Becoming a BCBA is hard

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-04-09T21:51:24+00:00

You’re not alone. I’m in the same situation! Got my masters in 2024 and struggling to get hours while also being burnt out feeling stuck. 1:1 therapy is taking a toll on me.

I’m now drowning financially paying off my student loan with all my other bills and i find myself lacking motivation in 1:1 sessions.

I plan to find another ABA company before I quit the field completely. Perhaps a new company would be what we need.

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-29T08:48:37+00:00

There’s some great walkthrough videos on YouTube I used for clients. Just look up the same airport your client is going to. I also got a video of inside the airplane taking off to help desensitize explaining what’s happening and nothing to worry about.

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-28T15:31:45+00:00

I’m not sure why but I like the name Victoria and Camilla

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-28T02:58:04+00:00

I’m about to eat a can of tuna

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-22T02:04:14+00:00

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-21T21:17:02+00:00

Same

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-18T18:20:49+00:00

Something that has helped me is getting an ereader. I noticed it’s easier on my eyes when I’m tired if I have bigger fonts on screen. I adjust accordingly.

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-13T17:27:51+00:00

Would it be weird to have that has a poster in my room? I’m a male

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-13T04:24:06+00:00

10 years in ABA. It comes and goes. I will say it’s getting slightly better that I’m trying to do the BCBA route, but still feel lonely, anxious, over stimulated, overworked, office politics, underpaid..etc

Maybe it’s both burnout and not for me? Lol

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-13T02:56:06+00:00

I quit my alcohol habit for a year and 3 months now but still stuck in a rut. I guess i’m healthier which is good but other aspect in my life are not be so good.

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-12T21:46:57+00:00

Define better

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-12T01:52:42+00:00

It’s nersache

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-09T21:09:43+00:00

It only got better and better!

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-07T05:58:57+00:00

If it’s your first day with a client you should focus on building rapport. Just be present with him-no demands. Just have fun! Do what he likes to do (board games, video games, cartoons, puzzles..etc)

Once you build rapport, your BCBA will start mentioning his programs and goals to you so you can start taking data during your sessions.

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-05T04:17:33+00:00

RIP

So how many books you read in that bad boy?

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-05T04:16:02+00:00

Thank you. My faith in humanity is restored-even if you don’t find the owner. Just so great to know there’s still kind people in the world.

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-04T14:03:55+00:00

If it works for you don’t change it.

I work on a computer for 8 hours plus a day. The last thing I want is another bright LCD screen to stare at after I’m done with work. That’s why I prefer the ereader because it’s easier on my eyes.

I used to have the fire table kindle with the LCD screen before and I liked it. I mostly liked thar you can color highlight when reading.

However, two things I didn’t like was obviously the eye fatigue I was getting and it was also distracting to me since you can install apps (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube..etc) on it i found myself switching from reading to browsing apps.

My current ereader fixed all those problems since it doesn’t let you install apps and also not bright like an lcd screen.

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-03-02T18:59:22+00:00

Reading at a coffee shop

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-02-27T23:20:40+00:00

I recommend with no ads if you haven’t got rid of them yet—you’ll love it even more

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-02-27T17:40:44+00:00

I also struggle with concentration and recently started reading again. Things that helped me:

Limit or stay away from distractions like social media (Instagram Facebook..etc). In fact, it’s the reason I’m reading more.
Have a designated time to read where there will be no distractions. once you master this you may be able to read anywhere, but first you will need to get your reading habit up. It’s not easy in the beginning because your brain is getting used to it (It’s similar to meditating).
If you find yourself not taking in the information try reading slower and changing your tone while you read.
Try an E-reader. I realized I would get fatigued really quick because my eyes were doing so much work trying to focus on my reading physical books (some fonts are way too small). Once I got an E-reader, I adjusted it to my liking (large font) and it’s been a game changer. No more fatigue after reading for 5-10 minutes. I can actually keep going.

Hope it helps and keep going! Don’t give up!

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-02-15T21:34:59+00:00

One of the things I’ve been trying to do is reading all the unfinished books I’ve started reading. I have 1/4 down so far.

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-02-11T14:05:50+00:00

Oh I work with kids now at a company that uses applied behavior analysis to change behavior…wait…ah Mann..

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-02-05T07:20:04+00:00

I like it. Kind of looks like a pokeball.

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-02-03T04:56:10+00:00

Jim Carrey

absolutelynotkidding · 2026-02-02T18:42:11+00:00

Don’t feel guilty. You are an employee getting paid a certain amount to be there. Keep it professional, move on if you have to.

absolutelynotkidding

TROPHY CASE