Officially a Computer Technician

A friend messaged me on Facebook this week asking how I was doing with my new job. It suddenly dawned on me I had not given an update on my new career or my cochlear implant. This post may be a bit long, but it is worthwhile if you want to catch up on my life events.

Past the Job Trial!

I finally made it past my trial period with the district. I am officially a computer technician. The start of my job back in August was very chaotic. I had up to 98 tickets and was new on the job; it was a bit overwhelming. However, here is the best part of my job.

1. I work with a handful of excellent technicians! They are helpful, cooperative, supportive, and have your back! Honestly, I could not be more grateful to work with such a supportive team.
2. The pay of working, sweating, and pushing through the rough spot was worth it. It has enabled me to feel out of my new role and allow clients to see what I am made of.
3. I work with great people. There are only a few grumps I do not care for, but overall, most people I work with are lovely, supportive, and great to be around.
4. Every day is different! I never know what will happen that day, and I love it. It is not repetitive like web development and working for MSUB; it is challenging, and you learn new things daily.

I have been blessed to become friends with some great technicians. Great sense of humor, fantastic support, and I always look forward to chatting up with my co-workers. When I compare the difference between my time at MSUB and the district, I must say the district is the best place to work. It can be stressful, but they understand and encourage their workers to keep trying.

Here are some differences I have experienced.

1. Unlike at MSUB, I have never been told I cannot do a job function because of my disability. Not once!
2. I am experiencing some dizziness (I will explain later), and not once did I get criticized because I could not do a few job tasks. My best co-worker, Paul, without hesitation, helped me swap out some projectors, climbing up on ladders, and doing some of the hardware that I probably should not be doing. This is teamwork, and I am incredibly grateful!
3. I have never been scolded or told, “Well, you don’t know how to do this or that,” even when I didn’t know! Instead, I was told, well, let us guide you on solving the problem. Here are some tips; let’s help you improve your skills!
4. When I do something wrong, it is up to me to fix it! My supervisor does not breathe down my neck, monitoring my every move and fixing stuff behind my back! My job is mine to own, mine to fix and to figure out. This allows me to grow and improve my technical skills. This was the biggest issue I had at MSUB: the smothering and not allowing me to fix my mistakes.
5. Mistakes happen, and we cannot grow without making them. I am not punished for making mistakes or not knowing how to fix something the first time around. I had extreme anxiety at MSUB, where I was constantly working in fear to prevent making ANY mistakes. Of course, this made me make more mistakes.
6. My co-workers have their pros and cons; at least they are real. None of this backstabbing, faking baloney I experienced my last few years at MSUB. All workplaces have drama and some not-so-nice members. Since we are all in our schools, we rarely see each other and are responsible for our tasks.

Here is the most fantastic part of my job. I have been exposed to perfume and cleaning chemicals, especially with COVID. Not once have I reacted as I did in my office at MSUB. I won’t lie, but I think they intentionally put scented stuff in the office somewhere to make me sick. I had rashes and burn marks on my lips, and my eyes would be so sore when I would leave after four hours. It was horrible.

Not once have I experienced any discomfort with my new job. Hmmmm.

Conclusion

I love my job. I will have to sit down and blog about what I do, what I have experienced, and my growth. I have learned so much; it is incredible. I was so afraid and fearful to work for an organization after MSUB that this job has come through for me. I am beyond grateful.

The Implant Update

In August, I suddenly experienced extreme dizziness to the point that everything was spinning aggressively, as if I was beyond drunk. The only way I could tolerate it was to bend over. I did go to the ER because it got so bad I was vomiting and miserable. They gave me valium to help slow the dizziness, and I have not recovered from it.

I recently spoke with my doctor who performed the cochlear implant surgery, and unfortunately, it is not from the surgery. I did make a full recovery, and it is unknown why or what caused the trauma to my vertigo. Most doctors think I had some inner ear virus. It is possible because I had a sudden loss of hearing in my left ear at some point over sixteen years ago. I was sure it was caused by an ear infection or virus.

It has been concluded I may not recover and will always experience dizziness. I admit I’m a bit disappointed, and unfortunately, there are always some side effects of the surgery. One thing to keep in mind is that this could have happened without the surgery, so it is hard to say if it is or not from the implant itself or if the implant makes it worse.

On the Bright Side of Things

I do not regret the implant. The implant has given me freedom and decreased stress and anxiety. I have good days and bad days. Sometimes, I do well, and other days, I might be a little tired and not so well with hearing. For the most part, it beats what I had before the implant. I can teach dance (hearing-wise), hear most people, talk on the phone, and participate in Zoom meetings without complications. This makes me happier!

I know for a fact my job would be difficult without the implant. Truthfully, now that I have adapted to the implant and worn my right hearing aid with the implant, I was shocked at how little I heard from the hearing aid. So basically, I am deaf even with the hearing aid. I have no idea how I have managed to keep going. The doctor who did my implant even stated he had no idea how I was keeping up with everything I do with almost no hearing. He was delighted that I was doing well and said that I had adapted quickly to the implant. My happiness is essential. My confidence that I can be a part of my community is necessary. I mustn’t have to wake up every day with anxiety and fear that someone will knock me down because I cannot hear or my disability creates a lot of friction.

I will blog about some things I have been talking to my therapist about. Why did I suddenly become so angry after my experience with MSUB. It isn’t just about MSUB but a lot of my experiences. MSUB pushed me over the edge, and I just decided I was tired of being a victim and allowing people to mistreat me. If they did it to me, they would do it to someone else. This bothers me the most. As for the job itself, they can keep their low-paying jobs! Without a doubt, I am in a much better place and environment. Quitting that job was the best thing I ever did.