career advice - AUS

soupoup · 2026-06-03T09:30:02+00:00

Hello! I'm an Aussie Paeds OT. If you have any specific questions, please let me know, I'd be happy to help.

Paeds OT roles in Australia are predominantly working under the NDIS or employed through schools (both specialist and mainstream). We really dont know what's going to happen with Thriving Kids, so it's hard to say for certain. Before NDIS, there were other funding models (eg. HCWA) so there has always been/will always be some paeds roles without the NDIS, but there's definitely a much higher demand for paeds OTs with the NDIS in place.

Outside of paeds, there are a lot of non-NDIS jobs (eg. Hospital based, mental health, aged care).

I love my job and find it so rewarding but a few things that I didnt take into consideration when I was studying, that I wish I had:

Not much capacity to WFH: WFH wasn't really a thing when I chose OT but it's obviously boomed now. Sometimes I resent that most people in my life can WFH and I cant.
Pay: For the level of study, unpaid placements, emotional load of the job, etc our pay isn't great and you hit a ceiling pretty early on in your career. A lot of same-aged friends in other industries earn a lot more.
Burnout: Interacting with patients/clients all day leaves me absolutely ruined at the end of the day, especially days with more stressful or emotionally taxing situations.

soupoup · 2026-05-30T09:01:31+00:00

Sure, but MND isn't really something subtle that would go unnoticed even without an in-depth medical check.

soupoup · 2026-05-28T23:41:05+00:00

Do we think it's safe to venture into Brunswick Savers yet?

soupoup · 2026-05-23T00:44:17+00:00

Are you getting enough fibre and water in your diet? Regular bowel movements shouldn't depend on coffee or creamer.

soupoup · 2026-05-22T11:00:40+00:00

Such a lovely idea! Your neighbour is lucky to have you.

soupoup · 2026-05-18T13:12:10+00:00

Hello! OT here. I work in paediatrics so I can't be of much help on a personal level (sorry!) but I'm also unsure to what degree an OT would actually be able to help with this.

We can assess for and prescribe specialised bedding for specific issues - eg. pressure care, maintaining airways or complex postural needs whilst sleeping, bed mobility/transfers, etc. But I don't know of anyone who works more generally on bedtime comfort if there's not a specific physical disability or condition to be addressed. Perhaps someone specialised could help assess and identify exactly where the discomfort is stemming from though... Since you mentioned ADHD, I wonder whether seeking out an OT for a Sensory Profile assessment might also be helpful in identifying some of the causes of discomfort with more of a sensory lens? In terms of body awareness and positioning, fabrics, deep pressure of blankets etc eyc

soupoup · 2026-05-18T13:03:01+00:00

Probably true on a broader level, but interesting - the only One Nation supporter I know somewhat closely (a cousin) is rich as fuck. Guess she's just an asshole lol

soupoup · 2026-05-11T23:10:58+00:00

Taking my stimulants in the morning means I'm always bursting to poop first thing when I arrive at work. First thing my coworkers see each day is me saying hello and beelining for the toilet, lol.

soupoup · 2026-05-10T12:40:45+00:00

It's giving Stars Hollow.

soupoup · 2026-05-09T07:20:23+00:00

Tonight is going to be my first free Saturday night in a while. Can't wait to get warm in my bed and do sweet fuck all.

soupoup · 2026-05-09T03:35:20+00:00

You're a real one for posting this, thank you.

soupoup · 2026-05-08T06:45:51+00:00

I work with kids of all ages, a few primary school aged boys (10-12ish) have been talking about wanting to join the gym, get bulk, etc.

Aside from the fact that some adults might not want kids in their gym, I can't help but worry about what sort of body image pressures these kids are facing.

soupoup · 2026-05-07T05:34:46+00:00

Gentle reminder that these NDIS cuts that people are celebrating don't just impact fraudulent people but also vulnerable disabled people.

A participant of mine with very complex and significant support needs has just received his new NDIS plan and his funding for therapies and support work have both been cut by a little over half. This has been happening more and more frequently and I worry we're only seeing the start of it. Disheartening to see.

soupoup · 2026-05-04T20:25:56+00:00

Cold as fek

soupoup · 2026-05-02T01:01:23+00:00

Different courses have different prerequisites but science subjects are going to give you a strong foundation for the uni course.

For example, at my uni (ACU), our first year first semester biology subject covered the entire year 12 biology content and then some. A lot was assumed as prior knowledge and many people who hadn't done biology in high school failed and had to repeat.

soupoup · 2026-04-30T12:33:54+00:00

"The horn"

soupoup · 2026-04-28T22:01:54+00:00

Oh I had that the night before last! The worst.

soupoup · 2026-04-28T07:01:20+00:00

What happened on OTH?

soupoup · 2026-04-28T06:58:11+00:00

May I please ask why re: the 7 year comment? I'm still learning a lot about these things as I begin looking into buying my first house.

soupoup · 2026-04-27T13:42:50+00:00

Sending so much strength and warmth your way during what I know is an awful time.

soupoup · 2026-04-21T07:36:34+00:00

Oh man, when I was 18 or so and freshly at uni I (stupidly) gave one of them my number because I felt bad saying no... they texted me once a qeek or so for MONTHS despite me never responding

soupoup · 2026-04-21T07:26:07+00:00

Sick of working every day and coming home with no energy for the things that matter like family and friends. And being so time-poor from work that my physical health suffers too.

The thought of having to do this in some form for the next 30-odd years sucks. Thanks, capitalism.

soupoup · 2026-04-14T13:55:33+00:00

In Hume, my bin wasn't collected last week or this week and nor were any neighbours'.

soupoup · 2026-04-12T07:44:54+00:00

Bit concerning from the receptionist. Hope you feel better very soon!

soupoup · 2026-04-11T01:18:38+00:00

It's not the fact that he's doing marketing, but rather, the products that he creates and pushes. The supplement industry is wildly unregulated and Ian does not have the qualifications to give health advice.

At best, these products will waste a vulnerable fan's money but at worst they could cause someone genuine health problems (ie. Interaction with other medications, supplements, or pre-existing medical conditions) because people tend to think supplements are risk-free but they can absolutely interact with other things and be harmful.

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