Career Change: Comedian to Doctor of Psychology
” Change is inevitable: either effect it or accept it.”
Dr. Nancy Irwin
What was your previous career?
Stand-up Comic.
How did you know it was time to Change Careers?
As a comic, I only worked about 30 minutes a day. I had a lot of time on my hands and was bored, so started volunteering at a shelter for sexually abused teens. I absolutely fell in love with it; it waked up the healer in me and allowed me to embark on my path of healing from my own adolescent sexual abuse at the hand of a clergyman. After a few months of performing at the clubs at night (with the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano and more) and working with the teens by day, the scales began tipping toward going back to school to train as a therapist. One night a manager at the comedy club I emceed at yelled at me over a cocktail glass, and I knew it was time to move on.
What was an average day like?
Smoke, drink coffee, go for a run or to gym. Go to a TV, film, or commercial audition, write, volunteer at shelter, go to comedy club at night.
What is your new career?
Psychotherapist/clinical hypnotist/speaker/author.
What is an average day like now?
Co-lead group therapy for sex offenders; treat 4-8 private patients; deliver speech based on my book about reinvention and/or sexual abuse recovery and prevention; TV/radio appearances. Plus I work out at the gym and see my boyfriend.
Why change?
Comedy was not fulfilling for me. Healing is.
Was the recession a factor in your decision for a career change?
No, I don’t let external factors affect my decisions.
How did you make the leap?
Once I made the decision to go back to school, it was easy. Researched, applied, starting studying. I always knew it’d work out. I took a job as an executive assistant to support school, and studied at nights and weekends for 5 yrs to complete my doctorate. I always focused on the light at the end of the tunnel, and learned what I could from my day job to transfer those skills to being a business owner in private practice.
How did you fund your business?
Had $3K when I got my degree and left the executive assistant/comedy world. Used that for an office space lease, a laptop, a phone and office furniture. Got on the phone and went to networking meetings and the rest is history.
Silliest thing about your former occupation?
Ray Romano
Misconceptions about what you do now?
There are too many misconceptions about therapy to even start, but with hypnosis, the biggest old wives’ tale is that the therapist is controlling the patient. Couldn’t be untruer. When people lose weight or stop smoking, who is in control? It ain’t me!
How do you stay motivated?
Easy. I like to watch people grow and heal.
How do you deal with jealousy?
Not aware of it. I project a cooperative attitude and that generally is returned.
Any moments of Desperation?
A few at the beginning, but I would just get in action to create what I wanted. That rarely fails. I have a strong, positive support system and that helps tremendously. Also, working out is a great outlet.
Surprises?
Always! I’ve been blessed. I’ve gotten to work with a number of celebrities (athletes, actors, singers, film directions, producers, etc.) and those are always delightful surprises. Also, TV show appearances. Those are tremendously fun for me.
Warnings?
Expect hills and valleys. Decide in advance what you want to do in the valleys to climb back up the hills.
Would you say to those who believe they need a formal education to change careers?
You might need it. Consult with others who’ve gone before you, whom you admire, and see what they advise. I researched for 9 months before I chose my school and path. Fortunately, I love school so I had no fear there.
If you could share 1 brief nugget of wisdom, what would it be?
Change is inevitable: either effect it or accept it.
How can we learn more about your business? www.drnancyirwin.com or www.makeayou-turn.com
