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 Adult Social Care, I reached a turning point. Like many others, I’d been unknowingly 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 clue if I still wanted to be an OT and no energy to help anyone anyway.
Leaning into this break did not come easily, especially facing total uncertainty. But gradually I reconnected with occupations I enjoy, learned (kind of!) how to do nothing, improved my sleep and felt lighter, brighter and like myself again.
I had the head space to consider things afresh, and 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?
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Where is the rule that says I can only have one, full-time OT job?
I started exploring the wide range of occupational therapy jobs out there, alongside some much needed personal reflection.
What I discovered was this: the pressures I'd felt came from two sources... not only 'The System' with its long waiting lists, staff shortages and gap filling. But also from me... the high expectations, the constant push to have all the answers, the inner critic and the fear of saying no (aka no boundaries).
Through soul searching and researching, I realised there's plenty of content on how to do OT well but very little on how to keep ourselves well.
I believe this needs to change and we need honest conversation about the realities of this rewarding - yes - but also challenging profession.
OTs are brilliant, vital and dedicated to helping people live well. And we can only keep doing that if we are...
Happy. Healthy. OTs.
