Art Therapist. I am the services director at a youth shelter. I oversee the art therapy and psychology interns and the other staff, making sure we are providing the appropriate services (shelter, life skills, therapy, case management, fiduciary, etc) and are generally meeting the needs of our clients.

Additionally, I get to be the handy man…because stuff needs to get done and I’m the one with the drill and willingness to climb a ladder.

I got my current job due to my degree in art therapy. But before that, I worked in an embroidery shop. My kids have special needs and I wanted to be available for them while they were young. I replied to an ad for an embroidery specialist (without any training), and they hired me to run the shop based on me having a good work history, good education, and the expectation that I would be around for a while.

TL;DR. Most places just want to see that you’re dependable and willing to work hard. Build up that reputation and you can branch out into different fields a little. Just apply to anything you are interested in. Good luck!!

Ooo, also Our Flag Means Death, only 2 seasons but such a great show.

What We Do In The Shadows, delightful and so wrong on so many levels…lol

Someone else already said it, but I agree so strongly, I gotta restate…Reservation Dogs…heart-warming and with great character arcs.

It is so unbelievably good…on Hulu. Well worth checking out!

Pushing Daisies is simply delightful and whimsical.

The Magicians is an epic story with highly entertaining characters and a full storyline with an actual ending.

Loudermilk is a witty and heartfelt look at people trying to get by while also dealing with their alcoholism.

Sandman is masterfully done, a visual treat, regardless of whether you’re a fan of the comic.

Have you tried graphic novels? Comic books get a bad rap, but there is dialog and pictures that help you get into the story. Maybe that would help?

You are NTA. Someone spying on you to prove you skipped their lame attention-seekinh shindig, is TA.

“Plans changed and I didn’t have the energy to be social.” Plus, once you’ve RSVP’d not going, it is rude to then show up…so remember that if he pushes for more.

Or you could level with him and explain you didn’t enjoy watching him flaunt his wealth, so you took your attitude and stayed home…because that is the nice thing to do.

But regardless, remember you are not obligated to hang out just because you are invited. It is okay to say you have other plans…even if they are literally just to stay home. Totally valid. NTA.