Scared of voluntarily giving up my job as paediatric OT

[Slowingdown]

I have a 19mo ds and have been back at work part time for almost a year, but for various reasons, am finding combining working with a large family (3 kids) too much.

There are many aspects of my job I love (the kids and families as well as my colleagues) but working for the NHS gets more stressful each day. My caseload hasn't reduced since I became part time and the Job is becoming scarily paper work heavy and risk averse. Frankly, I worry a lot and lose sleep over it.

I'd like to take a year off and return to work when ds is older and sleeping better and my other kids are more settled. I can't take a sabbatical, although I am sure it is legally ok, I would feel that I was short changing my colleagues as they are unlikely to be able to get cover.

In my heart I think it's time to go and feel that i WILL find another, less stressful job when I'm ready (and it can be fulfilling too?) I'm scared though that I am throwing away my precious training and my spot in a very sought after field (paeds). This is not an easy decision as money is tight and we will have to use savings I've been nesting for years.

So i guess I'm asking for positive encouragement, or bash me if you think I'm being over optimistic.

[lightsandshapes]

I'm struggling with a similar issue. It sounds like following your heart may be the right move..... And giving up the job temporarily. It's so hard when you've trained so long.... I got a phd and fought hard to be where I am now.... So tricky being a woman. I hope you make the decision that's right for you.

[Slowingdown]

Thanks lightandshapes. It is really hard, part of me even feels guilty for considering not working; like I should be able to manage it all and I'm a bit lazy.
I keep bringing my family back into the frame and that makes it crystal clear -they need a mum with a bit of emotional energy left over for them. It's crazy where we (women) have got to.

[TheDoctrineOfSnatch]

Can you do locum work to keep your hand in? Or does your therapy area not work like that?

[aladdinsane]

I don't think you need to worry, you can always go into private practice
So long as you are not miles from anywhere, parents are crying out for private OT's
Just don't stay away so long to lose your hpc registration do some locum work if necessary

[Slowingdown]

I probably could do locum but how do you organise paid childcare for that? I have thought about private work (vaguely) and I know that there is demand out there (especially for sensory, which I'm trained) but I like the camaraderie of team work... You can't have it all. What do others do? Do lots of us take more of the statutory time off? My colleagues don't seem to, which makes it a bit more scary

[saintlyjimjams]

Can you work privately? Paediatric OT's are in such short supply I'm always coming across people looking for them. Especially if you something like an autism speciality

[saintlyjimjams]

Oh just read your post.

If you like sensory work and working as part of a team I'd contact some of the autism consultants and SALTS out there (pm me if you want and I might be able to recommend someone near you) and see if you can team up and offer something through their practices.

Google risca Solomon for a good example of a multi disciplinary clinic.

[saintlyjimjams]

Here look
autismtherapy.co.uk.s88828.gridserver.com/

Also worth looking at RDIers
Floortime is very OT based, as is a therapy we use called LAMP - might be worth looking up who offers those.

Definitely opportunities for team working!

[Slowingdown]

Wow saintly! That's so encouraging. I'll have a look at the sites and may pm you for more info. I'm feeling brighter and brave (it's a leap in the dark)

[TheFarSide]

Why can't you take a sabbatical? It sounds like you mainly enjoy your job but just need a break. Sabbaticals are unpaid so it's not as if it would really be hurting anyone.