Am I resilient enough for this?

[AfterGlowWorm]

I've been offered a new job. It's working with children with very severe emotional and behavioural difficulties. I feel really torn about whether to accept it.

I was badly verbally bullied at school about my appearance. I'm still quite affected by this despite it being decades ago now.

I know the children will make comments about my appearance or insult me. They are very troubled young children who seek attention in extreme ways.

When I visited the place I thought it would be an incredible place to work. The supervision and support for staff seemed amazing. However one child did say "Why have you got a weird nose?" I told them that was just what my face looked like but I felt really vulnerable inside.

I just wondered if anyone has experienced anything similar? Working in a challenging situation where they deal with verbal abuse? Thanks.

I think you will quickly develop the skin of a rhino or leave. It takes someone pretty special to stick with a vulnerable child after the have done everything they can to push you away. I think it helps to see it as exactly that though, they are pushing you away before you push them... like everyone has done to them since they were born.

Thanks you responding.

Yes, I totally understand why they react as the do.

Anyone else got any experience with this?

I think you develop a certain mentality working with vulnerable children. You will learn not to take anything personally. How did you feel when the child made the comment about your nose?
I work with vulnerable adults who have mental health problems, and I am not massively resilient, but I have learnt in my job not to take anything to heart. If one of my clients said something personal and upsetting to me, I would know to ascribe it to the fact that their mental health is poor, they are having a bad day, they've had a bad upbringing etc. That's not to say that I wouldn't feel upset, but I have an amazing support network in my job, and if ever anything upsets me I talk to a colleague or take it to supervision and then I'm fine.
I'd say go for it! It will be hard but very rewarding Good luck

This is incredibly helpful ScrumpyBetty, thank you.

I felt embarrassed and vulnerable when the child made that comment. The staff working there were really matter of fact about it and i liked the vibe I got from them.

This is the only worry I have about the job so it would be a shame if I let this hold me back from a potentially fantastic experience.