Embracing the Many Hats We Wear: Reflections on Roles, Responsibilities, and Adaptability

Recently, I received a heartwarming call from an ex-supervisee who had arrived in Australia to work as an OT in July 2023. I supervised her last year, helping her to gain full Ahpra registration. During our conversation, she shared updates on her career progress, her future aspirations, and the mixed emotions she felt after a recent trip to her home country. This call was a poignant reminder of the diverse roles we all play in our professional and personal lives.

As I listened to her story, I realised that the title "supervisor to overseas qualified OTs" is quite limiting. In that moment, I was not just her? supervisor; I was a confidant, a mentor, a coach and a friend. This revelation led me to reflect on the many hats we wear daily, often without even realising it. Of course, my experience of wearing many hats is shared by all of us, and doing so requires a high degree of adaptability.

One group of people that exemplifies adaptability and resilience is of course? internationally qualified OTs who migrate to Australia to work. They don multiple hats as well – they are not only OTs but also house hunters, driving students, colleagues, explorers of a new country, and so much more. The journey of moving to a new country, adjusting to a different healthcare system, and building a new life requires immense flexibility and courage.

These professionals navigate the complexities of their new roles while balancing their personal lives and responsibilities. They must adapt to new cultural norms, find new homes, learn to drive in a new environment, and integrate into their workplaces. This adaptability is a testament to their strength and determination.

Our roles and responsibilities are fluid, often expanding beyond what is written in our job descriptions. Embracing the multiplicity of our roles enriches our professional and personal lives. It allows us to grow, learn, and offer holistic support to those we work with.

To those internationally qualified OTs who have embarked on this challenging yet rewarding journey, know that your adaptability and resilience do not go unnoticed. Your ability to wear many hats and navigate moving countries is impressive.