Other OT-Related Information Career path advice

[Sari314]

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I'm about to be 24, had to take some time off from school but should be finished with my BA in Psychology in a year or so. I really don't have a clear vision of what I would like to do, only know that I want a job where I have the opportunity to help people individually, pays well, has a reasonable amount of job security and is in a fairly broad field. I am unsure about continuing down the psych route as I'm less interested in research and would like to start work as soon as possible. I feel I am a calm and understanding person so the idea of counseling was appealing to me, but I can see my own issues with depression impairing my ability to help others psychologically. OT was suggested to me and while I feel it meets the requirements I have for a job, I have trouble committing to it (or anything) and am extremely anxious. Would pursuing OT for the reasons stated be worthwhile when I do not yet have a "passion" for a career?

 

[lao27746]

I'm about to be 24, had to take some time off from school but should be finished with my BA in Psychology in a year or so. I really don't have a clear vision of what I would like to do, only know that I want a job where I have the opportunity to help people individually, pays well, has a reasonable amount of job security and is in a fairly broad field. I am unsure about continuing down the psych

I'm about to be 24, had to take some time off from school but should be finished with my BA in Psychology in a year or so. I really don't have a clear vision of what I would like to do, only know that I want a job where I have the opportunity to help people individually, pays well, has a reasonable amount of job security and is in a fairly broad field. I am unsure about continuing down the psych route as I'm less interested in research and would like to start work as soon as possible. I feel I am a calm and understanding person so the idea of counseling was appealing to me, but I can see my own issues with depression impairing my ability to help others psychologically. OT was suggested to me and while I feel it meets the requirements I have for a job, I have trouble committing to it (or anything) and am extremely anxious. Would pursuing OT for the reasons stated be worthwhile when I do not yet have a "passion" for a career?

I was 25 when I received my BA in Psych and all throughout my undergrad, I was unsure of what career I wanted to pursue. I didn't become passionate about OT until I began volunteering with OT's and actually saw whst they did. If you haven't started volunteering already, I would begin trying to find different places in your area that are looking for volunteers.

 

[LAtoSDtoOT]

I would agree with lao27746; volunteering is what cemented my decision. However you should not let a bad observation/volunteer experience deter you. OT encompasses so many areas: in patient acute, out patient acute, mental health, geriatrics, pediatrics, TBI, amputations, CHT and upper body, neuro rehab, prosthetics, SNF, ADHC just to name a few. Your best bet is to get your feet wet and see where you stand.