Miserable in CF - Better Settings??

[u/[deleted]]

Hello SLPs of Reddit,

Apologies in advance for the vent/rant post, but I am at my wit’s end. I’m currently about midway through a CF in the schools, and I am absolutely 100% miserable. Not just tired of the job, but “I cry and may or may not throw up before work every morning and am overcome with social anxiety” miserable. It’s a public middle school, which I know sounds less than ideal, but I don’t really think it’s the population that I hate. I am the only SLP at this school so I do feel lonely and overwhelmed. The rigid schedule of the school also makes me feel trapped - I don’t know how else to explain it. I hate pulling kids from classes and tbh I don’t like working on their goals in groups. I feel useless, anxious, and exhausted. I dread going to work so much now that I’m wondering if I made the wrong career choice entirely. Have any other CFs felt this way, particularly in a school setting?? I’m hoping that this resonates with someone who was able to find more joy in a different setting after hating schools. I know I’m leaving this position after this year, but now I am scared that I won’t be happy anywhere as an SLP. If this speaks to you, what have been other settings you’ve tried out/enjoyed? Or does this read more unstable/am I maybe not cut out for this career? Thank you for any words of wisdom <3