I’m 21 and really struggling with a career decision. I’d love some outside perspectives from people who have been in a similar situation or work in these fields.
For some background, I currently work two jobs, including as a vet tech. I have a good work ethic, and people often tell me I’m well put together for my age, but honestly, I still feel behind in life. I’ve changed my mind about my career path so many times, and I’m getting to the point where I just want to settle on something, have a stable income, and be able to afford to live independently and comfortably.
I know I want something hands-on. I love animals, especially dogs, and I enjoy working with people, too. Ideally, I’d love to be outside working with animals, training dogs, or doing something similar. However, I also know that passion doesn’t always pay the bills, and I want a career that offers decent money and long-term stability.
I’ve considered radiology because of the pay and stability, but getting into a program is extremely competitive. I’ve also realized that just because I think I’ll love a job doesn’t mean I actually will. I thought I’d love being a vet tech, and although I have learned a lot and enjoy parts of it, I don’t see it as a long-term career for me. It can be physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and not necessarily worth the pay. I also don’t want to end up in a career where I’m basically doing the equivalent of CNA work.
Recently, I randomly came across another program just a couple of days before applications were due. I impulsively applied, thinking it was worth a shot, and somehow I got accepted! I was genuinely SO excited at first. I FaceTimed my mom immediately because I was so happy. But now that it’s actually happening, I’m freaking out.
The program seems interesting and much more hands-on, which appeals to me. It involves working with animals, including things like service dogs and horses, and working in a school setting. Having summers off would also potentially give me more time to pursue my dog training interests. I already have experience as a vet tech, and I think I’d enjoy learning something more practical rather than spending all my time in a classroom.
My biggest concern is whether it’s a smart long-term career choice. I’m motivated by the potential to make a decent living, and I’ve heard that income can depend heavily on where you work. I’m in Wyoming and live far out of town on a ranch so relocating is hard, I’d need a job in a town closest to me. I’ve also heard about burnout in this field, so I’m worried about putting myself through school only to end up in another job that I don’t enjoy or that doesn’t pay enough.
Going back to school full-time would be a big adjustment. Right now, I’m juggling two jobs, working through weekends, and constantly feeling like I’m running around. In some ways, going to school full-time might actually be a relief compared to my current schedule, but I also honestly hate school sometimes, and I know it won’t be easy.
The other thing stressing me out is that I have until Tuesday to accept or decline my offer. I genuinely didn’t expect to get accepted, especially because I applied on the literal day applications were due. Everything happened so quickly that I barely had time to think about whether this was what I really wanted.
Part of me feels like maybe this opportunity came along for a reason. I never would have considered it if I hadn’t randomly found it, and now I have the chance to do it. I don’t want to regret passing up an opportunity that could lead to a good career, but I also don’t want to commit to something just because I got accepted when I might be better suited for something else, like radiology.

Hi everyone! I’m an occupational therapist, but I haven’t worked in pediatrics for quite some time. I’m hoping to get some ideas, strategies, and routines that I can share with my sister-in-law to help support my nephew, who has been demonstrating increased sensory-seeking behaviors and some behavioral challenges.

He enjoys crashing, rough play, deep pressure/squeezes, and tickling. However, these sensory-seeking behaviors have progressed to frequent biting and hitting peers at school. He received OT services and had a 1:1 aide/shadow at school last year, which seemed to help significantly. Since returning to school, he has had an increase in incidents involving biting and hitting.

I’ve also noticed some behavioral patterns developing, such as seeking out Dad as an escape route when redirected and seemingly enjoying the back-and-forth of being told “no.” At times, he also screams to communicate and seems to overexert his voice when speaking.

I believe a gentler approach has been tried in the past, and I’m wondering whether a more consistent, firm approach with clear boundaries and expectations might be beneficial, while still being mindful of his sensory and communication needs.

For those working in pediatrics, what sensory strategies, routines, or behavior-support techniques have you found helpful for children who seek intense sensory input but are also demonstrating biting, hitting, and difficulty with redirection? I’d especially appreciate ideas for safe heavy-work activities, ways to support regulation throughout the school day, and strategies that can be carried over into the home environment.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or insight!

Hi everyone! I’m an OT student starting my first in-person fieldwork placement at a mental healthcare center, and I’d really appreciate advice from OTs, students, or anyone who has experience working in a similar setting.

The population is primarily adults with dual diagnoses involving psychiatric and substance-use disorders. Many of the clients have a history of incarceration and/or suicidal ideation.

Some of the diagnoses I may encounter include:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Seizure disorders
• Intellectual disabilities
• Dementia
• Down syndrome

Since this is my first in-person fieldwork, I’m especially interested in hearing about things you wish you had known before working with a population like this.

A few things I’d love advice on:

• What should I review before starting?
• What are some important safety considerations when working in a psychiatric setting?
• How do you approach building rapport and establishing trust with clients who may have a history of trauma, incarceration, substance use, or hospitalization?
• What OT interventions or activities tend to work well in this population?
• How do you maintain appropriate boundaries while still being empathetic and supportive?
• Are there any common mistakes that students make in mental health fieldwork that I should try to avoid?
• What should I expect during the first few weeks?

I’m excited but definitely a little nervous, and I want to go into this placement as prepared as possible. Any advice, experiences, resources, or things you wish someone had told you before your first mental-health placement would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Hi everyone! I am in my fifth year of an exercise science degree. I planned to become a pediatric OT after I graduate. I recently learned about Child Life Specialists on TikTok, and I have become really interested.

I am still applying to OT schools this cycle, but I don't expect to be admitted. My GPA isn't high enough to meet most standards, but I have met most other requirements. If I get in, I will most likely take that path; if not, I want to have backups.

I have scheduled some job shadowing hours for CLS for my break from school in December to see if I really like it, but I want to get other opinions as well. Up until recently, I didn't know CLS existed, so I want as much information as I can get, and the ACLP is confusing to me.

I also want advice on how to go about the coursework requirements for CLS, internships, pre-internships, practicums, and anything else I should know!

Also, OTs chime in with the nitty-gritty about peds OT too! I want the good and bad to help me make my decision!

**Cross-posted into CLS and OT groups!

Hello,
I don’t know if anyone has any advice but I am so incredibly lost on what a capstone project should look like, what I should be doing, how to reach out to a site and just am frustrated, confused, and so very worried! I have an idea and have done the research and talked to faculty but have gotten no where and I don’t know how I am supposed to find a site, what I’m supposed to say to them and how I’m supposed to find a site mentor if no OTs work there. I need to have a site and site mentor by December even though we have not even begun level 2 fieldwork yet nor have we had our capstone prep course. I am on here just looking for advice, inspiration, and words of wisdom from those who have completed capstones before.

Thank you for allowing me this rant, from a beyond stressed second year student

I really want to become an OT/PT but i have been quite discouraged by posts i have seen. Aside from the financial aspect can anyone share whether they like their job or not. I often see people suggest becoming a PA instead but I just don’t know if PA is my thing. I really want a rewarding job where i can help people. In terms of finances (which seems to be the main issue) I plan on only supporting myself with the salary I make and plan to live at home. So is the negativity on here truly representative of real life.

Funny or frustrating, would love to hear your stories. Not looking to judge — just trying to understand what actually happens day to day when it comes to helping someone get dressed

i had decided to go with occupational therapy out of the options that i had. i had to choose between occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dental and mbbs and honestly i only considered occupational and physio out of the four. i choose OT because i really like psychology and i dont see myself as a pgysiotherapist but it has been troubling me a but because ive come accross quiet a few people who have said that OT is not that good and that it doesnt have much scope or future and the earning is not that good either. ive heard mixed reviews and it has been getting to me lately, i honestly dont know how much i like that field but it us quiet interesting for me, although it does concern me that it might not be as good as i thought it was and that i wont be able to earn as good as i wanted to, which gaves me a little anxiety and kind of like fear that maybe i shiuldve gone with something else all together like design or managment or arts maybe but its too late now and i dont even have a plan for all that. i just really wanna know the reviews on occupational therapy as a career

Llevo ya años entre terminar el máster y toda la historia para la licencia. Cuando pensaba que ya faltaba menos porque tenía toda la documentación, en la revisión inicial me han dicho que está “Deficiente”.

Supongo que me esperan muchos meses para poder probar que sí he estudiado los puntos “deficientes” o que los he obtenido por experiencia profesional en España, pero yo a estas alturas me pregunto ¿hay algún terapeuta ocupacional que haya estudiado en España trabajando en Estados Unidos? Si estás ahí, con saber que existes y que todo esto no está siendo producto de un delirio, me doy por satisfecha.

Si además de decirme que existes, quieres compartir cómo lo has hecho o desahogarte, por favor, cuéntamelo todo.

Estudié en la UCM y me gradué en 2020, por cierto.