It’s never too late: 5 steps to finding a (second) career you’re passionate about

Life takes unexpected turns, and sometimes those turns lead us to discover a new passion and purpose in the most surprising places.

Hana L., a radiation therapist at Allegheny Health Network, is a classically trained musician turned health care professional who discovered it’s possible to find a career later in life.

Hana's journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to reignite their passion or discover a new purpose in their professional life. Here are the steps she took:

Step 1: When life gives you lemons … start a new career

Hana's first career was in music, a passion she pursued to the highest levels. "I was a classically trained musician and got my master's at Carnegie Mellon University," Hana said. She played the bassoon and aspired to a performing career, even working towards her doctorate at one point. She loved it. However, as often happens, life intervened.

This pivotal moment led her to seek a new career path, and she took an administrative role at a health care organization. While she quickly advanced, she soon realized that the environment at this particular organization wasn't fulfilling.

"I felt very unappreciated and undervalued," Hana said. This feeling prompted her to look for a new opportunity, which led her to AHN's Radiation Oncology Department.

Step 2: Find an organization that values you

Hana joined AHN as a patient access coordinator at Jefferson Hospital. From the start, she sensed a different culture.

"I knew that as soon as I joined this team that I would feel appreciated, valued, and treated as family, like a team member here. I love every single minute of it." This supportive atmosphere was a stark contrast to her previous experience, reinforcing her decision to join AHN.

The idea of becoming a radiation therapist wasn't initially on Hana's radar, though.

"I never thought that I would go into allied health," Hana said. "I thought my path would be through management on the administration management side."

However, seeing the radiation therapists at work and interacting with them daily sparked a new interest.

Step 3: Find the support needed to embrace the challenge

The opportunity to pursue radiation therapy arose through a program at AHN that was designed to help team members advance their careers by providing financial and educational support. Hana initially had reservations.

"I thought about it, and I was like, ‘No, I'm too old. I'm turning 50 in 2 weeks.’"

But despite her initial hesitation, a conversation with a radiation therapist in her office inspired her.

“Everything was lining up great,” Hana said. “I couldn't say no. I couldn't quit. They gave me a path. I'm going to go for it.”

Hana's commitment was immediate and unwavering. "Within two days of hearing about the opportunity, I signed up for my first class,” Hana said. “I wasn't even accepted to the program yet. I just put myself out there and enrolled."

Her proactive approach, combined with the profound support from AHN leadership, paved the way. "Somebody worked some kind of magic and everything happened,” Hana said. “I was like, ‘OK, it's meant to be. So I guess I'm all in.’”

For Hana, a single mom, the financial aspect of going back to school was a critical issue. "How was I going to afford this,” Hana said. “I wasn’t going to be able to work full time.”

She credits her management for their unwavering support. They asked what she needed and were willing to do whatever it took to help her succeed. “Every step of the way I had help from the AHN radiation oncology management team,” Hana said.

This level of support deeply impacted Hana. "I was blown away. This is how all companies should work. I felt valued and appreciated. I was overwhelmed with gratitude."

Step 4: Make the change official

When Hana successfully completed her schooling and passed her board exams, she officially started as a board-certified radiation therapist within a week.

The AHN office she was working at was just as excited as she was. “They've been through the same program and they knew how I was feeling,” Hana said. “They couldn’t wait for me to start.”

Step 5: Find the passion again

For Hana, a piece of her passion for music came from being able to help people. "For me, music is medicine,” Hana said.

This same desire now fuels her in health care. "Even as a patient access coordinator, I felt like I was helping people,” Hana said. “Coming in, they're scared. And if I could make them laugh and forget about why they're there for even 30 seconds, I've done my job, but I wanted to do more than that.”

Now, as a radiation therapist, Hana finds immense satisfaction in her work. "I think for me it’s the patient interaction,” Hana said. “After the treatment, they're so appreciative."

This direct impact on patients, coupled with witnessing their progress, brings her a deep sense of purpose. "I feel like I am actually helping this patient because I'm seeing it in the images day-to-day.”

It’s not just about the passion, though. Hana found a place that values her and where she feels like part of the team. "In radiation oncology, it is such a tight-knit group,” Hana said. “I feel like I belong here. I feel like family here." This supportive environment wasn’t just at Jefferson Hospital either. “When I was a patient access coordinator, I would go to different sites to cover sometimes,” Hana said. “So, I've been to a lot of different places and it's like that throughout the whole entire network."

Now, Hana looks forward to her graduation ceremony in a few months. With her teenage son watching in the crowd, she hopes she can inspire him. "I can show my son you're never too old to start something new,” Hana said. "Mom did this. Anything is possible.”

Inspired by Hana's story? Explore career opportunities at AHN and discover how you can make a difference.