Career Adjustment: A Chiropractor Alters her Path

Amy Wadden’s choice to change both her career and location simultaneously was a brave one. So often, people are afraid to make one of those changes, let alone both. After attending Chiropractic college  in Toronto, and opening up her own practice, Amy made the decision to return to her home province of Newfoundland to work in higher education.

Before choosing to become a chiropractor, Amy completed a biology degree at Memorial University in St. John’s. She had always enjoyed science, and her passion for health-related work inspired her career choice of Chiropractor upon finishing a Bachelor of Science.

Amy’s time as a student in Toronto is one that she looks back on happily - a resident of the midtown area, she had friends nearby, and a sister in the city. When asked about her experience settling in Toronto, Amy responded that the transition was easier than expected. Following the completion of her program, she went on to open up a practice in Newmarket, Ontario (just north of the city).

Career Paths Travelled: At what point did you think about leaving your practice in Newmarket to return to St. John’s?

Amy Wadden: “I would say about a year in. Towards the end of Chiropractic College, and throughout my first year in practice, I was travelling home quite often. I was homesick and wanted to be back in NL. And I enjoyed working as a Chiropractor and I was a part of an awesome clinic team, but I never felt 100% happy doing it. So, about 2 years into practice, I made the decision to close up shop and move home. Luckily, I got a job just before I moved home, at Memorial University, which then sent me on a winding career road in areas I never imagined. And here I am 10+ years later working in labour relations (and loving it).”

Career Paths Travelled: What advice would you give to someone who is relocating and changing careers at the same time?

Amy Wadden: It’s hard, scary, and stressful. But trust your gut.

Career Paths Travelled: Tell us about your experience as a Memorial University student the second time around (during your Master of Employment Relations)?

Amy Wadden: I loved doing my MER part-time. While it was challenging doing a degree and working full-time, I would go back and do it again. Most of the students in the program were ‘older than average’. Most of us were working professionals and completing the program part-time. I made some great friends in the program. We still get together regularly. The MER program is a great blend of labour relations, HR, history, sociology, etc. It helped me discover that labour relations is a good career choice for me!

Career Paths Travelled:  You’ve held a variety of positions at Memorial. So far, what have been the highlights of administering post-secondary programs and services?

Amy Wadden: Working with students was awesome. Getting to know various people from different areas of the University has been a highlight and has served me well in my different roles. Right now I currently work for the Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association (MUNFA) as the Grievance and Policy Officer. So I am no longer a Memorial employee, but I am still on campus! 

Career Paths Travelled: Do you have any tips for someone hoping to build a career at a post-secondary institution?

Amy Wadden: Try to find roles/projects that allow you to work with folks across campuses, in different departments, areas, disciplines, etc. Making connections can help you along your career path, and can also help you find where exactly you want to me.

Career Paths Travelled: How do you achieve work/life balance? How do you de-stress after a busy day?

Amy Wadden: I run in the mornings (nothing crazy, 5-6 Kms). My morning ‘meditation’. I walk my dog Copper in the evenings and enjoy relaxing with my husband, our dog and cats and a nice glass of cab sav by a fire.

In some ways, Amy’s story is a common one for people who have left Newfoundland and Labrador - they often want to return (even if things are going relatively well elsewhere). I made the same decision myself in early 2018. However, Amy’s story is unique in the large career shift from health to post-secondary education, and maybe reading her story will help you to navigate your own gigantic career shift.