What I Learned From Switching Careers in 2024

job in medical writing

Change can be terrifying, exhilarating, and transformative. Often, it’s all three at once! Yet as someone who’s used to change (as a digital nomad, adaptability is my way of life), my career pivot into medical writing pushed me to embrace change in ways I never expected.

In 2024, I learnt that being adaptable isn’t just about going with the flow or handling what life throws your way. It’s about leaning into uncertainty and being open to help when you need it most.

Here are my lessons from a crazy, unpredictable year.

Lesson One: It’s Okay to Accept Help

I’ve always prided myself on being self-reliant, but this year taught me the value of leaning on others.

Returning to the UK after months in Chile, where I had been rebranding my business and preparing to launch a career in health writing, I was introduced to a friend of a friend who was already well-established in the field.

This connection changed everything. He had just transitioned from freelancing to a full-time role and generously introduced me to several clients who were looking for a health writer. Those introductions gave me the foundation I needed to find my feet in this new space.

I’ve always been someone who prides themselves on independence, so asking for (or even accepting) help doesn’t come naturally. It was a reminder that accepting help isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength.

Lesson Two: Success Comes in Small Wins

I’ll never forget the buzz I felt when I got my first few positive responses from clients.

After weeks of pitching, tweaking my online portfolio, and networking, small wins validated the work I had put in. And even more encouraging was when major UK brands like Holland & Barrett and Superdrug reached out after reading my work.

Those moments reminded me that hard work and authenticity do pay off.

Still, stability in freelance work is elusive—a fact I’ve had to make peace with. Even with my tricks for stabilising income, some months have been financially tough. I’ve had to dip into savings and adjust my lifestyle. But rather than a negative, I’ve seen it as a reminder that progress isn’t linear.

Every step forward, no matter how small (even if it feels like it’s sending other areas of your life backwards), is worth celebrating.

medical writing journey

Lesson Three: Kindness Creates Opportunities

The power of community has been a recurring theme in 2024.

One of my most exciting projects came from a brief conversation on LinkedIn (a platform I have always hated), when a contact recommended my website copywriting services to a nutritionist. Though I had written website copy before, this project was my first in the health space, marking a big step toward the kind of work I want to focus on long-term.

Another highlight was hearing from someone who read an article I wrote about TB006, asking for more advice. Moments like these are precisely why I made this career switch: to improve health literacy and inspire better health decisions.

Seeing hard proof that my work is making an impact motivates me to keep pushing forward through the all the ups and downs.

Lesson Four: Flexibility Isn’t Passive

In freelancing (and in life) there’s so much that’s outside of our control. Change is an inevitable part of our existence.

As someone who moves to a new country every few months, I’m used to adapting quickly to new environments. I’d say I’m pretty flexible. But this year, both my career and personal life threw surprise curveballs.

While you can’t predict what’s coming, you can choose how to respond. I’ve found that true flexibility isn’t about passively “going with the flow.” It’s about actively deciding how to react in a way that aligns with your goals. This year, I’ve had to totally reshape my routines and redefine my priorities.

Whether in work or life, being open to change has allowed me to stay focused on what matters most—and succeed at more.

freelance health writing gigs

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I look forward to the year ahead, how do I feel? Pretty damn excited and a whole lot curious!

This past year has shown me that every change (even the “bad” ones) are really chances to grow. I want to carry that mindset forward, exploring new opportunities, improving my skills, and making steps toward becoming a respected health and medical writer.

One of my biggest goals is to collaborate with more brands and organisations that are passionate about making health communications clear and accessible. So, if you’re on the lookout for a writer who gets what it means to blend creativity with credibility, let’s chat.

Contact me today to discuss how we can work together. Here’s to whatever surprises 2025 has in store!

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