In 2019, I made the bold decision to switch my career path.

Previously, I spent nearly a decade in marketing until 2017. After years of striving for corporate advancement, I grew weary of the relentless competition and the obsession with improving often trivial metrics. So, I took the plunge and left.

Initially uncertain about my next steps, I found my footing in freelance writing and marketing, supplemented by pet-sitting. While I enjoyed this new direction, my income didn’t meet my expectations, and I felt a calling to contribute to something more significant.

That’s when I considered a career in healthcare.

Just months before the pandemic, I enrolled in the prerequisites for a radiologic technologist program. In March 2020, right before lockdowns began, I received my acceptance. By early 2022, I had graduated and begun working as a mammography technologist.

This shift was indeed drastic. Was it ultimately worthwhile? Read on for my insights, which encompass several key lessons:

1. It’s Never Too Late for a Career Change

   While it’s a common sentiment, the notion that age shouldn’t hinder career shifts can be daunting when you’re contemplating it yourself.

   At 34, I began my prerequisites, 35 when I entered the program, and 37 upon graduation. I was among the older students in my class.

   Before starting, I wrestled with self-doubt about returning to school after a 12-year hiatus from formal education. Despite my academic success in the past, science had never been my forte, and I feared I might not manage the program’s demands.

   Yet, I excelled, finishing as the top student and earning scholarships.

   Many students have successfully transitioned into similar programs in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s. A friend of mine recently became a nurse at 52.

   I believe older students often possess greater motivation, driven by the stakes involved. Younger individuals might have more support and time to explore their options, while older students often feel a pressing need to succeed.

   The lesson here is that age alone shouldn’t deter you from pursuing a new career or any goal. You might surprise yourself with your capabilities.

2. Career Transitions Often Take Longer Than Anticipated

   One reason I ventured into healthcare was the belief that it would be a swift process.

   Well-meaning individuals sometimes say, “Become a [insert health profession]; it only takes two years!” referring to the length of many allied health programs.

   However, they often overlook the prerequisite courses that can add an additional year or two before acceptance. Furthermore, many of these programs are competitive, and specialization, like my focus on mammography, can extend the timeline even further.

   I had initially thought I could avoid another Bachelor’s degree, which would take four years. However, the entire process of obtaining my x-ray and mammography certifications spanned nearly 3.5 years—almost equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree.

   The takeaway is that most objectives take longer than you expect. Do thorough research before embarking on a new career or educational path.

3. Changing Careers Can Be Exceptionally Challenging

   While the opportunity to switch careers is a privilege for many, it’s one of the toughest journeys I’ve undertaken.

   Why? My experience was shaped by the demands of the healthcare sector and the timing of my entry into it. Healthcare programs require extensive clinical rotations alongside coursework. My program involved three 8-hour clinical days and two class days weekly, plus homework. It felt like a full-time job without financial compensation—quite the opposite, as I was paying for the training! I also worked part-time as a student x-ray tech throughout the program, which added to the time commitment.

   The global pandemic further complicated things, creating a high-stress environment. Learning amidst a strained workforce was tough, especially as I witnessed staff shortages that often unfairly placed additional responsibilities on students.

   Even if I hadn’t chosen healthcare, transitioning careers would still have presented challenges. Unless the new role is closely related to your previous job, expect rigorous training and starting from the bottom.

   It can be humbling, especially for those in their late 30s or older who may need to learn from younger colleagues. Previous achievements may not hold weight, and you might begin earning less than before. The process is exhausting mentally and emotionally.

   A robust support system is crucial. Having friends in similar situations or understanding family members can make a significant difference. It’s essential to have someone to lean on during tough times.

4. Your New Career Might Not Meet Your Expectations

   This lesson was a harsh reality for me:

   It’s possible to embark on a new career only to find it’s not what you envisioned, even if you excel at it.

   Initially, I sought a role that would provide a better salary than my freelance work and offer meaningful contributions.

   I achieved both goals as a mammography technologist, earning a decent income while helping women detect breast cancer.

   However, after a year and a half, I realized it wasn’t the right long-term fit for me. The role proved draining due to the high level of patient interaction, and amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, I found myself working alongside many unhappy colleagues, which affected my own morale.

   I recently made the decision to leave my job. I might return on a part-time basis, but for now, I’m reverting to freelancing and pet-sitting. After 3.5 years of hard work, the outcome wasn’t what I had hoped.

   I can’t regret the change, though; I thoroughly researched the career and spoke with professionals in the field.

   People, myself included, often struggle to predict what will truly make them happy. The unforeseen impact of the pandemic on the industry was beyond my control.

   While I don’t regret the career shift, I did experience guilt for leaving after investing so much time. Ultimately, I gained invaluable experiences and skills.

   If I had known then what I know now, I might have reconsidered my path. For anyone contemplating a career shift, I offer the following advice:

   1. Evaluate Less Drastic Changes: Before making significant changes, consider if there are less extreme adjustments that could address your dissatisfaction. What aspects of your current role are unfulfilling? Are there similar positions that could alleviate those issues? In hindsight, I wish I had modified my freelance strategy or started a pet-sitting business to boost my income instead of entering a new field.
   2. Be Cautious of “Noble” Pursuits: While it may feel gratifying to engage in a service-oriented job, if you don’t find joy in it daily, your satisfaction will wane. I pursued mammography due to its perceived nobility, not out of a genuine passion for the work.
   3. Assess Your Motivation: Are you drawn to the new career, or simply trying to escape your current one? A genuine interest in the new field is vital for long-term satisfaction.
   4. Trust Your Instincts: If doubts arise about your new career path, listen to them. Early in my training, I had reservations about whether healthcare was right for me, but I dismissed those feelings, falling into the sunk-cost fallacy. Life is too short to pursue an unfulfilling path.

In conclusion, changing careers is a significant decision and often more challenging than anticipated. Ensure you’re genuinely interested in the new direction and not just fleeing your current job. Reflect on your personality and how it aligns with prospective roles. Resist the temptation to chase a career that looks good on paper. Remember, age shouldn’t be a barrier to pursuing your aspirations; just make sure it’s truly what you desire to do.