Train gas an OT at 42

[FatMumSlim72]

Would anyone recommend my training for 3years to become an Occupational Therapist? Any OTs who know what the reality of the job is like, or anyone who has studied at same time as their own kids doing their exams...?! Thanks x

Training As An OT. Sorry, nothing about train gas!!! Not good at typing on an iPad....

Ooh, I was thinking about this too. 43 years young for me...

I couldn't tell you about the training but we have worked with a lot of OTs who help my parents so my view is from the family perspective. The OTs we have had have been a wide mix of ages, generally 20s - 40s and all have seemed to enjoy their jobs. I'd say early forties is not to late to start at all from a patients perspective. Whilst you need some physical strength to help people manoeuvre it's not as demanding as physio for example so it's less of a concern a few years down the line.

compassion / understand / empathy along with being practically minded and positive with a never give up kind of attitude are the best attributes in my mind.

The other thing I have noticed is that the community OTs are often able to get involved in other teams or move teams if they want a change of focus where they can still use their skills, such as social care assessments, proactive care planning etc. In my mind this would give you good career options beyond the years that you might want to work in an ot role itself for example.

Good luck.

Thanks so much - that is really helpful! I would have to show evidence of recent academic work before applying for this year but can do Open University for that. It seems like a very interesting job using a range of skills.All the best to you and your parents x