How I got my first job in mental health

Life has a funny way of leading us exactly where we are meant to be. Sometimes it is through careful planning and determination. Other times it comes with unexpected detours that you would never see coming. My first job in mental health started with one of those detours, and yes, it involved a brownie.

At the time, I was working as a receptionist while putting myself through school. I had landed an interview for a Behavioral Health Tech position at Arizona State Psychiatric Hospital, and I could not have been more nervous or excited. Before heading in, I stopped by the breakroom and grabbed a brownie that one of my coworkers had left behind. It seemed harmless enough. What I did not know was that it was a brownie baked with marijuana.

Let’s just say that was not part of my interview prep plan.

By the time I realized what had happened, it was too late. I completely freaked out but decided to go through with the interview anyway. A friend drove me, and at first I felt fine… until I got there. Then suddenly, I felt very relaxed. A little too relaxed.

The interview began with a discouraging statement. They told me they were only interviewing me because of the entry exam scores protocol and that they actually needed a male tech for the unit. My heart sank. It felt like my chance at breaking into the field was slipping away.

But instead of giving up, I asked a different question.

“Can I interview you instead?”

That moment changed everything. What could have been a disappointing dead end turned into an engaging conversation. I asked about the role, listened closely, and learned so much about what it would take to succeed in the position. At the end, I thanked them for their time, walked down the hall, and told myself that at least I had learned something.

As I reached the door, I heard laughter behind me and someone say, “Let’s hire her anyway!”

And that is how I got my very first job in mental health.

Lessons from a Detour

Looking back, I see that day as one of the most important turning points in my career. It taught me lessons I still carry today:

• Stay curious. When the path seems blocked, asking a question can open new doors.

• Do not give up. Even when the odds are stacked against you, showing up fully matters.

• Embrace unexpected detours. Sometimes the unplanned moments (even a questionable brownie) become the very thing that pushes you forward.

Opportunities do not always arrive neatly packaged. Sometimes they show up in ways that seem inconvenient, surprising, or even a little messy. But if you are willing to stay open, curious, and persistent, they might just lead you to the exact place you were meant to be.

So I will leave you with this question: what is a surprising moment that shaped your career?

I would love to hear your story.