When I first started working as a direct support professional, I never imagined it would become a career I genuinely love. Before this, I bounced between jobs—fast food, Taco Bell—just chasing a paycheck. I’d call off work for no reason, make excuses. But here, I show up early. I stay late. It’s about the first job I’ve ever actually liked going to.
Now, I’m the assistant manager at my site, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I still fix cars on the side—that’s something I’ve been doing since I was 17—but supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is different. It’s meaningful. I’m 21 now, still young, but I know this job is teaching me skills that are changing who I am for the better.
Patience is the biggest one. When I first started, I didn’t have much of it. I hated repeating myself. But in this job, I’ve learned that patience isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. You work with people who might not hear well or who need extra time to process things. You can’t rush them. You have to meet them where they are, and when you do, the day goes smoother for everyone. A simple conversation, even if it’s the same one over and over, can mean the world to someone.
We have a real family bond at the home I work in. We throw cookouts, celebrate birthdays with the people we support, and show up for each other no matter what. That sense of community is something I never had in other jobs. Here, we’re all in this together—staff, specialists, families, and the people we support.
If you’re thinking about becoming a DSP, my advice is simple: try it. Ask questions. Take your time. Be patient, with yourself and others. And most importantly, believe in yourself. I was skeptical at first too, but this job grew on me. It helped me grow as a person.
This field isn’t for everybody. Every house, every shift is different, and every person you support will have different needs. But if you come in with an open mind and a willingness to learn, you might find a calling here like I did.
Do I know what’s next for me? Not exactly. I’m keeping my options open. Maybe I’ll own a mechanic shop one day. Maybe I’ll work in another part of this agency. But I’m not going anywhere just yet. This job means too much to me. And I still love it, more than I ever thought I could love any job.
