After graduating from occupational therapy school, I found myself faced with a critical decision: how could I secure a high-paying job in my chosen field while still gaining valuable experience? Many of my peers were opting for the traditional route of staying with one employer for an extended period, but I decided to take a different approach – job hopping. In this blog post, I will share my journey of how job hopping right after graduating not only boosted my professional growth but also helped me land a high-salary occupational therapy job.

What is job hopping?

Job hopping refers to the practice of changing jobs frequently, typically within a relatively short period, instead of maintaining long-term employment with a single employer. Job hoppers move from one position to another, often seeking better opportunities, higher salaries, career advancement, or new challenges. While traditionally viewed with some skepticism due to concerns about commitment and loyalty, job hopping has become more common in modern workplaces, especially among younger professionals who prioritize gaining diverse experiences, skill development, and finding the right fit for their career goals. It can offer individuals the chance to explore various industries, roles, and work cultures, allowing them to enhance their skill sets and increase their value in the job market.

In a span of 1 year, I had experience with 4 different OT jobs that allowed me to determine what I enjoyed, what I would tolerate, and what pay was satisfactory for the standard prices of living. Keep in mind, that job hopping is typically more suited for larger metro areas. I was previously in a small town when I graduated and knew that job hopping would be riskier if attempted it in a less populated area. Why? Because everyone knows everyone, and although the OT world is considered to be a small field, the chances of crossing paths with previous co-workers, references, or bosses were much smaller if I lived in a larger city. This ultimately prompted my move to Dallas, Texas where the job market was much wider, more opportunity was present, and salaries were much higher.

What are the benefits of job hopping in OT?

Exploring Different Settings and Specializations

Immediately after completing my occupational therapy program, I knew I wanted to broaden my skill set and explore various settings and specializations within the field. Instead of getting tied down to one specific role, I embraced the idea of job hopping as a means to experience a diverse range of environments. This allowed me to gain exposure to different patient populations, treatment techniques, and methodologies, making me a more well-rounded and adaptable therapist. 

I gained experience in a pediatric setting upon graduation, followed by an inpatient setting, then an outpatient setting, and finally a home health setting. Working in a home health setting opened my eyes to a more independent role in OT and the ability to manage my own schedule. I decided to continue to pursue more home health opportunities until I found a company with the most realistic productivity standards, a setting more focused on independent work and provided the opportunity for a leadership role, and offered a higher paying salaried position not based on per treatment or hourly pay. 

Showcasing Adaptability and Versatility

Job hopping inherently provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate my adaptability and versatility as an occupational therapist. Adapting to different work cultures, protocols, and patient needs became second nature to me. This adaptability showcased my ability to handle diverse challenges, making me an attractive candidate for employers seeking therapists who can quickly integrate into their teams and contribute to positive outcomes.

While job hopping may be looked down upon due to lack of commitment, the trade-off was that I was able to gain experience and knowledge in various practices including documentation systems, patient caseloads, and multidisciplinary communication which made it much easier to sell myself during interviews. 

Negotiating from a Position of Strength

As I job-hopped, I kept a close eye on industry trends and salary benchmarks. Armed with knowledge about market rates and demand for occupational therapists, I approached salary negotiations with confidence and evidence to support my desired compensation. Each new job provided a chance to improve my negotiation skills, and by consistently aiming for higher salaries, I was able to secure a well-paying position that matched my qualifications and experience. 

From my experience with job hopping, I learned that home health settings and PRN positions were considered the higher-paying OT jobs depending on the number of hours, whether salary packages were offered, and if you worked in a pediatric setting. I previously worked for a home health company that paid a “per-visit” rate and realized very quickly that it was not a liveable or stable income due to patient cancellations and insurance authorization periods. The next time I looked for a home health company that offered a salaried position so that I can maintain a set bi-weekly income that was not contingent on patient visits and delayed authorization periods. 

Negotiating straight out of graduating from OT school can be a difficult situation due to limited work experience and requiring extended training. However, after my first 2 jobs out of grad school, it was undeniable that I gained valuable skills, time management, and became a faster learner. I used these new skills and insights to market myself to employers which allowed me to negotiate higher pay. 

Demonstrating Commitment and Growth

While job hopping might raise concerns about commitment, I made sure to address this during interviews. I highlighted how each job change was driven by a desire for growth, experience, and exposure to various specialties, rather than dissatisfaction with any particular employer. When asked by employers why I had multiple work experiences, but with limited time in each setting, I was open and honest about the situation. I would let them know that I was still searching for a setting that I felt comfortable in, a setting where I can grow and learn the most, a company that valued their employees, and a company that offered a livable wage compared to the cost of living for my area. My journey demonstrated my passion for the field and my dedication to becoming a better therapist, which resonated positively with potential employers.

Job hopping right after graduating as an occupational therapist was a bold decision that shaped my career in unimaginable ways. By embracing new opportunities and seeking continuous growth, I was able to land a high-salary occupational therapy job that fulfilled both my financial aspirations and professional ambitions. If you’re considering a similar path, remember to focus on networking, showcase adaptability, negotiate strategically, and always be committed to learning and growth. Job hopping might not be for everyone, but for me, it was the key to unlocking a rewarding and successful career in occupational therapy.