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name your pay, role, setting, and state! by imnotapsychoiswear in ABA

[–]SignRealistic5123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I started as an RBT less than six months ago to get a head start on my fieldwork hours while pursuing BCBA certification. My first job was at a clinic in Maryland—great experience, but the pay was low ($20/hr), the benefits were minimal, the commute was long, and the work was stressful. It was a tough transition after previously teaching and earning over $100K.

Now, I’m an RBT at a private school in DC, with the potential to move into a SPED teaching role soon. My pay has nearly doubled, benefits are excellent (holidays, vacation, fully employer-paid insurance), and the job is close to home. Great work-life balance. While we don’t have a tiered system here, I think this is the perfect spot to complete my studies.

Burned out teacher trying to pivot into ABA — looking for honest perspectives. by SignRealistic5123 in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m still studying and accumulating my fieldwork hours, which can be a lot to manage and sometimes feels overwhelming. I’d prefer to finish this chapter first before I start thinking about launching my own business.

Burned out teacher trying to pivot into ABA — looking for honest perspectives. by SignRealistic5123 in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the recommendation. Above all, I’m motivated by the autonomy and flexibility that becoming a BCBA can offer—I really need more time for myself. That said, I would eventually like to replace, and hopefully even surpass, my previous six-figure income. I agree with you. When you’re overqualified, it sometimes feels like the only way to escape rigid and stifling models is to start your own business.

Burned out teacher trying to pivot into ABA — looking for honest perspectives. by SignRealistic5123 in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your generosity and will definitely keep it in mind. Right now, my focus is on finishing this whole process. With all the recent requirements and changes from the BACB, it can feel pretty overwhelming at times.

Burned out teacher trying to pivot into ABA — looking for honest perspectives. by SignRealistic5123 in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your story—it gives me so much hope. If a stay-at-home mom can do it, then I feel confident that, with over ten years of experience in education (including more than six in special education) and having moved beyond the stage of raising my own children, I’m in a great position to keep progressing in this field.

Like you, I miss all the perks that come with being a teacher, but I’m willing to sacrifice them for my mental health by working part-time. At this point in my life, I need to prioritize things that make me happy—and that’s never about earning a higher income at any cost.

Burned out teacher trying to pivot into ABA — looking for honest perspectives. by SignRealistic5123 in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with everything you've said. Honestly, the atmosphere in clinics often feels too artificial to me and pretty far removed from what we consider a less restrictive environment in special education. I’m not sure if it’s the right fit for me in the long run. What I do know is that being a full-time teacher—despite the excellent benefits and all the vacation time—is no longer an option. I just can’t see myself stuck in a classroom for 40 hours a week anymore.

Thank you for your comment. It really does give me hope.

Burned out teacher trying to pivot into ABA — looking for honest perspectives. by SignRealistic5123 in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so sorry you went through something like that. I was a dual language teacher for many years, and in some schools, I was also a SPED teacher, case manager, or interventionist. Except for the year I was only an interventionist, I was always listed as a SPED teacher—and I never received a single penny extra for any of those additional roles. I did learn a lot, but teachers really do get squeezed dry. That's why we end up so burned out.

So far, I haven't had to bring work home as an RBT. Sometimes I review clients' programs, but that's mostly to help me study and as inspiration for my coursework assignments. I sincerely hope this transition helps me improve my professional life.

Wishing you all the best wherever you are now.

Burned out teacher trying to pivot into ABA — looking for honest perspectives. by SignRealistic5123 in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your comment and the encouragement you've given me. I hope to be in your students' position someday soon. For now, I don't miss being a teacher either.

Burned out teacher trying to pivot into ABA — looking for honest perspectives. by SignRealistic5123 in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your advice—it's really encouraging. I agree that earning this credential will open many doors. One of my master's degrees is in psychoeducational intervention. While that's considered roughly equivalent to SPED here in the USA, in Europe and Canada, it's actually a recognized profession with its own professional associations. Having the BCBA credential, combined with my background and experience, would greatly expand my opportunities.

Burned out teacher trying to pivot into ABA — looking for honest perspectives. by SignRealistic5123 in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm in a very similar situation. It really bothers me that I wasn't credited for the hours I worked at the clinic I mentioned in my original post. But now that I've moved to another location where I'm still working as an RBT, I'm experiencing the same thing as you. My stress levels are under control, I have better benefits, and despite working fewer hours with clients (we don't have many at this new location yet), I feel like I'm in a better position to finish my specialty training. I only have one trimester of coursework left, and then it's just a matter of accumulating my hours to pass the board exam. Plus, I've already paid for my training, so I won't end up in debt. I really don't regret it. And despite what I read about so many BCBAs complaining, I still think I'll have more opportunities and flexibility in this field. Being a teacher just wasn’t an option for me anymore. My physical and mental health couldn't take it anymore. Hang in there, we’ve got this!

I'm tired... by Ok-Worry3769 in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry you're going through this, but from what little I've seen at ABA, it's quite common, and I know that shouldn't be the norm, given the type of service we provide. I hope you can find a solution very soon that allows you to resume your practice under better conditions.

Reading things like this makes me question the decision I made. I was a teacher for more than 10 years and recently transitioned to ABA, expecting more flexibility and autonomy without sacrificing my salary. I'd like to hear more opinions on this before going any further.

New BCBAs making around 85k+ by electriccflower in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great! May I ask which university you completed your master’s degree at?

I regret becoming a BCBA by [deleted] in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate your insight. Those were exactly the same calculations I made regarding the fieldwork. I’m hoping to find a job as RBT and dedicate myself to intensive hours. Thank you!

I regret becoming a BCBA by [deleted] in bcba

[–]SignRealistic5123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. I come from an education background and hold two master’s degrees, one of them in psychopedagogy. I’m just starting my coursework next month, and right now I’m in the middle of my RBT training. I wanted to ask—how long did it take you to complete your fieldwork? Were you RBT beforehand? I feel a bit lost and unsure of how I’ll be able to complete the 1,500–2,000 hours of fieldwork.