From Social Work to Occupational Therapy: Karlene’s Journey and the Power of Career Planning

The Social Work Pivot

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In this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I sit down with Karlene Ruddock, a qualified social worker who began her career in children’s services, working in safeguarding before transitioning to adults. She moved from permanent to locum work along the way and is now training to become an occupational therapist. Karlene’s story is one of determination and purpose. When she realised social work no longer aligned with her personal and professional goals, she made a plan to pivot and is now on a new path toward a fulfilling career in occupational therapy.
If you’re feeling stuck or dissatisfied with where you are in your career, Karlene’s journey will inspire you to take action. It’s about identifying what you want, creating a plan, and having the courage to follow through. Tune in for practical insights and motivation to help you make your own career change!
To follow Karlene, visit: linkedin.com/in/karlene-ruddock-7285a0291
If you are interested in a similar career transition into Occupational Therapy visit: https://chooseot.co.uk/routes-into-occupational-therapy/
The Royal College of Occupational Therapy www.rcot.co.uk

Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com

Chapters

1. From Social Work to Occupational Therapy: Karlene’s Journey and the Power of Career Planning (00:00:00)

2. Career in Children's Safeguarding - transition from permanent to locum work (00:06:55)

3. Experience working in Adults' Social Care (00:11:10)

4. How Karlene planned her career pivot (00:16:25)

5. The mindset required to make a career pivot (00:24:03)

6. Karlene's mindset in making her pivot (00:24:25)

7. Challenges (00:28:11)

8. Karlene's advice - the ONE thing that social workers can do now to make a similar transition (00:30:58)