Taking the Leap: A Guide to Successfully Switching Careers and Finding Your Calling 

Have you ever considered switching careers but felt overwhelmed by the thought of starting over? As someone who has successfully transitioned from business to healthcare, I want to share my story and offer some advice to those considering making a change.

I started my career in retail, working at stores like Ross and Costco while pursuing my bachelor’s degree. By the time I graduated, I had worked up to an administrative supervisor position at Costco. But I knew I wanted more. I didn’t want to be a supervisor forever.

That’s when I decided to go back to school and pursue a master’s degree in healthcare management. I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do, but I knew that I had an interest in healthcare and a business background that could be useful. I was excited about the prospect of working my way up to a leadership position in the healthcare field.

Switching careers was challenging. It required a lot of hard work and determination. I had to learn new skills and build a network of contacts in a new field. But I persevered, and today I have over a decade of experience in healthcare. I’m currently a healthcare director, and I have a DBA with international teaching experience.

Looking back, my success in healthcare is due to my willingness to take risks and embrace new opportunities. I recognize that not everyone has the same level of confidence or privilege, but I do believe that everyone has the potential to succeed if they’re willing to put in the work.

If you’re considering switching careers, I encourage you to research and reach out to people in your desired field. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Building relationships with people in your desired field can be incredibly helpful, and you never know where a connection might lead you.

One thing I would have done differently is to seek out mentors earlier in my career. Having someone to guide me through the ups and downs of the industry would have been incredibly beneficial. I highly recommend it if you can work with a mentor or seek a mentorship program.

Another piece of advice is to be open to different opportunities and paths. Just because you think you know what you want to do doesn’t mean that’s the only path to success. Take time to explore different options and be open to different experiences. You never know where a new opportunity might take you.

Switching careers can be scary, but it’s also an opportunity to pursue your passions and find fulfillment in your work. With hard work and determination, you can make the transition successfully. So if you’re considering making a change, go for it. You never know where it might take you!

Dr. James D. Washington

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