Krista Chesal, Content Solutions Specialist

After four years of running my publishing company alongside managing my freelance writing career, I made the difficult decision to close the business last spring. While it represented significant investment and growth, I recognized it was time to explore new directions that better aligned with my evolving personal and professional interests.

Initially, I considered transitioning from technical writing to UX writing. The field offered a natural extension to my content creation background, and I spent considerable time researching the profession. However, after thorough exploration, I realized UX writing, while valuable work, wasn’t the right fit for my long-term career goals.

That’s when I learned about Applied Behavior Analysis.

ABA immediately captured my interest through its combination of rigorous scientific methodology and meaningful real-world impact. The field’s emphasis on data-driven interventions and measurable outcomes for individuals and families resonated strongly with my professional values and personal interests in how people learn and develop.

I’m currently pursuing my Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification, which provides comprehensive training in ethical practices and evidence-based intervention techniques. The certification process has reinforced my conviction that this field offers the technical rigor and purpose-driven work I was seeking.

Looking ahead, I’m planning to pursue Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credentials, which will align with my existing Master of Arts Degree and require extensive supervised field experience. This path will enable me to really help people in my daily life, a goal that is increasingly important to me.

This career transition has taught me the importance of thoroughly exploring professional options rather than defaulting to familiar territory. While my background in publishing and technical writing provided valuable transferable skills, finding work that genuinely aligns with my interests and values has proven far more fulfilling.

For others considering significant career changes, I’d encourage careful exploration of new fields, even those that may initially seem unrelated to your background. Sometimes the most rewarding professional paths emerge from unexpected discoveries.