Leaving behind the 9–5 is a dream many dietitians share, but making the leap into private practice comes with big questions: How do you know when it’s time? How do you balance stability with growth? And how do you build a business that actually aligns with your values?

In this episode of The Dietitian Business Podcast, host Maggy Doherty, MS, RD, sits down with Canadian dietitian and lactation consultant Brittany Brown to explore what it really looks like to transition from traditional employment into private practice.

Brittany shares her journey of splitting time between her clinical role in a family doctor’s office and building her own practice, where she works primarily with pediatric clients and young families. She talks openly about the challenges of balancing security with autonomy, creating community events, and deciding when free offerings cross into burnout territory.

You’ll hear a candid conversation about the business mindset shifts dietitians need when moving from employee to entrepreneur, including:

• Setting boundaries with clients while still offering compassionate care - Using vision boards and core values as a compass for business decisions
• The importance of practice management strategies for long-term sustainability
• How to evaluate when it’s the right time to leave your 9–5 job
• Exploring collaborative practice models and community hubs for moms and babies
• Why saying “yes” to the right opportunities — and “no” to the wrong ones — can accelerate growth

Maggy and Brittany also dive into the reality of Canadian vs. U.S. healthcare systems, how those differences affect dietitian entrepreneurs, and why both environments require dietitians to get creative when building businesses.

Whether you’re just dreaming about private practice or actively balancing part-time work with your own client load, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible. You’ll walk away with practical strategies for scaling a private practice, plus inspiration to stay true to your values while creating the freedom and flexibility you deserve.

Key themes covered in this episode:

• Private practice success stories
• Dietitian business coaching insights
• Time management strategies for balancing multiple roles
• Building a client base through marketing and networking
• Why values-based decision-making keeps dietitians aligned and fulfilled

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to leave my 9–5 job and run my own practice, but I don’t know how,” this conversation is for you.