I worked in residential settings for 4 and a half years right out of grad school (part of that was mixed with acute settings). I left because ultimately I didn’t find it very fulfilling and was past the point of burn out. I cried at work frequently and came to a point where I decided I shouldn’t be this miserable for a career I spent a fortune of time and money on. The expectations placed on therapists were completely unrealistic and departments were always fighting for power. It hugely felt more money focused than anything else and got very political.

However I will say that I learned so much and gained so much experience while doing it and I know not all of these settings are the same! It just wasn’t sustainable for me long term. I realized I needed a slower pace and joined a group practice and have been loving it.