138 | Why I left my career in Occupational Therapy: Interview with Katie Huggins

In this candid conversation, Dr Diane is joined by Katie Huggins, a former occupational therapist who pivoted out of clinical practice and went on to build experience in health tech implementation, then transitioned into the recruitment / talent acquisition software space—eventually finding her best-fit work in internal operations, process improvement, and special projects.

Now the founder of The Career Cultivator, Katie supports purpose-driven professionals (especially healthcare clinicians) through career coaching and collaborative resume editing, helping them translate clinical experience into non-clinical value—and overcome the mindset barriers that often keep them stuck.

This episode is both a story and a strategy session: why clinicians leave, what they learn the hard way, and what to do differently to pivot intentionally.

Join the Pivot Crash Course in 2026 and start building your career with clarity and confidence 👉 https://lifebeyondclinicalpractice.com/main-order-page 

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What You’ll Hear In This Episode

1) Why Katie Pivoted Out of Clinical Practice

Katie shares the early signs she was misaligned in acute care OT, including:

• A feeling of “Groundhog Day”—same work, same rhythm, limited stimulation

• Perceived lack of growth and long-term progression

• Lack of flexibility (hourly schedule, weekends/holidays, using PTO for basic life needs)

• A clear personal-life reality check: “How do people do this and be a parent?”

Dr Diane reflects on how similar constraints show up across clinical professions—especially around weekends, holidays, and limited autonomy.

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2) The Biggest Lesson From Her First Non-Clinical Role

Katie transitioned into a health tech company as an implementation consultant and landed it relatively quickly (in 4–5 months)—but she shares a key warning:

When you pivot from desperation (“I just need out”), you can land somewhere that still isn’t aligned.

What she learned about herself:

• Her strengths fit best in behind-the-scenes problem solving

• She thrives in internal operations, efficiency, and process improvement

• Being client-facing all day drained her energy as an introvert—both in OT and tech

Her takeaway: a “first pivot” can be an important bridge, but clarity helps you avoid unnecessary detours

 

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Katie’s Practical Advice for Aspiring Pivoters

Start With Clarity Before Tactics

Before resume edits, LinkedIn updates, or networking—Katie recommends the true first step:

✅ Get clear on your target role.
Because everything else flows from it:

• Your resume becomes a “marketing flyer” for that role

• Networking becomes specific and credible

• Your positioning becomes coherent and compelling

She warns against: “Anything remote that gets me out of clinical” — because it weakens your strategy and messaging.

Don’t Fear “No” (and Don’t Wait to Be Ready)

A non-clinical pivot is uncomfortable—and rejection is part of it. Katie encourages listeners to:

• Send the message anyway

• Apply anyway

• Expect “no” and keep moving

• Normalize ghosting as part of the process—not a personal verdict

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Key Takeaways

• Many clinicians leave because the career becomes repetitive, rigid, and limited in growth.

• A first non-clinical role may be a bridge—but clarity prevents misaligned detours.

• Imposter syndrome is common, but it’s often a visibility problem: you can’t see your transferable value yet.

• Identify your target role first—then build your resume, LinkedIn, and networking strategy around it.

• Progress requires discomfort; “no” is data, not a dead end

If you’re a clinician feeling the pull toward “something beyond clinical practice,” let this be your reminder:

Clarity comes first. Confidence follows.
Start by defining what you’re moving toward—not just what you’re escaping.

👉 Follow Life Beyond Clinical Practice for more pivot stories and strategy.
👉 Explore support that helps you clarify your target role and translate your value.

 

Book a Clarity Call here https://calendly.com/lbcp/clarity-call