A little over four years ago, I began my professional career as a music therapist at The Hope Institute in Springfield, Illinois. Although many of my new coworkers at Hope, a residential school for children with multiple disabilities, were unfamiliar with music therapy, they were amazingly supportive of me as I started developing the program.
At the same time, I was slowly growing a private practice. After an 8-hour day at Hope, I hit the road as a traveling music therapist and voice/piano/guitar teacher, working with my students in their homes. I did this 5 afternoons a week, for two years, until my husband and I moved into our new home and I opened a home studio.
Ten private students increased to 20, which eventually increased to 30. I loved the work that I was doing at Hope, and I loved the work I was doing in my private practice. Life was good.
But life was also exhausting. When I added my church music job, elected IAMT officer position, and Listen & Learn to the mix, I sometimes marveled at the fact that I actually found time to sleep. Oh yea…and then there was my husband and dog, with whom I was spending less and less time.
12-hour workdays were doable, at least for the time being. But what would happen when Zach and I started a family? And was it really good for my health to be this busy and stressed all the time? I found myself asking these questions on a daily basis.
So what did I do? I took on new students. Over 20 of them, actually, totaling to 52 private students for the upcoming summer and fall sessions.
And then I made the scariest and most exciting decision of my entire life thus far: I gave notice of my resignation at The Hope Institute.
This moment, which I had been dreading, turned out to be like something out of a fairy tale. My principal told me that I would be greatly missed, but that he completely understood my decision and supported it wholeheartedly. And then upon my recommendation, Hope hired Karen, my wonderful intern who has been such a blessing to the music therapy program this year.
I am infinitely grateful to my colleagues and students for providing me with such an amazing, challenging, rewarding, overwhelming, fun, and educational experience these past four years. My work at Hope not only gave me credibility in my community, but it also connected me with so many people who enriched my life and opened the door to countless opportunities.
I’m going to miss this place. But as sad as I am to be leaving, I’m equally excited about this new chapter in my life. Going full-time with my private practice will be a challenge, to be sure, but it will also allow me the flexibility and free time I’ve not had thus far in my career.
June 2 is my last official day at Hope. I’m going to enjoy this final month to the fullest, and then prepare for what promises to be quite an exciting adventure. I hope you’ll come along with me.
Well done for being so brave and doing what you want to do with your life, you work so hard you deserve every happiness in your future! Congratulations :)
Thank you, Grainne. Your words are much appreciated!
Congratulations, Rachel! You will be missed greatly at Hope! Best of luck with this exciting transition!
Thank you so much, Jessie! The hardest part is having to say goodbye to everyone – which is why I will have to come back and visit often :)
Rachel: How exciting! Putting everything you have into your own business is liberating and scary all at the same time. There’s no doubt you will succeed beyond your expectation. Good luck to you, although you don’t need it :)
Thanks, Troy! There are definitely mixed emotions, but mostly I’m just excited. Change is good!
Congratulations, Rachel! I wondered how long you were going to keep up that pace. It took me getting married and moving to let go of my part-time job (which started as full-time) and go full-time with my private practice. It’s never easy to let go. You’re lucky that you know you’re leaving the Hope Institute in good hands. You’ve been so successful in building your practice – I hope you’ll love having the extra time for yourself and your family!
Rachelle, it’s so nice to know that you’ve been in my shoes and are extremely successful! Having another therapist on board at Hope was a critical factor in my decision. And yes, I very much look forward to having that free time to hang with my fam :)
Rachel,
Congratulations on your chosen transition to private practice. I marvel at your accomplishments and wish you the best.
Thank you so much, Shonda!!
Rachel-
I know that was a hard decision to make, but now that you have made it I bet you feel better already! We are excited to start music therapy with you soon!!! :) Good luck on your new journey.
Tracy
Thanks, Tracy. It was tough, but the fact that I get to work with lots of new students makes it easier :) I’m excited to start music therapy with Ry too!!!