111. Back to Pharmacy School at 46: A Solo Episode on Career Reinvention in Midlife

In this solo episode, Victoria steps away from interviews to share something personal: at 46, after 15 years out of the workforce, she is heading back to school for a non-traditional PharmD. She talks openly about how a change in her marriage made returning to work a financial necessity rather than a choice, what it has felt like to job hunt after over a decade at home, and why credentialing has become the missing piece between her pharmacy license and the clinical women's health practice she has been building through Women Mastering Midlife.This one is unscripted and a little winding by design. Vicky wanted to document the process in real time, doubts included, in case it helps someone else who is standing at the edge of their own reinvention.In This EpisodeWhy Victoria is enrolling in a non-traditional, asynchronous PharmD program for already-licensed pharmacistsThe financial and personal circumstances that made returning to work necessary at this stage of lifeWhat job searching looked like after 15 years out of an employer setting, including the ageism and sexism she encountered along the wayWhy she leaned into health coaching and integrative wellness rather than practicing pharmacy after stepping away in 2011How her path through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and the Integrative Women's Health Institute shaped her coaching philosophy, particularly around behavior change and disordered eating patternsWhat credentialing could open up: working alongside cash-pay physicians, supporting between-visit care, and building toward a clinical women's health pharmacist roleHow two decades of guideline changes, new technology, and a completely different testing and onboarding process make this a different kind of pharmacy school than the one she leftBalancing school with parenting two daughters, ages 15 and 17, without giving up the availability she has valued as a stay-at-home parentAn update on her upcoming book, Women Mastering Midlife, which blends podcast guest wisdom with her own experience and closes with guided reflection questionsWhy she is choosing to see this stage as building on who she already is rather than starting over or reinventing herselfA Line Worth Sitting WithVictoria reflects that this chapter is not a rebirth or a reinvention. It is simply the next version of who she already is, built on the same intelligence that got her through pharmacy school the first time.Resources & LinksLearn more about Women Mastering Midlife: womenmasteringmidlife.comWomen Mastering Midlife, the book (coming soon)Connect with Vicky on LinkedInA Note on This EpisodeThis episode includes personal reflections on divorce, financial pressure, and career transition. It is not intended as financial, legal, or medical advice. If you are navigating a similar transition, individual circumstances vary, and it may help to talk it through with a trusted financial advisor, attorney, or healthcare provider.Let's Keep the Conversation GoingIf this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Women Mastering Midlife on your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly conversations that help you navigate perimenopause, menopause, and midlife health with clarity and confidence.Join the Women Mastering Midlife Community and let's grow stronger together.Get your FREE guides HERE: www.womenmasteringmidlife.com/freeguidesShare your thoughts and stories on our social channels and tag us @misvictoriabyrd. Let's rewrite the narrative together!Find more information on our website: www.womenmasteringmidlife.comBook a FREE 1:1 discovery call to learn more about coaching programs and courses.DisclaimerThis podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The hosts, guests, and experts featured are not your personal healthcare providers or advisors. The content should not be considered as professional, personalized medical, psychological, or prescriptive advice.Always consult qualified professionals such as your physician, therapist, pharmacist, or coach for specific concerns and decisions related to your health or lifestyle. Women Mastering Midlife is not responsible for any undesired outcomes resulting from actions taken based on the content of this podcast.