How Dropping Out of Grad School (Twice!) Led Me to My True Calling

Many of us embark on our career journeys fueled by the expectations of others, the desire for prestige (even if we don't want to admit it), and the promise of financial freedom. I was no different. Enticed by the noble profession of nursing, I initially enrolled in graduate school to become a Nurse Practitioner, only to find myself enrolling again later to become a Nurse Educator. However, life had other plans for me, and the pressure from my family, coupled with my desires for more status, time, freedom, and money, led me down a different path. This is the story of how dropping out of graduate school twice was the catalyst for self-discovery, realization, and ultimately starting my own financial coaching business.

The Journey to Nursing

Nursing is a highly respected and trusted profession, and as I progressed in my career, the next natural step seemed to be to pursue a higher degree. So, I decided to enroll in graduate school to become a Nurse Practitioner. PLUS, it felt like I would be "behind" if I didn't enroll in school. Fueled by family pressure and a desire for more, I thought this was the right path for me. My family was incredibly proud, and it felt good to be moving up the professional ladder. Additionally, the prospect of time freedom and increased earnings were incredibly alluring.

The Reality Check

Despite my initial enthusiasm, as I delved deeper into the program, I was hit with a stark reality: the mounting student loans and the realization that this path might not be worth it. The financial burden was becoming too heavy, and the passion I thought I had for this career started to wane. I was so over school and the stress that came with it. After a lot of soul-searching, I made the difficult decision to drop out.

A Second Chance

Not one to be easily deterred, and still feeling the weight of external expectations, I decided to give it another shot, this time enrolling in a program to become a Nurse Educator. Surely, this would be a better fit for me, I thought. However, history repeated itself, and I found myself in the same predicament. The pressure, the financial strain, and the lack of fulfillment all came rushing back. It was then that I realized that this path was not for me, and I made the decision to drop out for the second time.

The Silver Lining

Dropping out of graduate school twice was not something I had planned or ever imagined for myself. However, it gave me the space and time to reflect on what I wanted in life and my passions. During this self-reflection period, I discovered a keen interest in personal finance. This interest grew into a passion; before I knew it, I was on the path to becoming a financial coach. Starting my own financial coaching business has brought me the fulfillment, time freedom, and financial independence that I had been seeking all along.

Conclusion

My journey from aspiring Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator to Financial Coach was not straightforward. It was filled with twists and turns, moments of self-doubt, and the pressure of external expectations. However, dropping out of graduate school twice was a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to understand myself, my desires, and my passions truly. Ultimately, it led me to a path that has brought me immense satisfaction and a sense of purpose. I hope my story will inspire others to reflect on their journeys, reevaluate their goals, and have the courage to change course if necessary. It's never too late to find your true calling.