Here is a recent comment....
Hi Karen, I love your blog. I just started OT school, in fact, we had our first day of class today. I learned a lot about what to expect from your earlier posts. I am sure you are overwhelmed with work especially coming down to the end of the year. However, it is not always necessary to post about it. As a former teacher, I know how easily a profession can get a bad rep for complaining about being tired or having too much work, and I don't want that to happen to you or OT. Your OT posts are so helpful and your passion really shines through. I don't want others to be turned away though or people to stop reading because they are constantly hearing how tired you are. If you are too worn out to blog, just put it off we'll understand, I promise! Keep up the good work and I hope you get everything done without too much stress!
So when I read this it hurt my feelings even though I know its with perfectly good intentions and actually a really good piece of constructive criticism...I wanted to ask what others thought. I know I post a lot how tired/busy I am but I also mention it's my own fault, usually. And I post that also to apologize for why I don't post as much or as nicely as i'd like....but I'd rather post regularly poorly than not at all, mostly because of how search engine optimization works and to let people know I am stll alive.
The good news is I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope to be able to respond to quite a few FB comments, blog posts, emails, etc this weekend, and I think the worst of it is over!
So....i did want some feedback. Better to post less and stop saying how tired/stressed I am, or keep up with what I am doing ? I think in general I will try at least a little bit to be more cognizant of alienating people based on this comment. I hadn't thought of if that way...
PS:I *do* appreciate the comment whether it hurts my feelings a little or not - it's good for me to hear these things to grow from and ponder!
This blog chronicles my OT journey starting from 2006 in the beginning of OT school, through 9 months of fieldwork, to my first year as an OT working in rural Deep South in physical dysfunction, to my transition into an elementary school system district in California. I'm in my third year now and learning new things every day. My mind is constantly blown by the amazingness of OT!
10 comments:
Hi Karen. I think your posts reflect the reality of what it is to be where you are in your career. It really doesn't bother me to hear about it - it reminds me of how far I have come :) I think you are documenting what it is like to be a new clinician, and there are likely other new clinicians out there who are experiencing similar feelings. I am still enjoying reading your posts. Hang in there, and I hope both you and your readers keep in mind that this is part of the process, and your blogs will change as you settle into your job.
One of the best things about your blog has always been that it is realistic. Right now, you just switched fields and started a new job- it IS realistic to be stressed and tired. We have a real life that needs attention too, so I appreciate it when you get around to blogging even if it's not in-depth and filled with resources.
I don't really mind hearing about how you are feeling about your job, it is nice to hear honest opinions from a working OT. That said, your blog HAS recently made me rethink my interest in working in the schools (I am also a perfectionist but would like to have a life outside of work and the thought of working til 3 am scares me). I know, its not really an answer!
Emily, I think any job I was in would possibly lead me to be up until 3am sometimes because I am so desperate to be good at it. Most people with school jobs DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT end up up until 3am, I am an anomaly!! It can get overwhelming but all jobs can. So don't re-think schools....just make sure you get in some observation/shadowing so you know what you are getting into! :)
I would say what you are going through is realistic of what it is like to be a new clinician in this profession and that it affirms what it takes to be a good through client-centered therapist. I think that new grads and new students should be aware that if they choose to work in certain areas of OT, they will be challenged constantly, doing their "homework" almost nightly, and probably taking work home (or staying late) semi-regularly.
Signed,
A New Clinician
I would say what you are going through is realistic of what it is like to be a new clinician in this profession and that it affirms what it takes to be a good through client-centered therapist. I think that new grads and new students should be aware that if they choose to work in certain areas of OT, they will be challenged constantly, doing their "homework" almost nightly, and probably taking work home (or staying late) semi-regularly.
Signed,
A New Clinician
Karen,
This blog is awesome!!! I'm thinking about going to OT school and I love the honesty of it all.
I wish I could figure out how to write you privately. My address is: hayley@hayleymurphy.com. I live in Los Angeles and just have a couple questions about it all.
Thank you!!!!
Hayley
When I found your blog I was looking for the real day to day experiences of someone working in OT. Your blog has done exactly that. I want to know what things are overwhelming and challenging.I see a lot of myself in you and so being able to read about your experiences, from grad school and into the working world, has been really helpful. It's comforting to see that other people feel the same things I feel and seeing you come all this way gives me encouragement that I can too. I think the important thing gained from your blog is that despite all the work that is required, at the end of the day it is worth it.
I don't agree with that comment at all! I find it really helpful to know what 'real life' is like for the newly qualified, especially as after I finish (next year) I want to go into paediatrics.
I say, as long as you don't resent updating, do what you want! I don't mind the so-called "complaining".
I am still enjoying reading your posts. Hang in there
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