Pros
-Flexible schedule; can say no to a shift anytime you want
-Variety of opportunities and settings working with clients with developmental disabilities: individual homes, group homes, adult day centers to name a few
-If certain places like you, they may continually request for you and you form a bond with some of the clients
-Overnight sleep shifts-get paid to sleep and be available in case of an emergency
-Rewarding experience when you feel that you truly made an impact on a person's life by being there to support them
-Good when you're in school or need an extra part-time job
Cons
-Sometimes even if you were requested by a specific company, if staff tried contacting you and you weren't able to respond immediately, staff would move on to the next person and give the shift to someone else
-Low-pay
-Lack of room for growth
-Sometimes difficult to know how to respond to clients/tasks when you're in a new environment you've never worked at before. Expectation is to read clients' support plans, but there are times when you may not have time to read the entire plan before a situation pops up or a client's needs must be addressed.