How Leaving My Ph.D. Behind Led to My Dream Job

When I finished my Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, I never imagined I’d end up far from the lab, chasing a completely different career. With no clear backup plan and a dwindling bank account, I had no choice but to pivot, finding solace in science writing—a field I had always loved but didn’t initially consider. Months of rejection letters, freelance gigs, and part-time jobs later, I finally landed my dream job in the U.S., proving that perseverance can turn failure into success.

While academia had once consumed my life, the skills I gained—especially in writing—were the key to unlocking a new path. But the road wasn’t easy. It was full of setbacks, financial strain, and self-doubt. Yet, through resilience, determination, and a bit of luck, I broke into a field I truly love, eventually making the leap to a career I once thought impossible.

This journey wasn’t about the Ph.D. I earned—it was about finding the courage to step away from what wasn’t working and pursue something better, something that truly fit me.