4 answers
Victoria
Student
Pasadena, California
1
Question
Asked
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In what ways do you feel the most challenged that surprised you the most regarding your career as someone working as an occupational therapist?
Hello, once I complete my college education, I plan on becoming an occupational therapist. However, I'm wondering what the unexpected challenges (rewarding or otherwise) that come with the job will be because I would like a job that will challenge me in my everyday life and also so that I can be prepared for what is to come.
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4 answers
Siaw Leng Liew
2
Answers
Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia
Updated
Siaw Leng’s Answer
Stay patient and set goals you can achieve. Focus on your clients' needs and always look for guidance, like a mentor-mentee program, to boost your skills. Be confident and always aim to do your best.
Carol Michot
Occupational Therapist
8
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Carol’s Answer
I guess the biggest surprise is that after 30+ years I’m still learning and finding new challenges to overcome. Each student/ client/ patient brings something new to the table which helps me grow as a professional. Creating cost effective modifications and looking for innovative ways to address treatment keeps me on my toes and keeps it fresh after so many years.
Caitlin Collins
Occupational therapy assistant
3
Answers
Newton, Massachusetts
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
One thing is instructing adaptive techniques to a patient with multiple health conditions. The biggest challenge I am currently having is figuring out visual cues for an elderly patient who has a reading disability. Another part that can be really challenging is trying to help patients who are struggling financially. It’s easy to think of all the ways to modify homes but if a patient can’t afford it, you have to think of how else can you modify to increase safety.
Tamina Crook
pediatric occupational therapy assistant; student
60
Answers
Greensboro, North Carolina
Updated
Tamina’s Answer
OT is one of those careers where no two days are ever the same. I've been a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for many years and am now finishing my Master's in Occupational Therapy, and one thing that has surprised me most is how much creativity and problem-solving the profession requires. Every client has different goals, personalities, diagnoses, and challenges, so you're constantly learning and adapting your approach. It keeps the job exciting, but it can also be mentally and emotionally demanding because you become invested in helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. At the same time, those challenges are also the most rewarding. There's nothing quite like seeing someone accomplish something they didn't think they could do—whether it's a child learning a new skill, someone returning to work after an injury, or an older adult regaining independence. My advice is to embrace every learning opportunity, be open to feedback, and remember that you don't have to know everything right away.