Each Friday, a person who is making bold moves, living well, nurturing their creativity, following their passions, and making magic will be featured on Bold Living Today.
Today’s interview is with the fabulous, wise, doing things my way, and always in your corner Kimberly Jackson. I met Kimberly when we were four-years-old. We reconnected 11 years later and have been super close ever since. I was excited to interview Kimberly because she was a fabulous mentor and role model to me in taking a career leap.
You’ll understand more as you read my upbeat interview with her.
question 1:
You had a successful career as an Account Executive in the field of Marketing, but then decided to return to school and become a nurse. What motivated you to do this?
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{Kimberly} Two things. First the last company I worked for was a small 6 person operation and my husband was retiring from the police department in about 5 years. He carried the family on his health insurance and to take insurance with a small company would have cost a fortune. Secondly, I was conflicted regarding the direction I was going professionally. I’d spent almost 8 years watching (and encouraging) multi-million/billion dollar corporations to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to buy “stuff” and drink “stuff” to increase sales of “stuff”. The sad part about it, I loved the company I worked for, I was just very uninspired by the world of marketing. I began to pray.
My husband one day suggested I become a nurse. Me? You’re kidding right? I’m queasy at the sight of blood & trauma. It was something I’d NEVER considered. So I continued to pray. How would I even make this happen? Do I quit my job? How do we survive on one income? How long would school take? How could we afford this? Could I do this?
I became deliberate in my prayers. I asked, if this is to be to remove ALL obstacles, make it clearly apparent this is my purpose.
Answer: Acceptance to a 2.5 year school that accepts 60 out of 200+ applicants, tuition scholarship and the full support of my family and friends. I graduated and now work for one of the leading Children’s Hospital in the country as a pediatric critical care nurse. I absolutely LOVE my job and have found a sense of fulfillment every where I go. I am blessed to serve the many kids and families at their most frightening and vulnerable times in their lives. I hope each encounter gives them reassurance and comfort in knowing I give them every ounce of my compassion and education.
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{Kanesha} Kim, that is so powerful! I remember your quiet patience during this time and how you were so intentional about your thoughts. I still get chill bumps thinking about this.
question 2:
When outsiders questioned your decision to make this career change – what did you say to them – and yourself?
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{Kimberly} I told them I knew something was wrong when I woke up Saturday mornings dreading Monday was only 2 days away. I knew that was no way to live and work for the next 20 years of my life. I did not encounter one negative word – everyone, family, friends, church family, was extremely supportive.
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{Kanesha} Good for you. I know too many people tell themselves, “One day I will…” One day is today!
question 3:
If someone is hesitant to follow their career passion – what guidance would you provide?
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{Kimberly} Pray. Listen. Pray. Be specific in your prayers. Weigh your options. Investigate your undiscovered interest, it may just become your new passion.
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question 4:
What you look back at your career transition, what are you most proud of?
I am a woman in the prime of my life who made a 180 degree career switch that has made a wonderful difference in the way I live my life. As a pediatric critical care nurse I take my skill set into the homes of patients as a part time home care nurse. Since making this change I am a happier person, therefore a happier wife, mother, child, sister…you get it.
I am a woman in the prime of my life who made a 180 degree career switch that has made a wonderful difference in the way I live my life. As a pediatric critical care nurse I take my skill set into the homes of patients as a part time home care nurse. Since making this change I am a happier person, therefore a happier wife, mother, child, sister…you get it.