In Part 1 of this series, we looked at how Vera positioned herself as a strong candidate for nonclinical roles using a real job listing. In part 2 we’ll take a closer look at her journey.
K: Hi Vera, please introduce yourself. Where were you at the start of this process?
V: Hey! I’m Vera, a multi-passionate, jack-of-all-trades, get-sh*t-done, ever-evolving dentist. For 17 years, I worked five days a week in the same practice. Then, a long-term patient filed a complaint, and it shattered me. My confidence, my joy, it all vanished, leaving me in the darkest place I’d ever been. Desperate for a way out of dentistry, I found Laura of Lolabees Career Coaching. That’s when my transformation slowly began.
K: That sounds tough, I’m sure many people can relate. How are you now?
V: Today I’m flowing with life. I’m working hard in roles I’m fortunate to have while also having fun. I’m focused on getting comfortable with my true self, fully accepting that not everyone will vibe with me, and that’s okay. I’m open to what the world sends my way, staying alert for the right opportunities, and embracing them when they arrive.
I’m doing what sets my soul on fire:
• As a freelance media creative I create content that sparks my creativity
• As a clinical supervisor role I share my expertise and help other professionals grow
• And I also work two short clinical days that feel like play.
No stress, just fun!
K: Excellent! Can you share some of the actions you took that lead you to these opportunities?
V: I applied for new jobs, started networking, and stopped being afraid to try something new. You suggested a couple of opportunities that sparked my interest, and suddenly new paths began to appear. Between the group’s brainstorming sessions and my determination, I began to see real results. I now have a two-day clinical job and 2 nonclinical side hustles to round up my week, perfect to satisfy my multiple interests!
I embraced the opportunities that came my way because I created that mindset, with the help of the Start Your Side Gig community. Being part of this group has completely shifted my energy. Now, I’m giving and receiving from a place of abundance, open to all that’s possible.
K: You mentioned having the help of a community. What were the toughest challenges you faced on this journey, and do you think that you would have been able face them without that help?
V: For the longest time, I thought I could do it all on my own. I stayed in my bubble, convinced I could handle everything myself. But after joining this community, I realised that true growth happens when you nurture yourself.
This community has helped me through some truly tough times:
• Walking away from a dental practice I’d spent almost two decades at—it was terrifying, even though it had become a place of painful comfort.
• Being bullied by an unethical owner who threatened me with debt collectors and refused to pay me what I was owed.
• Venturing into a job completely outside of healthcare – way out of my comfort zone – only to realise it wasn’t the right fit for me.
• Swallowing the bitter pill of having to return to dentistry after said job fell apart. I think this may have broken me again but thanks to all the support I realised that I don’t regret it for a second, I have so many new skills in B2B management. That is a big plus for many roles.
I’ve crashed and burned more than once. Most of my early decisions came from a place of desperation – I couldn’t stand where I was anymore. Slowly, it shifted. Desperation turned to courage, and I started making choices based on curiosity and possibility.
When things fell apart, Laura told me those failures would help me grow, and at the time, I didn’t want to hear it, but I eventually came to realise that she was right. Now, I openly share my missteps with the community, hoping others can learn from my journey. Sure, I still fear failure but I’ve built resilience through every setback. When things inevitably go awry again, I’ll be able to accept it with grace, learn, and keep moving forward.
K: This community sounds pretty special, and a major contributing factor to your nonclinical success.
V: Community and friendship have been the heartbeat of my success. When Laura invited me to the SYSG group, I hesitated. I thought we’d work one-on-one, and I was wary of group coaching. I overthought every word I spoke and even messaged her privately, voicing my insecurities. But, once I leaned in and truly allowed the community to see me, flaws and all, I discovered something magical. I opened up, embraced my vulnerability, and made real connections. That was the group’s true power: it wasn’t just coaching, it was finding my people.
K: Right back at you! What advice do you have for anyone thinking of exploring non-clinical?
V: Transformation isn’t easy. You need a blueprint to get started, and then accountability and cheerleaders to keep going. For that, community is essential – it’s the glue that holds it all together.
K: I can certainly second that. Cheers V!
V: Any time 😊
Vera’s journey highlights the transformative power of the right community. The support she received not only helped her through tough times but gave her the confidence to explore new opportunities. By leaning into the group, she felt seen, understood, and empowered with a sense of belonging that Lolabees Career Coaching strives to offer.
Networking opens doors, and it was through friendships in a community where everyone has each other’s backs, along with her efforts on LinkedIn, that Vera found these roles. The support and guidance she received gave her the confidence to take the leap.
Facing challenges like leaving a long-term job, dealing with the unethical behaviour of others, and experiencing setbacks wasn’t easy. But Vera’s determination, bolstered by the strength she drew from the community, helped her keep moving forward – it underscores the value of having a supportive network to lean on. Her story teaches us that even the most daunting transitions become more manageable with the right support.
Lolabees Career Coaching provides a space where you can share challenges, celebrate wins, and grow together.
If you’re a dentist considering a career shift, why not join a community like Laura’s? Connect with others, gain insights, and forge your own path to success.
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I love revisiting Vera’s story and the collaboration that you two have created! Thank you so much for connecting back to me and the work I do! So grateful for the two of you!
Yes it’s super inspiring, and hopefully shows with the right support also totally possible! No problem, if only one person feels like the change they’ve been considering is finally within reach it’ll be worth it, and then you’re the best woman for the job to take it from there!