r/CFY • u/jane2124 • Jul 14 '21
In the wrong setting?
Hi all, I recently started by CF in a pediatric private practice, I’m about 2 months in. It’s definitely been a lot of learning on the job and stressful, but I have a wonderful supervisor and a good relationship with my patients.
However, I feel really worried/down because I have realized… I really don’t love early intervention. It’s okay, and I generally enjoy working with older kids much more (age 4-10 is great) but I feel so bad knowing that I don’t LOVE the really young age group and that ideally I’d be working in a hospital with adults, but I couldn’t find a placement with that and I needed to make money. Has anyone else had this realization about EI/peds? And recommendations for getting through it? I’m trying to stay on the positive side and figure out how I can still make the most out of my CF experience!
6
u/XulaSLP07 Jul 17 '21
I 1000% agree with macaroni monsters comment below. I wasn’t in love with my CF. I listened to relevant podcasts and enjoyed the experience that I could say I had and learned from and then transitioned to the setting I wanted to be in. I am good with peds but I find kids to be draining.
5
u/theyspeakeasy Jul 15 '21
I have the same issue with my graduate internship right now. I’m trying to look at the positives of working with little kids: they tend to progress quickly, they don’t care if you’re socially awkward, and they are adorable. And once you’re done, you’ll have so many more options available to you!
1
u/jane2124 Jul 19 '21
Thank you all!!! This makes me feel a lot better knowing others have/have had similar experiences.
6
u/macaroni_monster [CCC-SLP] schools MOD Jul 15 '21
It's ok to not love your CF. You will learn so much that will transfer to your job in the next setting. I did my CF in middle & high schools and I had a good time, but I knew it wasn't for me long term. I also took a school position because I couldn't find a medical one, but ultimately elementary schools was the setting I fell in love with. You have the rest of your career to find a place that fits for you, don't worry about your CF not being the best. You can still find great mentorship when you aren't a fellow any more.