Can you imagine going back to Uni after 19 years working in the same career? Rachel has finished her second year with a 1st! Tune into this podcast episode to find out why she decided to study Nutrition, Diet & Lifestyle, how it's been going, and what she's planning to do once her degree is complete.
“I think that once you decide to do something and you do feel passionate about it, you can’t hide it and it’s obvious.”
In my third podcast episode I interviewed Rachel Fletcher who has finished her second year studying an AfN accredited BSc Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle degree at Sheffield Hallam University with a first! And looking forward to her final year. She is currently (July 2020) working for Pixie Turner as her summer intern which is giving her a valuable insight into working as a nutritionist in a private practice and running her own business.
I first met Rachel through a volunteer mentoring scheme provided by Sheffield Hallam University and since our sessions finished we've stayed in touch for coffees, lunches and walks. Rachel's story captured my attention straight away because she's made such a big change from her career working in the police and she's courageous to try new things.
I ask Rachel a heap of questions in this podcast, she really keeps me on my toes!
What are you feeling really positive about this year?
How has your outlook on life changed since you started your degree?
Are there any skills or experiences from working in the police that you think are valuable in your life now?
Have you made any changes in your lifestyle since you started to study your degree in Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle?
Do you feel now that you’re not working full time that you have more balance in your life?
Is there anything that you miss from working in the police?
Was it something that you always wanted to do when you were a child?
When did you make the decision to leave your job as a Detective Inspector and to start your degree?
How did you actually make the decision? Did you talk to people?
How did your friends and family react to your change of career? (Question from Joe on Twitter)
Did it matter to you what other people thought?
What fears, worries or challenges have you faced along your path so far?
How do you handle those fears when they come up?
How are you supporting yourself financially while you’re studying?
What’s it like living in Derby?
Why is it that you’ve chosen to study Nutrition, Diet and Lifetsyle?
Are there any modules that you’ve learnt something completely new, or that you’ve been surprised by?
Do you find it challenging to choose the modules that you take for the year?
What work would you most like to do after you’ve graduated?
Do you know what sort of people you would like to work with?
Do you know where you might like to set up your business?
Where do you think people can find reliable information about Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle?
What makes you feel really healthy?
How do you make time for your other interests?
What are some of your interests that you would like to have more time to explore?
How does starting your own business sound to you now, when you’re half way through your degree?
When do you completely relax?
What would you like to ask people who are considering a career change?
Make sure that you listen all the way to the end because Rachel asks you a question to take away and think about when considering career change.
I think that this episode will be of particular interest to people who are concerned about starting a completely new career path after following the same one for a long time, to anyone interested in nutrition, health and lifestyle, and to people thinking about returning to study.
Tune in to this episode of About The Adventure Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, my podcast host Captivate.fm, or on my website About The Adventure.
This episode was recorded in Sheffield at Kurious studios on 25th February 2020. Please keep an eye on Rachel's brand new website Fletcher Food and Nutrition and follow her on the social media links below to find out more about her work and recipes.
If you want to get in touch with either of us please email sarah@sarahventurer.com
Podcast artwork by Tiffany Francis-Baker
Podcast music created by multi-instrumentalist Sarah Sharp
Podcast production by Joe Willis at Kurious Studios in Sheffield.
