How do I change career paths- I work administratively in healthcare and it's destroying my mental health.

11 Comments

1. Terrie McWhorterApril 29,2024 at 2:26PM UTC

   If I can be TOTALLY honest...you simply need to learn to manage your stress better. Moving to another career field would be exciting, but then the stress will begin again. I can honestly speak to this as I have been in the Medical Administration field for a really long time (I am 59). Take a new point of view on your work, are you working to live or living to work? Take your breaks, put yourself and your peace of mind first. Your sanity, and that is what it is, should be a priority. Would love to help you with this!

2. AnonymousApril 30,2024 at 8:41PM UTC

   Any chance you’d be willing to share your resume for some ideas? I so need to pivot!

3. Jennifer TaylorApril 29,2024 at 2:34PM UTC

   I pivoted my career when I was 50, from creative project management to corporate communications. I started with entry-level, contract roles. On my resume, and in interviews, I really played up my transferable skills.

   As far as stress level? You’re going to find that everywhere. I work remotely, and being remote does help keep my stress at bay, but any workplace is going to have stressors.

   You’re also really young in your career, so learning how to deal with stress now will serve you better further down the road.

4. AnonymousApril 29,2024 at 4:19PM UTC

   Out of interest, how did you get your initial contract jobs? I'm in my fifties, fairly high up in healthcare administration, currently unemployed. I'm considering a sector pivot so I can stay in my current location and use transferrable skills. I'm willing to take a large cut in salary to stay where I am. But I'm finding it hard to get anyone to consider me because of my previous senior experience.

5. Jennifer TaylorApril 29,2024 at 8:11PM UTC

   I did my homework on LinkedIn… searched out placement firms in my career field. For example, Celarity is a firm that specializes in creative and communications. I then looked at their open roles and contacted a few of their recruiters.

   You can also Google contract roles within your field. Google, and specifically Boolean searches are often forgotten but yield great results.

6. AnonymousApril 29,2024 at 6:51PM UTC

   I don't have any advice but can sympathize. I worked in healthcare from a different side but it also about killed my mental health. I ended up taking FMLA leave at one point. Once I left, things improved quickly as far as my mental health. I wish you so much luck in finding a new, healthy job.

7. Cassie SpencerApril 30,2024 at 11:45AM UTC

   One of the best pieces of advice I can offer: identify where the stress is coming from and get as specific as possible. If you can identify specific aspects of your current role that cause stress or are draining vs. other tasks that are more enjoyable or that simply cause less stress it can help you identify other jobs (in healthcare or outside of it) that align better with your wants and needs.

8. Daniela PardoApril 30,2024 at 12:32PM UTC

   This is such great advice.

9. AnonymousApril 30,2024 at 4:42PM UTC

   Find a reasonable employment agency and let them know you want an administrative role in anything that is not healthcare. There are some good ones and with your work experience and history of solid employment any other company should be interested in you. If they ask why you want to make a change explain that you want new challenges in a different industry where you can learn new things. It might also help if you target certain industries that are of personal interest to you.

   Do not disclose the stress or anxiety. Then on the personal side spend some time with doing things just for you that destress you, like yoga, or exercise or meditation. Just unplug, sit outside in the sun, breathe the air and visualize yourself letting go. It's only work and a means to an end.

   There are also some firms that hire remote Executive assistants that work from home supporting CEO's etc that get to work remotely. The only thing about working remotely is that it will definitely make you feel detached and may cause more stress as there will be zero support for you at home. Additionally, it can often bleed into your personal time and can be hard to compartmentalize and shut off at the end of the day. When you live with your job and it lives with you it can be tougher for some people. I would advise you to consider a hybrid role, that might suit you and give you the breathing room you seek but also the support you want as well.

10. misskelleypMay 3,2024 at 4:15PM UTC

    I would start by finding a good career coach, or maybe there's something like that at the University where you got your degree? See if they can help you identify what it is that you WANT to do. With an MBA, you should be able to go any direction - you just have to figure out what that is. Good luck.

11. AnonymousMay 4,2024 at 2:56PM UTC

    I also work in healthcare and from my experience you need to draw a line. You must have boundaries, you must delegate your work load and most importantly don’t give your personal contact information to any of the doctors. I don’t mind working overtime a few hours a week, I get it but some expect you to work upto 60 hours a week without extra pay. Yeah doctors work that but they get paid for that; we don’t. Remember that.