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:
- Creating and testing a new online counseling and coaching business model that doesn’t accept insurance while maintaining your current practice; or
- 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.
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