That Harvard Business Review (HBR) article haunted me in the best possible way.
Years ago, I read about professionals who made mid-career pivots. It planted a seed, which I didn’t know would take root, reshaping my professional identity.
An introvert's dilemma
As a dentist, I lived between the two worlds. Some days, I thrived on patient interactions, finding energy in clinical conversations and treatment planning. On other days, I yearned for isolation. The oscillation between introversion and extroversion left me questioning what I wanted to do.
Deciding to explore the internet, I looked for jobs that were less time-consuming, more enjoyable, and left us with enough time to pursue what I wanted to do. Does such a job exist? I was Alice in Wonderland, hoping it was always 5.00 pm (tea time).
Remote work was typically for tech professionals and a few acquaintances who worked in the US. I looked with a wow! For all those who did it, healthcare providers found it simply unthinkable. Little did I know that a global pandemic would soon make working from home not just acceptable but essential.
When the world stopped, learning began
Then, COVID happened. Dental practices were shut overnight, leaving everyone uncertain about their futures.
With physical practices closed, the internet became the classroom, the meeting room, and the lifeline. A digital relic, my Blogger account, when I dabbled in writing between root canals and crown preparations, received a new lease of life.
This time was different. This time, I had stories to tell about dentistry, healthcare, and everything in between.
The unexpected education of a healthcare writer
What began as a pastime evolved into a hobby. Writing a blog felt natural.
While scanning the internet, I realized that healthcare writing was a growing field.
I understood the clinical nuances that non-medical writers often missed and could translate complex medical concepts for diverse audiences. I gained every bit of information on content writing, and the internet was my go-to resource for learning.
My dental background proved to be an unexpected asset. It taught me:
Precision matters
Patient communication is an art
Continuous learning is survival
My quest continued, and soon I was posting my short stories to friends and family on WhatsApp. Some even shared them further, and my words began to travel. I wanted still more.
From a dental practice to writing
The HBR article was right about most things: the most successful career pivots aren't escapes from something, but movements toward something authentic. A successful pivot requires an audit of your skills and a lot of hard work.
Finally, I realized that certification was essential if I had to learn the nuances of professional writing. Thus began my adult education.
I wasn't fleeing dentistry; I was embracing a version of healthcare service that aligned with my nature.
Today, standing at the intersection of clinical knowledge, technological curiosity, and communication skills, I write medical content.
The introvert now looks forward to the focused, research-driven world of medical writing.
The learning never stops
That blogger account has evolved into something more meaningful: my portfolio.
With every article, I just evolved. From where I stand, I see myself as a student, a learner, and a guide.
Sometimes the biggest career pivots begin with the smallest steps. One article in Harvard Business Review changed my career, but it took a pandemic to make me believe it.
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