In this episode, I’m sharing the honest story of my decision to leave the NHS after more than 20 years as a dietitian. This isn’t about criticising the system or the profession that shaped my career. The NHS gave me incredible experience, friendships and opportunities that I’ll always value. But there came a point where I realised the life I wanted and the way I was working were no longer aligned.

I talk openly about the thoughts I had for years before I made the change, the guilt that came with wanting more, and the moment I realised I needed to take my private practice seriously. If you’re currently working in the NHS and quietly wondering whether you want something different, this episode will help you feel less alone and give you insight into what building something alongside your clinical role can look like.

In This Episode I Talk About:

• Why reaching the top of my NHS career ladder still left me questioning “Is this it?”
• The guilt many clinicians feel when they start wanting more flexibility, challenge or income
• How NHS systems and red tape can sometimes limit even the most committed clinicians
• The life event that made me re-evaluate everything
• Why I stopped treating my private practice like a side hustle
• Discovering online income streams like digital products and courses
• Selling my first nutrition resources online and the moment I realised this could work
• How I doubled my NHS Band 8B salary in under two years
• Supporting other dietitians who wanted to build businesses of their own
• The moment I finally handed in my NHS notice after more than two decades

Thinking About Your Own Next Step?

If you love being a dietitian but feel like you want more flexibility, income or impact, you’re not alone. I now work with health professionals who want to build ethical, sustainable businesses that don’t rely purely on one-to-one clinical work.

You can start by booking a free 20-minute discovery call with me here:

https://thechildrensnutritionist.as.me/discovery

I'd love to hear from you, click the link to 'text' the show directly

Lets keep in touch!

Website:  https://www.sarahalmondbushell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dietitiansinbusiness/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dietitiansinbusiness
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheClinicPodcast

FREE Workbook - The Master Plan

Discover the 22 steps you need to take (in the right order) to build a successful business so you can earn enough to live the freedom lifestyle you dream of. https://www.sarahalmondbushell.com/master-plan 

Work with me:

• Business Coaching: https://www.sarahalmondbushell.com/mastermind
• Sarah AI: https://www.sarahalmondbushell.com/offers/AYjozgYc/
• Book a discovery call: https://thechildrensnutritionist.as.me/discovery