For the last 10 years I’ve worked in a direct service, nonprofit job. I went to graduate school specifically to do this type of work, and I’ve loved it. (Still do.) It’s incredibly exhausting and incredibly challenging.
The pace is breakneck. I don’t want to say specifically what I do, but our workloads have always been enormous. I’ve worked holidays without complaining. I’ve covered for colleagues without a thought. I’ve been yelled at and disrespected by other actors in the system (once literally spat on) and none of this phases me. It’s part of the job.
I’ve also had amazing victories and relationships with my clients and colleagues. I’ve held babies and hugged people while they were crying. We’ve accomplished real things I’m proud of.
This year I caught COVID at work. I’m 100% sure I caught it at work. It developed into long COVID, with terrible fatigue, brain fog, body aches, etc. As a result it’s been incredibly difficult for the past few months for me to keep up with my enormous workload and the breakneck pace.
Does anyone care? Has anyone offered ways to support me? Absolutely the fuck not. I’ve had my accommodation request for remote work denied. I’ve been called in for disciplinary meetings. They’re pissed they can’t squeeze anymore sweat from my broken body.
Work won’t love you back. No matter what you’ve put in, they will throw you away without a thought, like you’re dog shit under their shoe.
Fuck capitalism. Fuck work.