New job is so slow, dont think I like it.

[TravellingSpoon]

I work in social care and have done for most of my adult life.

Wanted to move out of community into supported living, but its beyond a joke how slow it is. 14 hour shifts with 7 of those being sitting around and waiting, mainly because the individuals like things done slow, and need to not be overwhelmed with staff or activities.

Other staff seem okay with this, and there are jobs that need to be done but divided up between the work force of 4 staff, they are done really quickly. staff sit in the staff area and watch TV on ipads, which is fine but I like being busy and the time just drags.

I have already started looking at other jobs, but how will I explain only being in this one for 6 weeks.

If asked. you could just say that it was a short-term contract. Or, if you're being interviewed for a job that looks really busy, you could explain that it didn't challenge you enough.

Could you use the down time to study? Lots of OU free courses that you might find interesting?

I can't stand being sat around waiting for something to do. I often swapped jobs when I worked in care, and it's fine to say that it didn't challenge you enough. It's the one sector where people don't really bat an eyelid at job service length as long as you can provide good references.

I am using my down time to study, and I am getting through a lot of TV catch up.

I have tried talking about this to people in RL but they think I am bonkers.

Shouldn't the staff be doing activities or something with the service users at these times? I wouldn't be very happy as a manager if the staff were sat around watching catch up tv and studying while they are at work

The service is a very specific one, in that the service users cannot cope well with being overwhelmed, which can lead to challenging behaviour, so for a lot of the day they are by themselves because they choose to be.

Service users do take part in activities, but these are at a level they can cope with, and do not take up a large portion of the day.

I see what you mean, i supported a man with autism and other needs and he hated going out, so a lot of the day would be spent sitting but staff weren't allowed to do personal things during shifts. I think you need to look for something else as it's unlikely to change. Maybe somewhere a bit busier where SU are out a lot etc. Is there a chance for you to work in any other houses to see what they are like?