My Occupational Identity

Kirstie Primmer

Playing with Jessie

My own image

We have recently added a new member to our family called Jessie. We often take her for walks and play with her. I feel that it she brings us together as a family and brings us joy. When I am with her it is hard not to be playful and happy. I feel she is part of my identity.

Climbing mountains

My own image

Going for bushwalks and climbing mountains allows me to feel physically fit and energised as well as allows me time to reflect on my self. When you see such amazing views and realise how small you and your different problems are, it puts things into perspective. It allows me to reflect on myself in context to the world where I fit.

Reading

My own image

Reading is another occupation that gives me time to reflect, although it is not as physical as my previous occupation. This is time for my self. I am aloud to choose the books I read, how I feel about certain characters and events as well as relaxing after a long day of being with people, here I can be with myself.

Spending time with friends

My own image

When I spend time with my friends I feel like I belong, these people help shape who I am and who I want to become, they are a large influence on my life. It isn't about what we do but simply spending time together brings me enjoyment and a sense of companionship.

Walking

My own image

I walk quite often sometimes to get places and sometimes for leisure. It makes me feel active and allows me time to think. I often use it as a stress release or management tool because it a swift walk can get your blood pumping and a break form the situation that is causing stress, whether it be an assignment or the business of home life. I find walking very therapeutic and value this occupation highly in stressful situations allowing me to regain my own sense of identity

Drinking tea

My own image

Drinking tea is a time where I am able to socialise with friends or family, as it forces you to sit and relax and converse. I can also drink tea by myself, which also lets me sit and relax and let my mind wonder. This is another occupation that enables me to reflect and relax .

Driving

My own image

Driving is an everyday occupation that I partake I which is not only a practical way to get from A to B, it is something I have earned. I have earnt it through studying and practising to gain my licence over a the number of years required, as well as working hard for pay, with the goal of purchasing my first car. I see driving as one of my best accomplishments, I feel proud, and see it as a success that I have achieved. It also allows me to take jouneys on a Sunday afternoon either by myself or with the ones I love, simply for the sake of driving.

Being a Waitress

My own image

Working is an occupation that gives me the means to assist me in where I want to go, it provides me with income that I know I have honestly worked for. It allows me to pay for my education, and gives my life structure as I am forced to use my time wisely. This gives me a sense of pride as I know I am adhering to my values of being a hard worker and that I will be able to apply these values all throughout my life.

Being a student

My own image

I am in my second year of studying as an OT, which is an important and large part of my life, as it is guiding me to Who I want to become, and developing on my values of helping people, and allowing me to give the best assistance I can to enhance a persons life. This occupation gives me a purpose. I feel that this occupation is one that is most important to my identity because it is assist in how I define myself, and how I will in the future because of the amount of time spent on It and the importance it holds to me. I am and occupational therapy student and plan to be an occupational therapist.

Spending time with family

My own image

My family are the people that I am able to be myself around and I know that they will always be there. They give me a feeling of where I belong, assist me in who I want to be by instilling good values, and who I will always love no matter the circumstance. My family are a large part of my identity. I know that they are my roots and apart of who I am.