Caitlin Clohessy’s Post

Last November I quit my job. I had nothing lined up, no plan. Like so many other employees in the hospital setting who made it through the pandemic, I looked around and found myself burnt out and in serious need of a break. I was terrified to take time "just for myself"?? To “not be doing anything”?? Impossible. But I did it anyway.  I went to dinner parties and faced the question “so, what do you do?” I got serious about what I wanted my career to look like. I got curious about what drove me. I traveled and spent time with people who filled my cup. I stepped away from situations that didn't. I met with leaders of industry. I asked questions. I read 30 (nonfiction!) books. I stepped out of my job and back into my life, giving myself the best gift I could- time to reset. The last decade I spent working on pediatric clinical trials laid the foundation for me to take this next step in my career. I will always be proud of the time I spent in the research world, and remain honored by each patient, family, and team I worked with. This is no way a knock on that experience, it’s simply an ode to moving on. I am stepping into a job and career I am so excited about, but most importantly, I am rested and ready to hit the ground running at Podimetrics as an Associate Territory Manager. I will be working with an incredibly underserved and deserving population and educating on a device that has proven outcomes in amputation prevention and increased quality of life for veterans with diabetes. I am joyfully ready to make a difference in a whole new way. I did not do this alone. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my amazing friends and mentors who listened, brainstormed, and hyped me into the place I am in today. Janine, Holly, Chantal, Emily, Bronwyn, Caitlin, Marlee, Emily, Roger, Armin, Julia, Adam and Alicia- you are each inspiring, smart, and indescribably appreciated. Thank you also to Lauren Thomas for this opportunity and your support, as well as McKenna Rees for your mentorship and enthusiasm as I continue to learn the job. I am not usually so personal on this platform, but think transparency around career change should be more of discussion. It is frowned upon to take a pause from working in America. You need a capital-R-Reason; you need to explain the gap in your resume. I’m not saying burn the whole thing down, but I am saying you can give yourself permission to act. Thanks again to everyone who has been in this season with me, I can't tell you how excited I am for this next chapter!