My Story
Hi, I’m Sally.
I’m an Occupational Therapist and I got as close to leaving the profession as you can. But a tiny part of me hung on, wanting to find an OT path where I could be happy, fulfilled and free from all the stress.
Let's rewind a bit...
After eight years working in the NHS and Social Services, I reached a turning point. Like many others, I’d been quietly battling the signs of burnout.
Overwhelmed by the feeling that I needed a break, I worked my 3 months’ notice and took one. With no plan, no side hustle, no desire to be an OT anymore and no energy to help anyone anyway.
Leaning into this break did not come easily. I’m not a ‘lean into’ kind of person, let alone when it’s toward total uncertainty! But gradually I reconnected with occupations I enjoy, learned (kind of) how to do nothing, started sleeping properly and felt lighter, brighter and like myself again.
I had the head space to consider things afresh.
Some freeing new questions came to mind…
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Is it possible to be your true self in a statutory OT role?
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What did I do / not do that led to feeling so depleted?
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What other kinds of OT work are out there?
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Who says I’d be a terrible person if I worked for a private company? (The answer: me, no-one else is saying this)
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Where is the rule that says I can only have one, full-time OT job?
So began an in depth exploration of the occupational therapy jobs out there, alongside some much needed personal reflection. And what I discovered was this: the biggest pressures weren’t just from long waiting lists, staff shortages or "The System"—they were coming from me. The high expectations, the inner critic, the fear of saying no, the constant push to have all the answers.
I also discovered that the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has made retention a priority of its Workforce Strategy, as we have higher numbers leaving OT than the other Allied Health Professions. Burnout is one of the reasons.
Hmm, not just me then.
All of this soul searching and internet scouring revealed that while there is content aplenty telling OTs how to do their job well, there is little on how OTs can keep themselves well in this, let’s be honest, rewarding – yes – but also challenging profession.
And it’s here that the creative inside me spoke the words “Happy Healthy OTs”.
So here it is - a contribution to my fellow OTs because every one of us is brilliant and dedicated to helping people live well. And we can only keep doing that if we feel good ourselves. I hope to help you with this and absolutely welcome you to share your own tips in the comments!
Happy. Healthy. OTs.
