Dear Jenny,

I am a psychotherapist who has been in private practice full-time for the past ten years. I never really branded myself and historically loved the idea of being a “generalist,” but at this point in my career, it is time for a change. Also, the challenges of working with insurance are making it increasingly more difficult to practice in a way that feels authentic. I am not even sure where to start.

Dear Pivoting,

I appreciate you writing in with this question because many women want to make a change in their career, but are uncertain where to start.

To get started, I wanted first to provide you with some questions to help you get to the heart of the matter – “it’s time to make a change.”

The reason for a change

Take an honest and thoughtful approach to answer these questions:

• What shifted so that you no longer love the idea of being a “generalist”?
• Who do you want to be?
• How do you want to be of service?
• Do you want to make a change only because of the insurance billing challenges in the healthcare industry affecting the way you practice?
• Do you want to make a make a change to create a practice that is more in alignment with your clients needs instead of having to meet the requirements set by the insurance companies for reimbursement?
• Do you want to make a change because you feel unfulfilled?
• Do you want to make a change because you want to increase your income?
• Do you want to make a change to lessen your overhead office cost?
• Do you want to make a change to create an online practice (i.e., appointments via Zoom)?

After answering these questions and doing some soul searching:

• What is the overall underlying reason for wanting to make a career change?
• What are the next steps you can take towards making this change?

Your experience

• What is the throughline in your experiences?
• What new skills have you learned?
• What value do you add to your clients that make them repeat customers?
• What are your hobbies and how can you apply them to a business?

How can you apply your experience, skills, value, and/or hobbies by:

1. Creating and testing a new online counseling and coaching business model that doesn’t accept insurance while maintaining your current practice; or
2. Creating a business using a passion project or hobby you have while still maintaining your practice so you can test market your new business model.

I hope that taking the time to answer these questions helps you become clear on your career move. Make a list of actionable goals that will pave your path forward in the direction you want to take.

I can give you more advice and next steps once you’ve decided how you want to pivot and dance into this next season of your life!

All my best,
Jenny

Disclaimer: The advice given in this column is for educational, informational and entertainment purposes only. The reader is responsible for the outcomes of any actions and/or decisions made based on this advice.