I love my job. It is very rewarding to help people with disabilities secure employment and feel that sense of independence and self confidence. I make decisions very independently, and for the most part, I have the financial resources to do what needs to get done. Although there is the bureacracy of state VR, I still have a great deal of autonomy. I have been in Vocational Rehabilitation for 23 years and I have no regrets. Anyone interested in this career should know that you don't get to a do a lot of direct counseling. There is way more paperwork than counseling, in the real world of VR.
The job of a vocational rehabilitation counselor is frustrating. There is never enough time, money, or energy to keep up with the needs of the client. Often times, you deal with folks who are in such need... they need a job, they have bills, and they want you to fix their problems. I get looked at as if I have a job in my back pocket.
Yet, my job has it's rewards. When you get a person with a disability to work, and know that you played a part in helping them to help theirselves, then you know you've made a different. I'm jut tired of having to throw starfish into the sea.