My Journey from Full-time Occupational Therapist towards Start-ups

Victoria McCloskey is an occupational therapist and digital marketing specialist, currently balancing full time clinical work with part time startup roles. It’s something that many people think about, and she lays out below what she’s learned along the way to share with the rest of the clinical community. Her passion is contributing to the development of transformative technologies that enhance the quality of life for individuals worldwide — a true blend of clinical passion with patient-focused outcomes.

Transitioning from clinical to non-clinical roles while maintaining a full-time clinical position is challenging. As an acute care occupational therapist deeply engaged in both clinical and non-clinical pursuits, I’ve encountered various insights and experiences that shed light on this journey. Many of us are going through the same thing — let’s do it together.

Let’s dive in.

Question 1 — Why take a “half step” into startups instead of going straight into a full time non-clinical role?
Question 2 — What are some of the challenges with fulfilling a startup role while staying full time in clinic?
Question 3 — What are some of the most rewarding parts of wearing both hats at the same time?
Question 4 — What are some resources I’ve found that have helped me along my journey thus far?

Question 1 — Why take a “half step” into startups instead of going straight into a full time non-clinical role?

Short-term goals pave the path to long-term success. As therapists, we’re ingrained with the principle of setting “SMART” goals for our patients — multiple short-term objectives culminating in a larger, overarching goal. Applying this concept to my transition into a full-time non-clinical role, I embarked on a journey of strategic goal-setting.

Rather than leaping directly into a full-time non-clinical position, I chose to take a “half step” by immersing myself in startup environments. Why? Because I recognized the value of building my non-clinical skill set incrementally while showcasing my transferable skills in a new setting. By doing so, I aimed to enhance my marketability in the long run.

This gradual approach served as a buffer against the imposter syndrome and anxiety often associated with venturing into unfamiliar territory. As therapists, the clinical realm is our comfort zone — we’ve spent years preparing for our roles, honing our expertise. Transitioning to something entirely different can be daunting. However, by setting short-term goals and taking incremental steps, I found that the process became more manageable, less intimidating.

Therapy has been our stronghold for years — a place where we feel competent and confident. But as the landscape of healthcare evolves, so must we. 

By embracing the challenge of exploring non-clinical roles through startups, I’ve not only expanded my skill set but also broadened my perspective on what’s possible within our field.

In essence, taking half steps into startups has allowed me to bridge the gap between clinical and non-clinical worlds. It’s enabled me to grow professionally, bolstering my confidence and competence in both realms. So, as you embark on your own journey of career transition, consider the power of incremental progress. Embrace the discomfort of stepping outside your comfort zone, knowing that each small step forward brings you closer to your long-term goals.

Question 2 — What are some of the challenges with fulfilling a startup role while staying full time in clinic?

Balancing a full-time role as an occupational therapist in acute care with part-time positions as a digital marketing specialist for a startup and freelance clinical reviewer presents a unique set of challenges. The unpredictability of the hospital setting mirrors the dynamic nature of startup environments, making time management a critical aspect of maintaining equilibrium.

In the hospital, every day brings new challenges and uncertainties. From unexpected emergencies to staffing shortages, the demands of patient care can pull you in multiple directions at any given moment. Similarly, working for a startup entails navigating shifting priorities and evolving responsibilities. Despite meticulous planning, the fluid nature of startup culture means that tasks may need to be revisited and adjusted on short notice.

Effective time management becomes paramount in this dual-role scenario. Balancing clinical duties with startup responsibilities and freelance work requires careful planning and prioritization. The ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances is essential, as interruptions and unforeseen events are inevitable in both clinical and startup settings.

Fortunately, the flexibility afforded by the hospital setting can be leveraged to address some of these challenges. Finding pockets of time throughout the day to attend to startup tasks without compromising patient care has been instrumental in managing my workload. Whether it’s responding to emails during breaks or making small adjustments to marketing content, maximizing efficiency is key to staying on top of responsibilities in both domains.

However, the demands of startup life often spill over into personal time. Late nights and weekends may be spent working on projects or addressing tasks. While this can be challenging, it’s a reality of startup culture that requires flexibility and dedication.

Balancing a startup role alongside a full-time clinical practice requires resilience, adaptability, and efficient time management. Recognizing the parallels between the unpredictable nature of hospitals and the dynamic startup environment enables healthcare professionals to navigate dual responsibilities more adeptly. Embracing flexibility and prioritizing efficiency are vital tactics for achieving equilibrium amidst competing demands, even if it entails sacrificing personal time to fulfill professional commitments.

Question 3 — What are some of the most rewarding parts of wearing both hats at the same time?

Balancing dual roles as a healthcare professional and a participant in the startup world offers me numerous beneficial experiences including skills development, professional growth, purpose/value, and networking opportunities. From refining my clinical expertise to honing entrepreneurial skills such as marketing, project management, and problem-solving, wearing both hats fosters a well-rounded skill set that I can apply across various domains. Whether it’s improving patient outcomes through innovative clinical approaches or driving business growth and innovation within the startup environment, wearing multiple hats enables me to effect positive change on different fronts.

Exposure to different work environments, challenges, and perspectives broadens my horizons, facilitating personal and career development. The dynamic nature of wearing both hats keeps me intellectually stimulated and engaged, promoting lifelong learning and skill enhancement. In addition, interacting with professionals from various fields, networking, and participating in startup communities has helped build valuable connections that enrich both my personal and professional life.

Question 4 — What are some resources I’ve found that have helped me along my journey thus far?

Networking has been the most beneficial resource for me thus far. LinkedIn has been my primary source for this. In addition I am in many different Facebook groups which have given me different insight into what jobs are out there as well as been a resource to ask quick questions. Some of the groups I am in are Alternative Healthcare Careers for Rehabilitation Professionals, Non-Clinical PT, and Non-Clinical Networking & Jobs for Rehab. Lastly, YouTube. This can be a great free resource to learn some of the jargon and have a level entry understanding of some of the tools/skills that may be needed in your new role. If you’re also interested in paid resources, I recommend Collective Coaching.

So, thinking of a new role and not sure about your current one? You can do both. You got this.