Aussie woman reveals $180,000 job that’s begging for more workers

A woman who earns $180,000 a year as an occupational therapist has revealed there is currently a labor shortage and the sector is crying out for more staff.

The healthcare professional, who was interviewed on job app Getahead, said she was inspired to follow him going to university at the age of 30 before opening her own business after going through a divorce.

‘My son has autism, he saw an OT [occupational therapist] when he was a kid and I thought, ‘that looks easy, I can do that,'” she said.

The work involves helping people with disabilities or mental health problems to participate in everyday activities, such as working life or education.

The woman said her specific role involves working with people who have been in prison.

“I specialize in mental health and forensics,” she said.

‘I’m going to jail… I work with a lot of schizophrenics [and] murderers…’

She added: “We can’t get enough occupational therapists at the moment. If you want to help people, don’t be a nurse, don’t be a physiotherapist, but be an occupational therapist.’

The interview sparked a lot of interest in the trade on social media.

‘Become an occupational therapist! best career ever,” one person wrote.

‘Started my occupational therapy training this year at the age of 30!’ a second wrote.

‘I see my future! I’m 30 and going back to university next year to study OT,” a third added.

But some who work in the sector are questioning the women’s eye-watering salary.

‘I’m an OT. Nothing about the job is easy and a salary of €180,000 is unheard of… most jobs offer a starting amount of €70-€80,000 and [a] max about $120,000-$130,000,” one person wrote.

Another said: ‘Is this Australia? I am a senior OT [and] As far as I know, OTs make between $80,000 and $120,000.”

‘As an OT, this is a very different career path than normal. I’m at a senior level and I’ll never get close to $180,000 in my life,” a third added.