Many professionals reflect on whether they consciously choose their profession or if it chooses them. Some have a clear path early on, while others find themselves in unexpected careers. Is our professional journey shaped by choice, or by circumstance?
In my case, I often feel that my profession chose me. When I first explored healthcare, I knew little about Occupational Therapy (OT) and was influenced by my aunt to consider it. At the time, OT wasn’t a career I had planned, but as I learned about helping individuals regain independence and improve their quality of life, I realized it aligned with my values. Over time, this "influenced" discovery transformed into a fulfilling career that I now can’t imagine leaving.
This highlights how careers can evolve, often shaped by external influences like family expectations, mentors, or societal trends. Educational opportunities also open doors we didn’t anticipate. For me, discovering OT through my studies gave me a rewarding direction I hadn’t initially considered.
Choosing a career is often a balance between passion and practicality. Many start out for practical reasons—stability, financial security—but over time, that profession becomes a passion. While I didn’t actively choose OT in the beginning, today, I proudly choose it every day.
In a dynamic world, career shifts are common, with many professionals changing fields as their interests evolve. While our professions may initially choose us, we have the power to reshape our paths as we grow.
Ultimately, the question of "who chooses whom" is complex. Our careers are shaped by external influences, personal choices, and opportunities. My journey into OT is a clear example of this. I didn’t consciously choose OT at first, but as I learned more, it became clear that it was where I was meant to be.
What truly matters is not whether your profession chose you, or you chose it, but whether you find fulfilment and alignment in your work.
What about you?
Do you feel like your profession chose you, or did you consciously choose it? How has your journey shaped your perspective?
Following my previous post @Sifiso Shoko - a few more comments in response to your forum:
Via LinkedIn:
"So well said... and my thoughts exactly." - Shaloo Choudhary, OTR , CEAS
"You make such an inspiring point. Occupational Therapy certainly chose me and I have often said that I think of my profession as a calling. Such a blessing." - Rishma Dhalla
"It’s a fascinating thought, isn’t it? How sometimes, we look back and wonder if our paths were carved by our own hands or if they were silently etched by something beyond our control. You see, when I think about my journey as an occupational therapist, I can't help but sense that it was more than just a decision - it felt like a calling, one I didn't even know I had answered at the time." - Dorel B
"OT is my calling. No regrets. I love this Ikigai concept, it captures my OT soul perfectly." - Catharine Eckersley
Hi there @Sifiso Shoko - You've had a fair few responses to this forum, since the Hub shared it across its social networks. Many people commented below the social post itself (vs reaching you directly here), so I thought I'd pass on some of their comments for you:
Via X (Twitter):
"My friends were OTs so they encouraged me to do my MSc OT and I am forever grateful, love it" - @Sharon@OT
"It was my biology teacher's influence. She was my favorite and had once talked in detail about her friend being an OT in NHS . It had struck a chord with me and I selected OT in the joint entrance exam ditching all others I was selected for. I was the only one to know what Occupational Therapy is during our first orientation class. From that day till now I am a passionate Occupational Therapist." - @OtGita
"I feel I stumbled upon an OT department with superb inspiring leaders and ended up on a path that makes sense and aligns with the whole me. not sure I always love the hard sell or am that good. But the feedback from those I work with says I am needed and where I should be." - @chaniedavies
"True, alignment and fulfillment matters the most in any profession. It's a continuous circle of learning and experiencing. I chose medical which introduced me to different therapeutic and educational field shaping abilities to the best of individual's capabilities" - @drmadhuriSEN_1
"Here is a good further read: Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/549469/ikigai-by-hector-garcia-and-francesc-miralles/" - @remedic_co
Via LinkedIn:
"This diagram [Ikigai] really speaks to my experience throughout my career. Both as an Occupational Therapist treating neurological patients and now as Patient Safety/Quality professional supporting my organization. Having a job that provides meaning, growth, challenge, allows me to utilize my strengths, and giving back to others is what it’s all about." - Julie Dirnbeck, MOT, OTR/L
"I thought I was going to be a pharmacist, but then I took a Chem 200 class and decided that wasn’t for me. A short 4 years later, I graduated with my B.S in Sport and Exercise Psychology. I wasn’t sure what to do with that…my mom (who was a job coach) told me to look into Occupational Therapy.
Then one year later, not quite ready to a Masters, I went to get my Occupational Therapy Assistant degree. I worked for four years at a SNF, when I realized I wanted to do more. Finished a MOT bridge program two years ago later, which has led me to School-Based Occupational Therapy. I wouldn’t trade this wonky journey to Occupational Therapy for any other profession. Occupational Therapy is my 'Ikigai'." -
Andrea Radel MOT, OTR/L
"I can say with confidence that finding Occupational Therapy as a career brought my life purpose. I love being able to inspire others to live their best and most meaningful life." - Empowered Path Occupational Therapy
"I once asked my OT Theory professor, “Well, isn’t that just common sense?” She laughed and replied, "It’s common sense to you because you are such an OT!" I am an Occupational Therapist (OT) because I have always thought like an OT. Serving others as an OT is my Ikigai." - Leila Chavez
An excellent, thought-provoking piece Sifiso; very philosophical indeed! Thank you for sharing it with the global OT community here. Your words make us think of the Japanese concept 'Ikigai'. Have you come across this before?
We'll bring your perspectives and 'ponderings' above to the attention of fellow Members shortly, to generate conversations!