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The original was posted on /r/getmotivated by /u/bestfitwork on 2024-01-20 15:19:57+00:00.
Hey everyone - Dan from Best Fit Work - where I'm sharing stories of people that successfully "found their path" and are doing meaningful work that they enjoy in the hopes of inspiring others.
Today, I'm sharing the story of Theodore Levarda, a previously unfulfilled finance professional that pivoted into acupuncture.
Now, onto the detail...
What was your previous path and how did you get into it?
My initial career path was in finance, a journey I embarked upon for over nine years. My motivation for choosing finance stemmed from the allure of financial success and the perceived prestige it brought. I was drawn to the idea that working in finance would not only lead to monetary gain but also provide a sense of fulfillment and self-worth. Spoiler alert: That wasn't the case!
When did you realize that it wasn't the right path?
The realization that finance wasn't my true calling dawned on me a few years into my career. I found myself grappling with chronic pain, fatigue, and burnout in my mid-20s. The daily grind became a struggle, and I felt like I was losing touch with my true self. Observing my superiors, who had achieved conventional success yet lacked happiness, was eye-opening. Their lives seemed imbalanced, with work taking precedence over family and personal well-being. This was not the future I envisioned for myself. I changed jobs roughly every 2 years thinking there would be a better fit elsewhere but never found anything that felt right.
How did you discover your alternate path?
My journey towards acupuncture began with my own health struggles. Suffering from chronic hip and back pain in my mid-twenties, I explored various therapies and discovered that acupuncture was remarkably effective in alleviating my pain and stress. The effectiveness of acupuncture piqued my curiosity, and I was intrigued by its potential yet underappreciated benefits in the wider health and wellness landscape.
How did you start on that alternate path?
The idea of becoming an acupuncturist first struck me during a treatment session with my acupuncturist, David Baron. After briefly leaving finance due to burnout and returning due to a lack of alternative direction, I was searching for a new path. As I lay on the treatment table on day, the idea of pursuing a career in acupuncture as a fulfilling and flexible profession became a compelling thought. Discussions with David, who has become a mentor and friend, revealed the depth and rigor involved in becoming a licensed acupuncturist (a 3 year masters degree plus national board exams and state licensure), which further solidified my decision. I embarked on this new journey in 2016 by enrolling in the same school as David, graduating in 2019.
Are you still on that path now? How are you enjoying it?
Today, nearly five years post-graduation, I am the proud owner of a thriving acupuncture practice in New York City, Morningside Acupuncture . Despite the challenges faced, including starting a business right before COVID and balancing family life with a significant career change, my journey always felt aligned with my true calling.
Reflecting on this transformative journey, I am immensely grateful and fulfilled. Each day in my practice brings joy and satisfaction, knowing that I am helping others improve their health and well-being. The pivot from finance to acupuncture, though challenging, has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life.