Why I Quit My 100k Career as a Speech Pathologist

In this video, I talk about why I decided to quit my lucrative career as a speech pathologist with 3 degrees and after working extremely hard. I felt helpless, hopeless, stuck, and depressed. Hopefully, I can help to inspire you to do the same if you’re experiencing similar feelings. If you’re looking for alternative/new careers, I am here to talk. Leave a comment! Remember: If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree. In the words of #Beyonce, you won't #breakmysoul.

I felt inspired after watching videos like this one. It helped me out a lot during this transition, so I wanted to make one too.

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📸 Find me on Instagram, Twitter, & TikTok: @talkswithjon

#quitmyjob #iquit #thegreatresignation

[realtalkswithjon]

Thank you everyone for the insightful comments and support. It is so appreciated

[prettylibra]

Please don't quit!!! The Black boys and girls need you and other Black SLPs. If they're treating you like this imagine what they are doing and not doing for the Black children that need these services. Don't quit! Go Work with your people!!! Stay strong, they hate us becsue they Fear What we can become! We Got You Brother!!!

[roudiamondgh]

Black SLP and I completely feel where you are coming from. I've never gone to ASHA but NBASLH is a great convention for black SLPs. I had a similar experience at my state conference. It felt so cold and unwelcoming. The worst part is knowing that these racist women are working with the kids in our communities and making money.

Besides that, keep your head up. You definitely deserved more from your colleagues and this profession. You are not wrong for shifting gears. I am proud of you for speaking out.

[BeautyWithinKakra]

So sorry. As a nurse I deal with this— primarily micro aggressions. Black nurses are often reduced to Medsurg (floor nursing) rather than specialized floors like ICU, OR, PACU, mom/baby, etc. When I was in ICU, these women made my living a living hell. I eventually quit. I now do travel nursing and it’s THE best decision I made 🧡

[JaeBeAStar]

Black male SLP here. I’m so sorry that happened to you. This field can be very discouraging at times. I’m happy to hear that you’re pursing a new passion and seem to be better off. Definitely need a follow up video on that. You’re gonna do great things!

[joie]

Wow I am glad this came across my feed. SLP here with over 30 years in the field. I won't take up too much space in your comments, because I could write a book. I can count on one hand the number of black male SLPs I have met. My CFY supervisor, who became my mentor, and is now like a brother is a black male SLP. Let's be clear, a person of color has to do 10 times more work to get those CCCs. We are very intelligent and determined people. I have had my share of eyes pop, and red faces when I say, 'Hello, I am the speech pathologist" If you have a problem with my skin color -that's your problem not mine. I wish I had met you a few years ago. I have always supported any student who needs help. I currently have a mentee. It is the responsibility of the old heads like myself to support the next generation of SLPs of color. WE ARE NEEDED. Please keep your CCCs. I guess I did take up too much space lol Please reach out, I would love to talk to you. Be Blessed

[deniselacy]

It makes me literally sick to hear this experience. As a fellow SLP, your experience underscores that we have to do so so much better. I’m so sorry all this happened.

[coursecorrection]

I’m a former foster parent and black SLPs served many of the black foster youth that I cared for. We loved the black SLPs who came to the home. Representation matters and I found the SLPs were very concerned about the well being of the kids and always went the extra mile to make sure they got what they needed. So sorry you had to deal with this.

[reneecase]

As one of the countless white-lady SLPs, I have to say I am so sad and sorry to hear this story, and that we are losing you. I thank you for sharing your trauma with us and I hope it changes some hearts and minds. It’s impossible to seek to increase diversity in our profession when this is the way such caring and talented people are treated. Good luck to you and I wish you peace and well being in your new position.

[l.a.w.]

Black School Psychologist here. Feel your pain. I’ve never felt respected or celebrated and like you, I brings YEARS of training. You carried yourself in an amazing way through those challenges! Speech is an amazing field!! I really hope you can find a way to use your gifts!! This video was a 🎁. Thank you.

[aug]

Wonderful insight! I’m a Black SLP too. I dealt with racism all through graduate school; only to have my graduation ceremony canceled due to the pandemic. But, I was lucky to find a job in a location with many Black SLPs. I wish you the best! Thank you for sharing 🤍

[ohhmy_maya]

Wow, I am an aspiring SLP and I really hate that this was your experience. This is horrible and I hate that we still have ignorant people like this in the world. Thank you for sharing this and I wish you all the best in whatever you choose to pursue! This definitely makes me want to pursue the career even more and push to make a difference. I can only imagine how they're treating the black students/kids.

[mahaliabuckner]

It saddens me that you went through all of that! It’s a reality that so many are afraid of strong educated Black men. They just can’t except the fact that yes they are out there! Unjust shall not prosper though. I say to you this day continue to stand strong and be not dismay God will take care of you!!!

[mcj]

As an SLP this brought me to tears. You are amazing 💕 and it makes me happy that you know your value as a professional and human being. Hugs from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷.

[RoseGold]

As a black female SLP, this resonates. From obtaining my bachelor's to masters at a PWI then working in the schools, SNFs, and hospitals this is experience is constant. You always hope it will get better until it doesn't, at which point you have to make the decision to preserve your happiness and health or die a litter each day. I am happy you chose YOU!

[LadyK]

I’m a black woman. I admit I was skeptical in the beginning when you said you left your profession because of racism. “It’s everywhere”, I thought. 🤔After listening to your whole story, I understand and empathize. I could not have dealt with a fraction of what you did. I’m glad you left and I wish you success, happiness and peace for all of your days. Thank you for sharing!

[Promiseland]

I am not a speech pathologist. . I clicked on your video because I wanted to switch professions, too. I am so sorry this happened. It's unfortunate that you are judged and not received just based on your appearance. I can totally see me going to lunch with you, having lots of laughs at work and treating you like family. It's their loss! I wish you the best!

[ROYALS-SLAYOR]

As a white person I obviously cannot relate... But I would just like to say that I am so sorry for your awful experiences. I couldn't even imagine being in a Black persons shoes. I am so sorry. I could only hope and pray that my teenage child becomes just as bright, good hearted and incredible as yourself. Stay strong and never allow anyone to break your soul. You are a gorgeous, intelligent black man and many others could only wish to be much like you. You have so much to be proud of. So please, whatever you do, always keep your head up high and continue to be an inspiration to others. Sadly, nowadays I feel like I need to literally thank people for just being a good person in this crazy chaotic world we live in. Thank you Jon. You've got this!

[brittanybrown]

Thank you for being so brave! You are helping people you don’t even know!

[dariajohn]

As a future black SLP, I feel and understand your pain. Stay strong brother! Thank you for sharing...