The thing about doing support work is the intoxicating potential of possibilities for people in my care. As someone who has a particular talent for seeing what could be possible, I find it very rewarding to stand back on my mountain, watch someone climb theirs, and see possible paths to a more meaningful and purposeful life.

I suppose that there needs to be a degree of caution about this process, or it could turn into a toxic form of positivity of ableism. However, I do subscribe to the attitude of my most recent psychologist whenever he would encourage me to aim for the stars. ‘Why not?!’ – indeed.

Also, to quote my first and favourite psychologist, ‘It can be rewarding to see people’s growth in life, whatever that looks like for them.’

And so, I am certainly putting in the hours at the moment. Some in my network have suggested being careful about being taken advantage of, but going above and beyond suits me well. And I do (usually) get paid for it!

I guess the next step might be to do some formal study. At this point, I am a little unsure of which stream of learning I would take though. Because I am not sure if it is working with disability or mental health that I find so rewarding.

One thing is for sure. I am excited about the increasing degree of financial independence that is emerging with these roles. When I am doing something that I find so meaningful, it is easy to let go of the support that has been helping me financially during my recovery!

Image credit:

“Climbing Mount Baldy – White Mountains Arizona” by Al_HikesAZ is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.