Be Your Own Boss: Is Private Practice the Career Path for You? March 2011

By Sarah Koszyk, RD 

Maye's quotes:

Recommended Personality Traits:
Enthusiasm, curiosity, openness to various nutrition areas, and ready to work long hours and weekends are recommended characteristics, per Maye Musk, MS, RD, CDN, a nutrition counselor, consultant, spokesperson, speaker, and fabulous owner of a private practice in New York City.

Positive aspects of private practice:
Being in control. All three experts agreed that being in control and being one's own boss is the ultimate satisfaction. Control of one's schedule, control of one's work, control of one's time and duties: control, control, control.

Exciting and challenging new opportunities. Musk describes her established private practice leading her to new ventures in media, consulting, and speaking engagements.

Steps to take to initiate a private practice:
Decide what area you'd like to counsel but do not limit yourself and keep your day job in the beginning, recommends Musk.

Remember to follow your passion no matter what you do. "Some dietitians are born driven. I can see this characteristic in interns who do their elective with me," expresses Musk.