MINDFUL WORKING MOMS

Switching fields...

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Anonymous

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Switching fields...

I have been in my field for a little over 20 years. I am currently a clinical director in mental health. I also see clients as a therapist through this job, as well as clients on the side through a private practice.

While I love what I do, I think I am burnt out. I know part of the issue is how much I work (basically 7 days a week, as well as evenings during the week after my day job is over).

I have also recognized that my mental health has been strained due to my full time job and issues there, as well as situations going on in my personal life. Lately being a single parent has brough new stressors that have weighed on me more than I anticipated. I also have my own significant history of trauma - which may be exacerbating the everyday stressors.

I would like to switch fields, but I'm not sure of what other types of work I could apply for. So I'm inquiring if anyone has switched from the field of mental health to either an adjacent field or something completely new - and had good success with the change.

Thank you!

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  1. Barb Hansen

    I made a similar shift from a clinical healthcare role into tech, for many of the same reasons you mentioned (stress, parenting demands).

    I can’t say that tech was always less stressful. The work hours were normal business hours, the compensation was stronger, and I found new ways to apply the same core skills I’d built in healthcare, problem-solving, empathy, systems thinking, communication and leadership.

    My first move was into a technical business role within healthcare startups, where my clinical background was actually an advantage. I understood the users and the real-world challenges that the technology was trying to solve, something that few other people in the room could bring.

    A startup might not be the right fit for you, but I’d suggest exploring program management, account management, or strategy roles, especially at companies working in health tech, behavioral health, or digital care. Your clinical experience would be an incredible asset there.

    You’re also welcome to reach out if you want to talk more about the transition. I’m always happy to share how I made the move from frontline healthcare to the tech executive.

  2. Judy Levenson

    I am trying to pivot out of my profession right now that I have been in for over 20 years. I actually used ChatGPT to help me see where my skills overlap with other fields I am interested in. It's a pretty amazing place to start because it takes your resume and crafts your universal skill set and then gives you job postings that may be relevant. It's a good way to start.

  3. Anonymous

    Great advice Judy!

  4. Christina Weber

    Years ago, I read the book "Limitless" by Laura Gassner Otting. It shares inspiring stories of people who made career pivots and includes exercises to help you gain clarity on what you want for your next move. Worth giving it a read!

  5. Anonymous

    I am an LCSW and while I'm still working full-time as a therapist, I also have a part-time job as an adjunct instructor in Human Services/Counseling at a small local college. My schedule is very part-time, two or three asynchronous classes a year but that is my choice. Just a way to use your clinical knowledge in another field.

  6. Anonymous

    Training or coaching can be a good match for your skills, although a learning curve to learn the industry.

  7. Lea Beatrice

    I’ve seen colleagues have a lot of success going from health care type roles over to health care tech. For example, I worked with several RNs in the past who started their careers in the field, got burnt out, and transitioned into junior project manager roles for health care tech companies. You might have to take a “step back” on the food chain to get your foot in the door, but your knowledge of the industry will help you rise quickly.

    Another thing to think about is a recruiting role in a company that hires or places mental health workers - your knowledge of the mental health industry will help you understand the jargon and know what to look for if you were part of a talent acquisition team at a company.

    There are lots of tech-based company and start ups in the mental health / wellness mobile app space. Might be worth a look.

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