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Anonymous

August 11,2022 at 7:11PM UTC

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Hello! I am a Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and work the children and adults with developmental disabilities in the Chicagoland area. I have my Masters in Behavioral Science and I'm very interested in switching careers in a business or health focused setting. My current job has a lot of flexibility but does not provide paid maternity leave. I am willingly to have less flexibility to ensure better benefits. Any recommendations or tips on switching fields would be greatly appreciated.

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Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 11,2022 at 9:30PM UTC
Why do you have to completely switch what you do? You didn't say you don't like what you do, only that you want paid maternity leave/better benefits. If you like what you do, why not just switch companies?
AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 12:34AM UTC
I should have been more clear, I am becoming burnt out in clinical my role as well - especially with all the covid hurdles.
It's a combination of lacking benefits and love for the job.
My background is related to psychology so even though I know it can be applied to other settings, I have difficulty making that first meaningful step.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 12,2022 at 1:53AM UTC
I don't specialize in folks wanting to transition industries but the amazing Kristen Fife as written an article that may be helpful:
Understanding "Transferable Skills" In A Career Pivot
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-transferable-skills-career-pivot-fife-she-her-hers-?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_detail_base%3BMAURk5XvSeSA55HeuGkqgQ%3D%3D
AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 1:42AM UTC
If you still like your job would you consider moving?
I’m from the New England area and here we have quite a few states offer 12 weeks paid maternity leave. Plus a lot of jobs are also starting to offer maternity leave as well. My company is a small insurance carrier, ‘international’ company of 1,000-1,500 employees across the globe and they offer 6 months of 100% paid maternity leave. Plus if you have any PTO saved up you could use that as well.
If you are looking to stay local a business industry that provides great health and wellness benefits to their employees is the public accounting sector. You can look to see if they’re hiring for an admin role or other non accounting position since you mentioned you have a medical degree.
AnonymousAugust 16,2022 at 12:33PM UTC
It doesn’t sound like you know yet what you want to pivot into. The first steps are to do an audit of all your skills and values. But also talk to people /others might be better able to see your strengths and recommend fields or areas to look into. You can look for non profits that also work in areas of disability or health tech startups. Both are generally areas with a lot of career changers. Schedule informational interviews and see what insight they can provide.