How Nikki hard pivoted from Optometrist to Web Developer

Hey guys,

I figured you’re tired of hearing Ajay stories so today I want to tell you about my friend and ex-colleague, Nikki.

She has an inspiring story how she made a bold transition from optometry to web development after eight years.

I’ve told this story a few times, and it always leaves people inspired, especially those who feel stuck in a career that’s no longer fulfilling or paying them what they deserve. This process took about 6 months for Nikki and she was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

Here were the insights I pulled from my conversation with Nikki:

1. Recognising When It's Time for a Change

Nikki had spent years building a loyal patient base, and she found real satisfaction in diagnosing eye issues and even discovering other health problems through her work. However, there came a point where the day-to-day grind felt exhausting, and she realised she couldn’t see herself doing it for the rest of her life.

The key takeaway? Don’t feel trapped by your past decisions. Just because you invested in one career doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever. The sooner you recognise you need a change, the better.

2. Choosing a New Path That Aligns with Your Strengths

When she decided to pivot, Nikki knew she wanted to work in tech. She was naturally good at problem-solving and logical thinking and admitted that if she could go back in time, she might have chosen engineering.

The lesson here is to leverage your existing strengths. Even if you’re switching fields, think about what you’re already good at and how those skills can transfer into your next role.

3. Taking the First Step Is Scary but Necessary

Nikki didn’t jump into the deep end right away. She started small by watching YouTube tutorials and doing some coding on free platforms like FreeCodeCamp. It wasn’t until she felt a little more confident that she made the big leap—quitting her full-time job and enrolling in a bootcamp.

Here’s the insight: Test the waters before diving in. You don’t have to leave your job right away. You can explore other options on the side to see if it’s a good fit.

4. Imposter Syndrome Is Real—Push Through It

Once Nikki made the switch, the fear didn’t go away. She was scared, wondering if she’d made the right choice in leaving her stable job. And then there were the rejections. Like many career changers, she faced a lot of closed doors before landing her first job as a developer.

Key lesson? Expect setbacks, but don’t give up. Imposter syndrome is normal, and every rejection is just one step closer to the right opportunity.

5. Networking Was the Game Changer

When I asked Nikki what really helped her stand out, she pointed to networking as the most crucial element. Sure, she had a solid portfolio and resume, but what opened doors was building connections. She had countless coffee meetings, where people referred her to others, eventually leading to job offers.

Here’s the key takeaway: Networking trumps the traditional application process. Strong referrals and genuine connections can bypass the formalities and help you stand out.

6. Leaning on Existing Relationships

Interestingly, Nikki didn’t land her first post-pivot job through a traditional route. She posted on LinkedIn about her career change, which led an old university friend to reach out. Even though there weren’t any open roles at his company, that connection led her to a series of coffee meetings, each opening new doors.

Lesson here? Don’t underestimate your existing network. Even casual connections can lead to unexpected opportunities. When it comes to making a career change, you never know who might help you get your foot in the door.

7. Don’t Wait Too Long to Make the Change

When I asked Nikki if she had any regrets, her only one was not making the switch sooner. She spent years feeling uncertain about leaving optometry when, in hindsight, it was one of the best decisions she ever made.

Final insight? Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. It’s natural to feel afraid of change, but if something doesn’t feel right, the longer you wait, the longer you’re delaying your happiness and fulfilment.

So, if you’re feeling stuck in your current job, Nikki’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to make a change. Whether you’ve been in your role for 5, 10, or even 20 years, there’s always a way to pivot and find something that excites you again.

Until next time,

Ajay