Physical Therapy - Do Something For Others for a Change

Ladies and gentlemen, this week I'm going to speak a bit about an unselfish profession. A profession which is also a task: Physical Therapy (also known as: Physiotherapy).

 I'm going to emphasize the basic points you need to know about this career:

1. Who is suitable for this profession?

2. What is the training track required for this career?

3. What are the main advantages of this profession?

4. What are the main disadvantages of this career?


Who is suitable for this profession?

In my opinion, a small fraction of society can to well with this profession.  this profession requires a few basic characteristics which without even one of them, the person might not survive in the field:

1. Ability to experience pain and suffering of others - physical therapists don't work usually with very healthy people.  This demands resilience  from the therapist in order to put up with the daily routine.



2. Good manual skills - physical therapists work with their hands, thus they need a decent level of manual skills for performing the actual therapy.  For example: Lifting a limb in order to demonstrate a move.



3. Ability to work as self employed - much of the job market in this field is based on independent service to people in their homes.  For this to occur, the therapist must be able to run  small practice including the basic running of a business  (bookkeeping, service support, marketing etc.).


What is the training track required for this career?

Prepare your butt for a 4 year academic track! If you've thought it's a piece of cake to become a physical therapist, you've got it all wrong.  the studies combine theory and practice as you should be trained both on the scientific (medicine) and on the practical (performance) side.  The studies take a bout 30 hours a week and some work at home.  Thus, it's not a track  for easy life seekers.


What are the main advantages of this profession?

I'll tell you a little secret: most people do nothing significant in their jobs.  They do absolutely nothing contributing to humanity or society. They do nothing fulfilling or reassuring.  They do the same again and again, for months and years.

This can't be said about physical therapists.  These people help people every day, all day.  There's nothing unnecessary or pretending about their work.  There's nothing done for the looks of it or for the impression.

By this I rest my case.



What are the main disadvantages of this career?

As in every career, if you're not suitable for this kind of work, you'll suffer and suffer big time!  Do not choose these career without a proper career advice.  I dare you!

Moreover, this profession is for people who love people, not for people who love money.  Do not go for this career path because you hear of good wages in this field. 

Optometry - I Can't See You..

Ladies and gentlemen, this week I'm going to say a few words about an absolutely crucial profession for human survival: optometry.   Most of you have been a few times in glasses  shop so  you have already encountered optometrists before.   So I'm going to detail a bit  about:


1. Do optometrists just check your sight and sell glasses and lenses?


2. Where do  optometrists work?


3.  How much  do they earn?


4.  Who is suitable for this career?


Do optometrists just check your sight and sell glasses and lenses? 

Well, the jobs optometrists do consist of:

1. Performing eye checks - yes, this is the main job of optometrists.  If you can't imagine yourself look at people's eyes for long hours - this career is not for you.

2. Defining the needs of clients of glasses and lenses - as physicians prescribe medications, optometrists prescribe glasses and lenses.

3. guiding opticians (optometry technicians) what are the components needed for a pair of glasses or lenses.



Where do  optometrists work?

So where can you find the creatures named "Optometrists" ?

1. Glasses shops - you know, optometrists prescribe glasses, and as such they can be found primarily in glasses shops.

2. Medical practices in hospitals and community clinics - where they perform eye tests for patients.

3. Academy - where they perform academic research concerning the multiple aspects of optometry.


How much  do they earn?

If an optometrist starts a new business, then the income may be very little or very high.  As an employee, the wages most of time are around the average at most of the cases and in most countries.  This isn't a profession for making millions but for making a reasonable living.

Its advantage is its relative occupational security  and comfortable working environment.  The work is in indoors environment and in relax atmosphere.  The field is relatively recession proof so layoffs aren't common.


Who is suitable for this career

I can portrait a few traits of a suitable person for this career:

1. Treatment oriented person - suitable for giving treatment to people.

2. Not a gold digger - suitable for making an average living and being content with it.

3. Routine seeker - suitable for a routine and uneventful work environment.

4. Suitable for long studies - not everyone can do well with 4 years of full time studies.