Audrey Kao - on navigating careers, burnout & pivoting | From Social Worker to Therapist + Youtube

In this episode, I have a conversation with Audrey Kao — a registered social worker (RSW) and practicing therapist based in Toronto, Canada.  She also creates content on Youtube where she shares & discusses tools for improving our work lives, relationships, and overall mental health.***If you are a healthcare professional contemplating switching or pivoting careers/ job settings… this episode is for you!“Popular Career Advice I Wish I Ignored” > https://youtu.be/dCHKHjHd-iw?si=yuQ1nwAXpn3zV_lU(0:52) Who is Audrey Kao? (2:18) Navigating the “early days” of figuring out what career or profession you might want to pursue(9:03) Audrey’s experiences starting out as a new grad social worker in the hospital setting(10:47) Quick shoutout to occupational therapists out there :)(11:48) The moment you felt the need to leave and pivot from your role as a hospital social worker | reflecting on meaningful work & burnout (17:32) 2 important lessons you learned from your social work experience(22:46) Self-care & burnout(26:02) Finally taking the leap : transitioning to being a therapist(28:35) Why did you decide to focus on “relationships & attachment”   as a therapist?(32:32) The importance of nourishing our meaningful relationships and connections | navigating friendships as adults (35:40) Why did you decide on private practice as a therapist?(38:51) What is your “typical” day like as a therapist?(42:43) What are some of your favorite aspects of being a therapist?(44:10) What are some of the challenging aspects in your current role as a therapist?(46:21) Any memorable stories with patients in your therapy practice so far?(47:47) What piece of advice might you give a college student interested in becoming a therapist?(50:24) Motivation/story behind starting your YouTube channel?(56:50) Discovering Audrey’s Youtube Video “Popular Career Advice I Wish I Ignored” [ https://youtu.be/dCHKHjHd-iw?si=yuQ1nwAXpn3zV_lU ](1:04:08) Final piece of advice for anyone hesitant about leaving their job and pursuing what they truly want to do?(1:06:58) BONUS LIGHTNING ROUNDFollow us on insta :)https://www.instagram.com/audreykao/https://www.instagram.com/once_upon_ot/