Last week marked six whole months since I embraced a major life changing decision. Six months since I had a complete 360 career change.
There is no doubt about the fact that this was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, almost everyday I am asked about it and to an extent judged at my competency as some think that I probably failed at my first choice, that’s why I had a career change – typical to judge, eh?
Nevertheless, I thought I’d write about it to put things into perspective.
I graduated with a law degree in 2014 – I never had the intention to become a barrister or a solicitor hence did not pursue a LPC and decided to stay at university and go onto do a Masters in Law which I completed in October 2015.
My goal and ambition was to become a lecturer in law from day one. After graduating with my masters, I took a step back due to personal circumstances but did carry on applying for jobs here and there.
To teach law at university level, I did not need to do the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) but instead the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) which can only be pursued once in the sector.
However, I soon realised after speaking to someone in the field that I am not going to get anywhere without any practical experience – hence, I went onto volunteer as a A Level Law Teaching Assistant at a sixth form college which was a wonderful experience, helped to boost my confidence and was quite hands on which I loved.
The teachers there were very supportive and gave me opportunities to plan lessons and take the lead rather than just sit around and assist.
I spent a good five months there until the summer holidays. That summer I landed an interview at one of London’s top law schools for my dream job of lecturer in law. The interview itself went really well but my lack of practical experience grounded me – I’m still very proud of myself to have reached the interview stage for a job like this at only 23 years old (I wish I could put this on my CV!).
But like they say, everything happens for a reason right?
I became pregnant with Little A and decided that I need to take a break from applying jobs as this was my time to relax and of course it wouldn’t be fair on any new employer to take me on for me to go on maternity leave soon after.
When Little A approached her first birthday, I began applying for jobs. I signed up to a teaching agency and just a month before her birthday I got my first job – as a supply, not what I had planned but I needed the experience.
Working as a supply when you have a baby wasn’t the best idea. Although like now then also my Mum would take care of Little A but not knowing whether you have work the next day was just very impractical for me.
There were many times I had to turn down jobs but that’s how it was.
One day, rummaging through Little A’s files I came across our Child Health department website and I decided to google. I signed myself up to NHS Jobs alerts, thinking to myself, I need a job so why not here? No harm in applying.
And here I am now, six months on.
I work for the Child Health department, working alongside Health Visitors and School Nurses. I don’t have face to face contact with patients but work in the background dealing with the knitty gritty details. Although, I don’t have clinical contact, I am on the phone to parents all day.
It’s been quite an eye opener, I’ve actually come to know that some people are really unappreciative of the NHS and that truly makes me sad. An example being, the amount of work, effort and time that goes into arranging one appointment is unreal and then you have parents, yes parents, saying to you that they weren’t going to come anyways, I mean come on!
But on the other hand, it really does make my day because I’ve had parents tell me how appreciative they truly are. Just last week a Dad called from Canada and he said ‘you don’t really value the NHS like you should until you have no access to it.’ Things like these make me feel proud to be a part of an organisation that makes a big difference in people’s lives.
Future career goals?
I am not going back into education or law because I’ve realised how family friendly my job actually is compared to what I wanted to do with my career previously.
Yes, it’s a 9 to 5 job but I can switch off easily when I come home and focus on myself and my daughter whereas with working in school etc it’s hard to do that when you have to bring marking home and plan lessons (done that so I can compare, I know many will disagree though!).
However, I do admit that there are moments in this job that become really difficult emotionally. When I have to deal with child deaths, I have to keep myself together which is heartbreaking.
I remember receiving a phone call from a Mum who had just recently lost her 4 day old baby, all I wanted to was give her a tight hug but you can’t do that over the phone. Instead, I told her that I know the pain that she’s going through because I’ve lost a child too. Her reaction, ‘really?’ reminded me of myself in those terrible early days.
Nevertheless, I plan on sticking to the NHS like glue and have decided that once Little A is in full time education, I am going to pursue nursing. Since I already have a degree, I only have to do the 2 years – the reason why I’m waiting for Little A to grow up more before I take this step, in case you’re wondering, is because a nursing degree is not just taught it is also placement and during your placements you are sometimes required to do night shifts in hospitals and at the moment my night shifts are only dedicated to my little girl!
I know people will think that I’ve let family come in the way of my career but I don’t see it like that. My priorities have changed, I am not the same person I was perhaps 5 years ago. I have always been supported greatly with whatever decision I have made and even though this was a scary decision, I am finally happy and settled and that’s all what should matter, right?
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Wow! Wasn’t that a long one? I tend to ramble on when talking about myself! So there you have it. A career change can seem scary at first but it can turn out to be the best thing ever!
Have you ever had a career change or are planning one? Tell me all about it!
Yes! You go! This is so important x
Sounds like things have worked out well for you with the career change. I've never really been one to know what I've wanted. You've gone with a really good career and I wish you all the best!
Gemma | https://anoceanglimmer.wordpress.com/
I don't think you've let family get in the way of your career goals! I think, if any, your family have helped you see a new career path you never would have considered before. The important thing is, you enjoy it, you have purpose and you have ambition.
I'm kind of in the same stage as you were 6 months ago – I graduated the same year as you and I'm having that "am I in the right job?" phase. Got big things planned for 2019, so fingers crossed they work out!
Rhianna x
http://www.tsundokugirl.com
It's awesome to see people doing career changes and doing well. Even though it was a difficult decision, you're still powering through it right now. Sometimes, we just need to hit that interview opportunity and go from there. I give a lot of respect to you for doing your job well.
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
This is a very good read. I'm struggling to find which career path I'd like to take after leaving my job after having my boys. It's great to read a career change is possible with children! Thank you for writing this and well done!