To the OTList: It is ironic that during this month of April--OT Month- that I have decided to go against my own sunny disposition and go with a black cloud of negativity in my submitted OTList post. After reflecting on my career as an OT, I'm very discouraged and worried about my profession. While the job has been a nice living and provided me with secure employment and good benefits over the last decade and a half (even in a recession), I cannot bring myself to any level of comfort or satisfaction with the profession. Granted, I am thankful for the many rewarding experiences I have had with a few patients and with great co-workers (OT/PT/SLPs) over the years, the fundamental lack of identity of the profession, lack of public awareness or understanding, and uncertain future direction of the profession leaves me with no sense of confidence about my career development. No respect, No level of prestige. I am as confused about OT as I was when I started 15 years ago, and I have been making it up as I go along ever since. Additionally, I am a male OT which puts me in an even more isolated position of dispair. Is there something about OT I don't get due to my Y chromasome? Frankly, I've been getting-by in my OT professional life based on being as practical, and as creative as possible, and I also rely on a heavy dose of what the Irish call "Blarney" or a humble and crude charm to navigate and survive in this industry. Sometimes I feel like a sham or a fake, sometimes I don't think I'm contributing much value to the big picture. And what really bothers me is that I'm not sure anybody would want to pay me for what I do if MEDICARE wasn't picking up the tab. If a client had to prioritize and pick one service to help them through their rehab, I think PT and speech would have me beat. My profession is too vague and misunderstood to everyone including me. And this has bothered me to greater or lesser degree my whole career. In times such as these I should be very thankful for a good paying job and a chance to use my training for good where I can. At the present moment that is what I am trying to do. But as I look at future opportunities, I don't see OT in my future. The centennial vision targets science and evidence-based practice, aging in place, driving, health and wellness and a few other things. As you can tell I have lost my Rose Colored Glasses, and I don't see great things happening in these areas. . Am I a pessimist if I don't bank on these areas being a wellspring of success? Even with the onslaught of aging baby boomers, I think we are missing the chance to serve them due to our wishy-wahsy ways. Ron, are you smiling? <smile> I am ranting today...can you tell? I need someone to talk me down off this ledge! It feels good to get these negative vibes out of my system. What my next professional move will be...I just don't know. Thanks, And by the way Happy OT Month!:) Brent ..
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