Why I quit my job as an Occupational Therapist?

Hello there! It's been a while since I posted and I just wanted to make an announcement and be REAL with you all. I want to say THANK YOU for all the support.
Although I am closing one chapter in my life, I will still be making more videos about my career transition. If you are an OT/healthcare provider or student interested in non-clinical roles, please connect and subscribe to my channel.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
02:27 Disclaimer
03:49 Family & Personal reasons
07:42 Burnout
11:45 Losing my sense of identity
14.45 Other passions
Please give this video a L I K E if you enjoyed it! It will really help me create more videos like this!
Music:
Public Library Commute - Mile High
S U B C R I B E to my channel for more upcoming videos.
🌿 Graduated from University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) Degree
🧠 26
🇦🇺 Based in Australia
☁️ Ex-Occupational Therapist , UX design/Digital Marketing student
🌟 Mental Health & Neurodiversity advocate
🎓 Bachelor Degree in Occupational Therapy and Certified Meditation teacher, Google Coursera User Experience Course (current)
☕ Soy Mocha + Matcha lover
🍵 INFJ & Capricorn ♑️
Join my self love community on FACEBOOK: Subtle Asian Self Love
C O N N E C T W I T H ME :)
INSTAGRAM:
@manifestmerakii
@misscindyOT
@missmerakidesigns - Polymer clay earrings

[@AMB223]

It's interesting that the younger generation of OTs are talking about burnout and disillusionment of the profession. I have been practicing for 18 years and went through many times of burnout and wanting to quit. OT is hard work and schools not preparing practitioners is very real, as is the non-healing reality of the business-driven healthcare industry. However, looking back, I was lucky that I was able to find pretty good jobs throughout my career, so I am overall grateful. What is also very real is the toxic positivity messaging around work/passion/fulfillment, especially in OT which is all about selling the dream that you can carve out your own niche. I will say that what saved me was the day I literally stopped seeking a job that expressed my passions, filled some sense of meaning/self-expression, or looking for that OT unicorn niche job that actually pays. In fact, my short stint in wellness/yoga work actually made me realize that I most definitely did not like applying my personal passions to a work setting. I enjoyed it, but preferred using those modalities for my own personal growth and privately. Work and needing to perform are always stress-inducing for sensitive people like myself and I began to resent prepping for a yoga class vs going to a yoga class. Now I am lucky to work in the schools where I am part of a union, make good money and never work more than the regular day. Also, I found some great resources that filled my skill gap. That is also very real. Looking back now, I think my true passion has always been feeling competent and in control at work; having a job that closes out at the end of the day; having many weeks off throughout the year; and a salary/benefits that afford me access to things that really fulfill me. It's funny that my friends in office work are envious of my job, which is funny bc I spent many years wishing I could join them and hitting my head against the wall to find something related. Good luck in your new venture and thanks for talking about this important topic.

[@misscindy_diaries]

Thank you so much for your detailed comment and sharing your experience. I totally agree with why mixing passion with work doesn’t always work. I am happy that I found a non-OT that is good for my highly sensitive self. I found that I was constantly drained emotionally and physically despite getting paid well. Now I earn half the amount I used to but I’m much happier. I get to have energy to spend time with my friends and family. I also find joy helping others outside of work. ☺️ I’m glad to see that you made OT work for you!

[@common_future]

Oh gosh I am so glad I read this. I have been considering retraining as a teacher or becoming an OT and this comment is very helpful! Do you teach primary or secondary? Is it stressful, if not even more so than OT at times (even if you do get 10 weeks off a year)?!

[@Theodora-sc9oi]

​@@misscindy_diaries what is your current job now? I'm very interested. Thank you for sharing your honest opinion❤️

[@sarahroberts4267]

Thank you for your brave honesty! It helps others to hear these things. As a newer OT, I can relate.

[@misscindy_diaries]

Thank you for your message Sarah💗 I'm glad it can help you in some way!

[@chithiraambu5748]

How is to study OT

[@Winnie125]

I'm in my second year of working as a full-time OT and I really want to switch to tech too! I feel like I relate to you so much and all the points you made. I would love to see you document your journey 😁I haven't mustered up the courage to switch yet...

[@misscindy_diaries]

Hey Winnie! ❤ Thank you for sharing your honest feelings. It isn’t easy to make a change but it’s possible! There’s no right timing to switch either. See what you can do each day to learn more about tech and reach out to people in the field. I’m happy to document my journey for people like you 😊❤

[@raqueldefranca2413]

Hi hi. I'm an OT from SA. Crazy that your video came onto my feed. I've also just made the decision to leave OT for most of the exact same reasons as you. The burnout is real and I bring that into my relationships with my family, friends and partner. Its so difficult to continue such a beautiful job when it mentally takes such a huge toll on your own mental health. Im planning to quit at the end of the year and go back to varisty to study something new. I'm glad to know I'm not alone in this journey! Good luck with everything! xx

[@misscindy_diaries]

Hi Raquel, Thank you for sharing with me your honest story! It is sad to leave such a meaningful job but I am so glad you are putting yourself first! I hope you have a nice ending to OT :) Good luck too!

[@dharshiniv5369]

Hey.. Iam an higher secondary student of 2nd year.. I have chosen OT to do as UG pleasee tell me.. Is OT is an best ❓ Please tell me the frank.. Should i take or not.. I have a big confusion on this.m 😭 please help

[@umehjuliet6851]

Hi I’m a second year Or student that currently want to switch to speech pathology please I need an advice.

[@itgoesmyway]

Hi Cindy! I actually just got accepted into the Masters of OT program at University of Sydney, and moving away from my current job in marketing. So it's just funny that we're going in opposite directions 😆 Thanks for sharing your journey with us and I'm wishing you all the best for the next chapter in your life 🎉

[@misscindy_diaries]

Omg I’m so happy for you❤ Good luck on your OT journey! Thank you for your kind words ☺️ I’m always happy to share what I know!

[@itgoesmyway]

@@misscindy_diaries 💜💜💜thank you

[@ngocl.n.b9712]

Hi, Im in 2nd year of MedSci in USyd as well and pursuing into Master of OT. I have "bunch of questions" and lots of thinking of how to be accepted into Master OT (as the requirements are high and hard =))) . Would you like to share some experience or what/ how did you do to apply and got accepted? Also, did you come from a background of MedSci student? I really appreaciate if you can share some tips/ experiences... Thank you so much

[@hongdinhthi2352]

Mình củng đang apply vào OT đây. nhưng background của mình là bs.@@ngocl.n.b9712

[@chithiraambu5748]

How do you feel to study OT

[@breastsleepingmuse9446]

Watching from Boston. Thank you for your channel

[@misscindy_diaries]

Thank you for watching 🥰

[@misscindy_diaries]

Hi there! 👋 Sorry I have been MIA! A lot has been happening so I wanted to give some time for myself to reflect and then make this announcement. I appreciate all the support this small community has given me. 💗 I will still make more videos about my life after OT and my career transition. Please feel free to connect and subscribe if you would like 🥰

[@jeffreyngai1213]

Hi Cindy, really appreciate your sharing on the challenges of OT, as I am considering doing a Master's Degree in OT at USYD next year. However, I sometimes suffer from burnout when dealing with the negative emotions of friends or family members, so your sharing is very useful for me to consider my future career path 🙏💡

[@misscindy_diaries]

I’m glad I can help! It’s great that you can self reflect and consider what’s best for you! Good luck with your career journey! ☺️

[@jeffreyngai1213]

@@misscindy_diaries Wish you a wonderful journey in your new career path as well! And look forward to your upcoming videos ☺ Especially on "how to care oneself properly when doin a job that is emotionally demanding"🤣

[@misscindy_diaries]

@@jeffreyngai1213 thank you so much Jeffrey! Great video idea :) All the best x

[@rosemaryjohnson6308]

I used to work at a facility where I had to wear a Kotex pad because productivity was so freaking apparent we were threatened with our jobs I didn't have a chance to take a fucking pissed or eat a lunch it was the most miserable and guess what there is now a whatever class action lawsuit going on with these people oh my God I can't tell you how fast I fucking signed up for that

[@MrsLDE]

Sorry to hear of your experiences.. I am also noticing a trend of burnout amongst OTs early in their career, which is sad. I’ve been an OT for 20+ yrs and worked in different settings. Admittedly early in my career I didn’t feel passionate about it. But I was fortunate enough to find a job as a generalist community OT and fell in love with OT all over again. It helps to find a good supportive workplace, but it takes years of experience from working in different settings to actually know which fit you best. I hope your career shift brings you more joy, fulfilment and quality of life. All the best with your future endeavours!

[@misscindy_diaries]

Thank you so much for sharing your OT journey 💕 I'm glad to hear that I am not alone with feeling this way. It was a tough decision to step away from OT. I realised that it was not the right timing and perhaps I can find "OT" in whichever career I go into next.

[@naticaleb123]

I’ve been an OT for 32 years and I want to encourage all the young OT’s. It can be done! What you do matters and it comes at a sacrifice to self! The burnout is real! But, I will not quit anytime soon, rather I am changing settings! I challenge you to explore a different setting…. Don’t chase the $, rather chase your happiness! Be kind to your self…. Use your time wisely, minimize chit chat, get the job done and leave work at work….. if you’re in HH, like me, then, that a different story..Still, try to change settings if possible. I want all my peers to succeed in OT, it’s a wonderful career! Good luck everyone and be blessed!

[@dharshiniv5369]

Hey.. Iam an higher secondary student of 2nd year.. I have chosen OT to do as UG pleasee tell me.. Is OT is an best ❓ Please tell me the frank.. Should i take or not.. I have a big confusion on this.m 😭 please help

[@trevorross8204]

I like your honesty, I think I went through the same thing you went through only difference is I had no one to listen to so they sack me but hey ho God is love. Once again thanks for being honest. 1❤

[@misscindy_diaries]

Hi Trevor, Thanks for the comment. :) I am so sorry to hear that. It's not the best situation for anyone and I hope that the more we talk about it, the more people can get support.

[@trevorross8204]

Bless you and thanks I hope now that you have found what you are looking for

[@danhvo94]

Hi Cindy, just a quick question. There are many settings in OT, have you thought of trying something different like home modification or assistive technology?

[@misscindy_diaries]

Hi Danh, Thank you for the suggestions! I have tried home modifications during placement but it wasn't for me. However, I did like drawing the designs on the computer! Also, I heard there's a lot of report writing in AT which isn't my strength. Which area of OT do you work in?

[@danhvo94]

@@misscindy_diaries Thanks for your reply. I'm a tax accountant, but decided to quit accounting (because it was too boring, I didn't enjoy working in front of a computer all day long plus the industry itself is a little bit toxcis imo). I'm about to start Master of Occupational Therapy at Swinburne uni (Melbourne), so I have been doing a bit of research to know more about the field of OT. Glad I found your channel as other OTs on youtube seem to be in the US. Can I ask what makes you not enjoy home modification? Was there any other setting you would consider?

[@misscindy_diaries]

@@danhvo94 All good! I am glad you found something you are interested in and taking action to make the change. My only experience with home modification was during my inpatient rehab placement so it might be different in the NDIS community setting. Knowing my personality, I can’t seem to commit to doing just “home mods” and i feel like I don’t have a great interest in designing accessible homes. I found that it was mainly bathroom modifications. However, there’s definitely a demand for the OTs in this field!

[@cheryllavya9641]

@@danhvo94 hi i’m trying for swinburne masters in OT too, can we hav a chat so i can discuss more?

[@vijetarani7743]

So should I take this course or not.??

[@sm1468]

I am a 2nd year student and I'm really regretting picking OT. I just don't know what awaits me when I graduate, is it a lifetime of stress or a job which i like? Idk man

[@misscindy_diaries]

Hey! Thank you for sharing your experience. I would say that even after graduating a lot of people still are trying to figure out their careers so it’s never too late to change 🙂 It is stressful trying to figure it out but I’m hopeful that you will find something that meets some of your needs when it comes to a career/job!

[@sm1468]

@@misscindy_diaries thank you cutie

[@warren51235]

I just enrolled in an ota school coming from 9 years a software engineer

[@carlysheree3130]

Being a support worker while studying a healthcare degree made me hate people! The burn out is real, and my mental health is starting to decline. I find aged and disabled people very ungrateful, petty and emotionally demanding. I have realised OT is definitely not for me as I hear other OT’s say how much they regret their degree. I see others getting to work from home, no stress and good pay doing a job that’s far less acedemic degrees like tech or finance. I notice these degree are less people involved too which would explain why the people doing jobs in those industries seem more relaxed, have better work benefits, and stable. I am considering doing a business degree where I can ultimately work from home.

[@misscindy_diaries]

Thanks for sharing Carly! I’m sorry to hear that you have experienced burn out while working as a support worker. Healthcare is definitely not for everyone. If your job is affecting your mental health in healthcare or not, it’s better to find something else. Yes i agree, usually tech and finance roles have better flexibility. It’s sad to see that most healthcare jobs don’t have that and OTs are overworked and get paid based on how many patients/clients they see. Anyways, Good luck with your next venture! Which area of business are you interested in?

[@binokokkappally7604]

Maam is diploma in occupational therapy available in Australia pls respond

[@misscindy_diaries]

From my understanding, there's only a bachelor and master's degree for Occupational Therapy in Australia :)

[@transitionsnc]

I'm curious as to how you will support yourself. All the best to you.

[@misscindy_diaries]

Thank you Christina! In my new video I do share about how I budget and saved money during my fulltime work so that I can take a work break and make this transition. Feel free to ask me any questions, I'll try to help!

[@transitionsnc]

@@misscindy_diaries Good for you.

[@user-dc5yp3ni5o]

Gosto ko Rin sya Kaya next year Ako mag eenrol

[@Kimmie-vk3cp]

Hello! Thank you for the video. Your feedback sound very repetitive and could be done in 10 min instead of over 30 min.

[@RuHo16]

And thats why you do volunteer jobs to see if you really like the career you are getting into. I understand your points you are trying to make but than I don’t. The moment you said “my clients” instead of “my patient” I knew you were not passion about this field. You get burn out from most of the jobs that exist now because thats the world we live in. OT doesn’t stop you from being funny or creative. Actually these are two values that are very important to incorporate in this type of job. It is annoying because you took that opportunity from someone else that probably was more passioned than you to get in that school and probably get those scholarships as well. Anyways, good luck in you future.

[@misscindy_diaries]

Thanks for sharing your honest opinion! I understand your point of view. I use the word “client” because i worked in a paediatric clinic, not a hospital. I also don’t like to use the word client but rather use their names or say “the child” or “parent”. Yes I have learnt now that every job can lead to burnout and I don’t think it’s to do with just OT. I am just sharing my own personal experience and I have a lot of friends who are still in the field - some who are still very passionate about OT and others not so much but they like helping people despite the stress of the job. I left the field because of my own experience with the jobs I had and also due to personal reasons. This is difficult to convey in just a short KZbin video. I hope my videos are not steering people away from the field but instead help someone out there feel less alone, if they are experiencing similar things to me.

[@lunalove9395]

I mean, volunteering doesn't necessarily give you an idea of what a career is going to be like. Sure it can give you an idea, but volunteering a few hours per week vs doing it full time 9-5 is very different...and a lot of people in healthcare careers struggle with burnout as the years go on. Look at how many nurses, doctors etc switched due to the pandemic - it doesn't mean they wasted people's time by changing, just that its important to take care of your own mental health and have a work/life balance.

[@BaoLe-cw8ft]

@@lunalove9395 This! I'm currently in my first year OTA program and I'm already so tired.. and scared that documenting isn't going to be my best suit, (so far i'm not good at it) so then I have to do it at home outside of work in my personal time :\ I also have other passions too, I wanted to do graphic design/digital design etc but there was no job in my area in that field

[@titlepending1302]

@@lunalove9395yes this is well said it give you an “idea” but not the reality of it … I feel that sometimes volunteering is unnecessarily necessary…

[@titlepending1302]

@@BaoLe-cw8ftmaybe you can use the OT career to fund your digital marketing career