Changing careers in your 30s or 40s can feel daunting — but it might also be the best decision you ever make. In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr Marianne Trent talks with a former cancer-care radiographer who retrained as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP). They explore the emotional impact of working in healthcare, recognising burnout, overcoming fear, managing finances, and pursuing a career in psychology later in life. This episode is packed with motivation and guidance for anyone wondering how to start a psychology career, apply for the PWP course, or rediscover purpose through compassionate work.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: When your career no longer fits
01:14 – From radiotherapy to mental health support
04:18 – Why therapeutic work felt more fulfilling than clinical treatment
06:04 – Recognising compassion fatigue and value misalignment
09:11 – Balancing family, health and the decision to retrain
11:31 – Funding, salary changes and managing the practicalities
13:13 – Health as a motivator for career change
16:04 – How NHS experience supported the PWP application
17:31 – What it’s like to train and qualify as a PWP
19:14 – Starting again in your forties: challenges and mindset shifts
21:51 – Accessing academic and wellbeing support during training
23:48 – Why it’s never too late to thrive professionally
25:10 – Permission to pursue fulfilment and alignment
26:33 – The “Smile File” strategy for motivation and reflection
29:18 – Closing reflections: authenticity, courage and growth

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