Any occupational therapists changed careers ?

[Bobbieiris]

I’ve worked as an OT for around 8 years and really fancy a change. I have children now and would love something different….maybe something office based or working in a school. My partner and I are also planning on moving to a cheaper area than where we live now and I would love to have more options than just OT work.I feel very stuck in my role though. Has anyone worked as an OT then changed careers to something different?

Have you looked at jobs with your local council? I work for adult services and we have a large OT team, mostly office based/hybrid home working. Also lots of other jobs within the service that are non OT but would be good with OT background

I am an ot and am staying for the pension!! However I know an ot who went to work for the LA in the home education team and loved it.

@Mummydays87 i like the idea of school counselling and @Primefungus the home education team sounds good too.
@yeesh unfortunately our local council only seem to offer temporary jobs and I’m hoping for something more term. Thanks everyone…going to have a look at what’s out there :) @Primefungus the pension is good but I worked for the NHS for years before I trained as an OT (support worker role) and I’m just a bit tired of the NHS politics now lol

30 years as an OT and the politics, poor management and lack of staff wore me out. I moved 3 years ago to work as an inspector with the health regulator for the nation I live in. My pension transferred 😀
I really enjoy my new role. Lots of variety and hybrid working. My nursing and Social Work colleagues constantly tell me I add so much richness to our team.

@Bishoplyn oh my gosh the management is awful! We actually have more staff in my team than ever so it isn’t that….i just want a change!!

I went from being an NHS OT to taking a break with children into working for medical charity. I have circled back around (thanks to funded return to practise course) and am working as an Paediatric OT but local authority. Perhaps look at different types of OT jobs or even or disability assesser roles (although feedback seems mixed on doing these roles)