How I Changed Careers — Wisdom Wednesday

In another life, I was supposed to be a medical doctor.
At least that’s what everyone thought… including me.

Growing up, I had an unshakeable bond with my grandfather, a medical doctor whose home felt like a small community clinic. People would walk into his compound for “consultations” before trekking 15km to the nearest hospital. And whenever my cousins and I got hurt, he was there with his first-aid box, steady hands, and a calm confidence that made everything feel fixable.

I admired him deeply.
His passion.
His service.
His impact.

My mother fueled that dream even more, arranging hospital visits and volunteer opportunities whenever she could. I still remember being 10 years old at Kenyatta and Aga Khan Hospital, standing in the ENT department watching doctors diagnose hearing problems in children. I was captivated.

Fast forward… life took a different turn.

I didn’t become a doctor.
I landed in Human Resources, mostly because people told me I was “good with people,” that I had a “natural way of connecting,” and that HR needed that. Over time, that path evolved into what I now do with the deepest sense of purpose: 

Coaching — personal growth, productivity, career clarity.

Interestingly, the HR foundation never really left me. It still shows up in how I guide, listen, strategize, and help people navigate their work and personal lives.

And here’s what this journey taught me about career change:

✨ 1. Your career calling may change, and that’s okay.
I wanted to be a cardiologist, but discovered I enjoyed being on the frontline with people in other ways. Many careers allow you to serve, support, and make impact. Don’t box yourself in.

✨ 2. Be flexible like a rubber band.
Flexibility doesn’t break you; it expands you. Some of the best opportunities appear in unexpected directions.

✨ 3. Listen to feedback.
Mentors, colleagues, and friends: they often see strengths in us long before we see them ourselves. Their perspective can be a mirror.

✨ 4. Know yourself deeply.
Self-awareness is a career superpower. The clearer you are about your strengths, values, and needs, the easier decisions become.

✨ 5. Respect your seasons.
Life will change; family, health, responsibilities, environment. Sometimes a career shift isn’t failure; it’s alignment.

✨ 6. Study the career paths in your family.

Look at the professions your family members chose: the strengths, the struggles, the patterns, and the pitfalls. Understanding these generational trends helps you make wiser decisions, avoid repeating mistakes, and intentionally build a path that aligns with your values and future.

✨ 7. Let discomfort guide you.
If everything feels too safe, you’re probably not growing. But also be honest enough to recognize when you’re forcing a path that’s no longer serving you.

✨ 8. Know where you thrive.
This is the heart of everything. When you find your thriving space, consistency becomes easier, joy increases, and impact follows.

Most importantly don’t walk the journey #alone. Seek guidance. Seek mentorship. Seek clarity.

If you’re currently navigating a career transition or trying to figure out what’s next, I’d love to support you. I’ll share resources that can help you map your next step with confidence.

Your career path doesn’t have to be straight , it just has to be yours.