I’d like to learn what people in their field think of when they see something good or bad when they’re not working.
I’m a health inspector, so when I am sitting at a table as a customer, I’ll watch people while I’m eating (not purposely staring, but having a look around the place). I recently saw someone swipe their finger under their nose then go to the self serve station to touch about 8 different handles before walking away. Thankfully, I was already done eating.
When I have to walk through the kitchen to the toilets, I take mental notes without meaning to.
As a ex-first responder, unconsciously doing an assessment of someone I’m speaking to (or not) and internally noting how nice and juicy their veins are.
What are some things you come across in your daily life and what do they have you thinking about?
Great question!
I’m a parole officer tasked with interviewing defendants awaiting sentencing hearings and typing up pre-sentencing reports in which I give my recommendations to the courts regarding non-incarcerating sentences. As in, would a time-served and/or probationary sentence be appropriate in a particular case and why?
I meet people that seem genuinely sorry for their crimes and people that give zero fucks. I meet people that are awaiting trial for having stolen an apple from a supermarket and people that have raped their own children.
As I stroll about my town on my free time, I cannot stop myself - or my mind - from getting involved when I see people that seem to be having a hard time. I sometimes walk up to them asking how they are doing. Or asking them whether they could do without that last can of beer, or without shooting up that last injection. Or asking them who their social worker is and offering to walk them to the social services office.
Since I started doing this job, I have lost the ability to ignore that which to a lot of people is mere nuisance. Social injustice, addiction, violence of any kind. I have become too sensitive to them, perhaps to my own detriment, since I sometimes receive death threats when I intervene. Hopefully, it’s just the substance or an untrained attitude talking. 😄
You’re an amazing person for doing what you do. It takes strength to not desensitise - I know I would have a hard time not wanting to just go home and be by myself after hearing such horrible things. I’d also fear for my safety going up to people and asking how they are doing.
Thank you for doing what you do. We need more people like you!
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! It’s an ongoing process, trying to learn to take care of myself while also being a good Samaritan.
Also, I have the utmost respect for people that in any shape or form work with healthcare. Keep up the good work! God knows, we need you, especially after having seen how many of us were incapable of following simple sanitary routines like washing hands, coughing/sneezing into our arms, wearing masks and what have you…