I am a researcher. For 12 years I had health-related research roles, and before that I was a healthcare professional – an occupational therapist. Making a difference through one-to-one clinical practice and research impact was also positive for my mental health. Except I’m not a researcher now. I was outmanoeuvred by the system. 

My career (and my life) have not felt very linear. I moved around quite a bit in my childhood and early twenties and have always been very motivated by change – especially change in my career and change in location. I’ve struggled with my mental health since my teens and have found it important for my wellbeing to have roles that felt meaningful as well as intellectually challenging and varied. I always moved on when I felt like I wasn’t able to give my best anymore and if my mental health was slipping. In this blog I’ll share how my career has shifted over time, my mental health struggles, and how I’ve found myself in a new role that I love. 

Read More »