new road

Question

looking for some advice . Ive spent the past 7 years in healthcare and now I'm looking for something more settled and with better set hours (I have two little ones at home) . I'm leaning more towards office/ administrative work for the better hours and I know its something I enjoy. Any advice on how to switch paths when almost all of my experience is in health care?

Peg Bittner · Answer

I did the complete opposite of what you are trying to do.  I had been in the  business world for 25 years and found myself wanting to explore health care management.  First thing I did while still in the business world was went to school to learn all I would need to work in the medical world.  With my accounting experience, I was hoping to get into   customer service or claim processing.   My plan worked and after 16 yrs I  retired as an auditor.    You have numerous skills and talents .
Take time and think about what industry you want to get into. Then try and find out if  their  staff  require special skills other than the standard  office skills.  Once you find out, learn all you can about it. There are many on-line free tutorials available,    You are able to take all types of tutorials while you are searching.  Another factor and it is a possibility  that when you do fine a position that sounds very exciting and interesting that the pay just maybe a little lower than what you left.  Just remember you will recover once the company realizes how good you are.  They are investing in a new employee and they are not about to pay good money to an asset that they are not  sure is a truly good fit.  Educate yourself, relax, and make yourself the one person they always wanted.  Good Luck.   You can do this.

Erin Howard-Reid · Answer

Hi Breann,

Congratulations on taking your step toward a new adventure!

Before spending time and money on that degree, it might be a good idea to strategically network with people who already work and/or recruit in this field. Search LinkedIn to find people in your area to meet for coffee - or ask for a 10-15 minute phone call so you can get to know what their field requires.

You can also keep in touch with those people as you work on your degree to see if they're offering internships in the mean time, and for connections once you graduate.

There may also be some free information online through Coursera. There are a few listed here: https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=health%20management

and here: 
https://www.coursera.org/search?query=business%20administration&

No matter what, I wish you the best of luck! I know changing careers can be both invigorating and terrifying at the same time - but you've got this!

Erin

breann english · Answer

Im actually looking in to a degree in healthcare management . Im thinking that maybe my happy place is a combination of both things. Looking forward to new experiences and opportunities

Miranda Wilcox · Answer

Having experience in healthcare doesn't mean it's not relevant. Instead of focusing on what qualifications you think you don't have, challenge yourself to identify all of the relevant qualifications you DO have. Women tend to think they need to have 100% of what a job opening asks for.  You don't!

Gillianne Hetrick · Answer

You've already received some good, actionable advice.  I'll add that you should determine what you need from a job - what is the pay you can accept, the hours you'd like, etc.  Then do research on what opportunities are available in your area.  Finally, leverage your network.  Send messages to people who may be able to introduce you to opportunities and let them know that you are hoping to change career paths and you would appreciate their assistance and advice.

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