Is it Time To Quit Your Job? Public Health Edition

04/17/25 • 20 min

In this solo episode, Dr. Des takes you deep into the real talk behind job promotions and career pivots. From her first promotion at the Florida Department of Health to launching a consulting career, she unpacks the unglamorous truth behind getting ahead in public health. You’ll hear about the power of a digital portfolio, why you might have to apply for a promotion (even when you’re already doing the work), and how to tell when it’s time to move on from a job that’s no longer serving you. Whether you're feeling stuck, underpaid, or just ready for your next step, this episode will help you get clear—and get moving.

Key Takeaways:

💼 Promotions in Public Health Aren’t Always Guaranteed: Unlike some industries, public health doesn’t always offer a clear path to advancement—you often have to apply and compete, even internally.
📁 Build a Digital Portfolio: Dr. Des shares how her collection of saved work—GIS maps, RFPs, presentations—helped her land both jobs and her first consulting contract.
📉 Don’t Wait for Fairness—Build Your Leverage: You may be the most qualified, but if you’re underpaid or overlooked, focus on stacking your skills and resume to pivot up or out.
🚪 Knowing When to Leave: When your job becomes repetitive, unfulfilling, or stalls your salary growth, it may be time to move on—even if the benefits are decent.
🧭 Get Mentorship and Be Proactive: Investing in mentors, joining communities like the Public Health Club, and taking initiative (even when unpaid) can create new leadership and income opportunities.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Public Health Club – Get access to mentorship sessions, workshops, and the digital portfolio training
How to use informational interviews on LinkedIn to connect with potential mentors
Dr. Des’s own leap from administrator to consultant—and what sparked the shift

Join the Public Health Club for a free 7-day trial and access the Digital Portfolio Workshop. Whether you're job hunting, preparing to pivot, or trying to position yourself for a promotion, the tools and community are here to help you thrive.

https://www.drdesshow.com/
https://www.publichealthclub.com/

Key Takeaways:

💼 Promotions in Public Health Aren’t Always Guaranteed: Unlike some industries, public health doesn’t always offer a clear path to advancement—you often have to apply and compete, even internally.
📁 Build a Digital Portfolio: Dr. Des shares how her collection of saved work—GIS maps, RFPs, presentations—helped her land both jobs and her first consulting contract.
📉 Don’t Wait for Fairness—Build Your Leverage: You may be the most qualified, but if you’re underpaid or overlooked, focus on stacking your skills and resume to pivot up or out.
🚪 Knowing When to Leave: When your job becomes repetitive, unfulfilling, or stalls your salary growth, it may be time to move on—even if the benefits are decent.
🧭 Get Mentorship and Be Proactive: Investing in mentors, joining communities like the Public Health Club, and taking initiative (even when unpaid) can create new leadership and income opportunities.

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Public Health Club – Get access to mentorship sessions, workshops, and the digital portfolio training
How to use informational interviews on LinkedIn to connect with potential mentors
Dr. Des’s own leap from administrator to consultant—and what sparked the shift

https://www.drdesshow.com/
https://www.publichealthclub.com/

Previous Episode

The Future of Public Health: Where Do We Go From Here?

🎙 Final Episode: The Future of Public Health – Where Do We Go From Here?
In this power-packed final episode of the Business of Public Health Summit Insider Series, Dr. Des and Dr. Brittny James are keeping it real about the future of public health! 🚀 From career pivots to building financial success, they break down what’s next in the field and how YOU can stay ahead.
With federal job uncertainty, the rise of consulting & entrepreneurship, and the need for public health professionals to create their own opportunities, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the evolving workforce! 🔥
🎯 Key Takeaways:
🔍 The Future of Public Health Careers – What’s changing, and how can you prepare?
💼 From Federal to Financial Freedom – How to leverage government experience for consulting & private sector roles.
📲 Social Media = Career Growth? – Why public health professionals must embrace digital platforms to share insights & expand influence.
🚪 Create Your Own Opportunities – Don’t wait for a seat at the table—build your own!
💰 Impact & Income – How to make a difference while securing financial success in public health.
🎟 Join Us at the Business of Public Health Summit!
📅 April 11th | Atlanta, GA
This isn’t just a conference—it’s an experience! ✨ Connect with industry leaders, mentors, and fellow public health professionals ready to help you take your career to the next level. If you haven’t grabbed your ticket yet, what are you waiting for? ⏳
🔗https://www.publichealthclub.com/business-of-public-health-summit
🎧 Listen, Learn & Level Up!
Catch the full 4-part series leading up to the summit! If you’re serious about growing in public health, this episode is your roadmap to success! 🚀

https://www.drdesshow.com/
https://www.publichealthclub.com/

Next Episode

How to Make Six Figures in Public Health (Without Burning Out)

In this powerful and transparent episode, Dr. Des tackles one of the most-asked questions in public health: "How do I get to six figures?" Whether you’re an early-career professional, a seasoned expert stuck at a salary ceiling, or someone curious about side hustles and consulting, this episode is your no-fluff blueprint. Dr. Des shares her personal journey—from making $36K in public health to bringing in six figures from consulting—and breaks down the mindset shifts, overlooked opportunities, and real strategies that helped her and her students reach new income levels.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔑 Why mindset is the first step to breaking income ceilings in social impact careers
📍 Where six-figure public health jobs are really hiding (hint: it’s not always the CDC)
💼 How to leverage your skills for consulting and freelance opportunities
🧠 Why it’s time to drop the scarcity mindset and shift into strategic career planning
🛠️ The practical blueprint you’ll need to scale your income—with or without a promotion

Mentioned in this Episode:

Join the Public Health Club and start making the right moves to elevate your income!
🎯 Free Training: The Six-Figure Public Health Career Blueprint – May 14th
💬 The Public Health Club: Join for mentorship, consulting opportunities, and workshops
💼 Dr. Des’s personal story of going from underpaid to thriving through a health equity consulting contract
🔁 The power of using public health skills in nontraditional sectors like tech, insurance, and social impact

Join the Movement:
Get inspired. Take action. And surround yourself with other public health professionals who are building lives filled with purpose and prosperity. Whether you need help navigating job transitions, want to launch your consulting side hustle, or just need someone to remind you that six figures is possible—you’re in the right place.

https://www.drdesshow.com/
https://www.publichealthclub.com/