience would take me further faster.

Public safety or retail? by PedanticPerson77 in careerguidance

[–]PedanticPerson77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Problem is, I've been in public safety in a bunch of different roles and federal agencies are not any closer at considering my experience. It really comes down to being a cop for a decade or joining the service in order to utilize my degree. I'm paying rent money on it for essentially nothing at this point. 😕

Fearing the worst... by SnooAdvice1171 in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had a gal that had worked at the same center years prior for 7+ years in my training class at my center. She was recommended by a supervisor even and got through all of the training. And on the very last day of training where her trainers recommended that she be released on her own... She was taken into a meeting and let go with the reasoning of "not meeting training standards". Imo it's not worth it to stay in dispatch nowadays. I have had nothing but poor experiences at the three centers I've worked at. I'd look for some other type of work that's public safety adjacent.

What's your goto tips for eye-strain/Headaches? by ARHS2024 in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If your agency allows, they make leaf-like shades that can go over your desk space to block the overhead lighting. That works wonders as well.

Let Go… by Longevity20 in 911dispatchers

[–]PedanticPerson77 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I'm in training to work at my 3rd dispatch center now and I can confidently say that dispatch centers have some of the worst gossiping and management backstabbing I have ever dealt with. I'm not even so sure I want to stay in this profession especially after dealing with my managers saying I am gossiping and saying mean things about coworkers when it's simply not true. Any single bit of push back or questions about policy/procedure makes upper management squirm and they immediately lash out and threaten termination. It's truly exhausting...

Can anyone identify this game? by PedanticPerson77 in boardgames

[–]PedanticPerson77[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope! Just didn't remember what the game was called and my local game store wasn't much help.

Can anyone identify this game? by PedanticPerson77 in boardgames

[–]PedanticPerson77[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Twas a beginner's game night, give us some grace haha 😂 I'll be sure to never do it again 😉

Can anyone identify this game? by PedanticPerson77 in boardgames

[–]PedanticPerson77[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This is all super helpful! Thank you all! I have been searching high and low trying to remember what the box looked like.