Are there any OTs who love their job?

Just curious if there any happy OTs out there. I wnat to get into OT but I am just hoping I can get one happy OT. That would give me alot of encouragement to pursue OT.

I am a very happy OT. You really have to find what area of OT intrigues you to find happiness. I work in pediatrics and love the creativity involved, as well as knowing you are detrimental to the future of a child. good luck to you!

I'm sure she meant "instrumental" but nonetheless, Laura you are hilarious. I am starting to enjoy reading your responses. I'm am literally LOL'ing from your sick humor....keep it coming. :-)

I work in hand therapy and find it rewarding, I think it is a great profession!

OTGURu in Saint Louis, Missouri said: Just curious if there any happy OTs out there. I wnat to get into OT but I am just hoping I can get one happy OT. That would give me alot of encouragement to pursue OT.

Reading these posts I wonder too if there are any happy OTs out there. If there are any near Fairfax VA, contact me and I will hire you, or at least hang out with you. I am engaged in the more neuro-sensory aspects of OT. Recently, brain plasticity is getting a lot of play but, I remember in OT school back in 1989, our neuro-rehab professor (who was also a researcher working on the frontier of neuro-immunology at the nearby medical college and who was also a practicing neurologist) claimed to love teaching OTs especially because what they do has a direct impact on the nature and function of the brain, and therefore the whole person. For me, the wholistic perspective, the functional and social-emotional perspective of OT practice gives it the advantage in making a difference in people's lives. I'm not going to say anything negative about PT or OT because I believe that doesn't help (even if such stories are often pretty funny, and funny is good). The two fields are different, and the great thing about both OT and PT is that they both are vehicles to help others. That idea makes them two of the greatest professions on the planet. Maybe people in college these days are victims of a lousy economic and financial system that is on its way down fast. Making the money to pay the bills, while practical, is amoral. (N.B. I don't mean immoral) Practicing therapy should have deep social and emotional impacts on those involved. If that idea leaves you cold, then perhaps therapy is not the right field. Those left, come work to make practicing therapy a better profession.
I have worked in many areas of OT and am currently in sensory and physical rehab, and am now approaching pediatric psych as I work with ADHD, autism spectrum, etc.

Personally having done this job for a long time I still have to say that I just don't get it. I spend so much time just trying to stretch the minutes so I can bill them for the long minutes required. Really do not like it at all. Not one bit. It is strenuous and quite a sad way to spend the day. I feel no sense of accomplishment and pride in what I do on a daily basis. And really the money is not all that great. I would say for all the effort that goes into getting to this field there are tons of better options. I think most would agree with me. That is my opinion, take it or leave it.

Wow - you guys need to find a new job. I am an OT and I love it, and I make a very nice living doing so as well. I work in both acute care and outpatient setting. But please, if you hate your job that much, please please find something else to do because people like you bring the profession down.

My son is in NW ARKANSAS and LOVES his job. OT for 10 years there! Just know that OTs work very hard. He works all the time, often 6 days during the week.

I am an OT and love my job. My mom is a COTA and I became an OTR since I saw how much she enjoyed her job.

I speak to many OTs on a daily basis, and many find their job very fulfilling. I deal with a lot of companies looking to hire OTs in the New York area. Each has their pros and cons. You really just need to find the right fit. If anybody needs some assistance, feel free to email me: donnymedical@gmail.com

lisa in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey said: Personally having done this job for a long time I still have to say that I just don't get it. I spend so much time just trying to stretch the minutes so I can bill them for the long minutes required. Really do not like it at all. Not one bit. It is strenuous and quite a sad way to spend the day. I feel no sense of accomplishment and pride in what I do on a daily basis. And really the money is not all that great. I would say for all the effort that goes into getting to this field there are tons of better options. I think most would agree with me. That is my opinion, take it or leave it.

Have you considered finding a practice that is more "patient focused"? Maybe the environment is not a good fit for you.

lisa in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey said: Personally having done this job for a long time I still have to say that I just don't get it. I spend so much time just trying to stretch the minutes so I can bill them for the long minutes required. Really do not like it at all. Not one bit. It is strenuous and quite a sad way to spend the day. I feel no sense of accomplishment and pride in what I do on a daily basis. And really the money is not all that great. I would say for all the effort that goes into getting to this field there are tons of better options. I think most would agree with me. That is my opinion, take it or leave it.

Hello, if you had to start all over again, what other career would you have chosen? Thanks