Episode 3, Off Call: Pediatrician Shona Johnston Steps Away from Practice

Episode SummaryWhat happens when a deeply rooted professional identity is put on hold? In this episode, Rosamaria Mancini sits down with Shona Johnston, a pediatric doctor who stepped away from her clinical career after nearly two decades in the UK to support her family’s move to the Netherlands.Shona shares her journey through grief, identity shifts, and the emotional complexity of leaving behind a vocation that defined her. From working in high-intensity hospital environments during COVID to navigating life abroad without practicing medicine, she opens up about loss, resilience, and redefining purpose.Key takeaways·      Identity is not fixed - it evolves with life’s circumstances·      It’s possible to hold two truths at once: gratitude and grief·      Purpose can be rediscovered in unexpected ways·      Letting go of a career path doesn’t erase your achievements·      Having a sense of purpose is essential for well-being, especially in times of transition·      Success can mean staying true to yourself—not just professional advancement This is an honest conversation about ambition, sacrifice, and what it means to rebuild a sense of self when life takes a different turn. Resources & LinksContact Shona at [email protected] you enjoyed this episode of Wives, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more listeners discover these important conversations.www.wivespodcast.com InstagramFacebook #militaryspouse #careertransformation #resilience #dancejourney #personalgrowth #reinventyourself #lifetransitions #supportandsacrifice #womenempowerment