Brain Surgeon Trades Scrubs for Amazon Warehouse Job

Neurosurgeon Hangs Up Scalpel for Amazon Job

“For the last couple of months working in the hospital, I just wasn't sure when I'd get enough rest...”

Former assistant brain surgeon Helen Xu trades medical career for Amazon warehouse job, citing better work-life balance and inclusive work environment, amid company's hiring surge.

On Sunday, September 15, Helen Xu, a 31-year-old former assistant brain surgeon, revealed why she traded her lucrative six-figure medical career for a role at an Amazon warehouse.

Xu's medical journey began in 2018 as an assistant surgeon at a Queensland hospital in Brisbane, Australia. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 drastically altered her workload, with marathon shifts often exceeding 30 hours. Despite having no family caregiving responsibilities, Xu took on extra shifts, shouldering an immense burden.

The grueling schedule had taken a toll on Xu, leaving her exhausted and isolated from loved ones. With no time for social connections, she realized she needed a change. In September 2021, Xu made the bold decision to leave her medical career behind.

Ironically, it was during the lockdown that Xu discovered her next career chapter. She was impressed by Amazon's seamless delivery service, which brought essentials to her doorstep. This sparked an interest in the company, leading to her unexpected career pivot.

She explained that, “there was a lot of pressure on those who didn't have kids or elderly people at home to come in.

“For the last couple of months working in the hospital, I just wasn't sure when I'd get enough rest.”

The demanding schedule of her medical career had taken a profound toll on Xu, leaving her feeling utterly depleted and disconnected from loved ones. Recognizing the need for a change, she made the bold decision to leave medicine behind in September 2021.

In a surprising turn of events, Xu's experience with Amazon during the lockdown sparked a new interest. She was deeply impressed by the company's seamless and efficient delivery service, which brought essentials to her doorstep with remarkable reliability. This encounter ignited a fascination with Amazon, leading her to explore a new career path with the company.

Xu embarked on her new career path in October 2021, joining Amazon as a casual warehouse associate. In this role, she was responsible for various tasks, including replenishing stock and assembling orders, marking the beginning of her journey up the career ladder.

Through dedication and hard work, Xu rapidly progressed within the company, demonstrating her capabilities and leadership potential. Today, she holds the position of full-time operations shift manager, overseeing critical aspects of warehouse operations and mentoring others in their own career development.

She stated, “I'd never worked in anything like that before, but I was frequently ordering things off Amazon and thought.

“Why do they deliver so much faster than other companies?”

Helen Xu's career pivot came with a substantial pay adjustment. As an assistant surgeon, she earned a lucrative starting salary of $113,792. At Amazon, her hourly rate dropped to $32, with a more manageable schedule of four to five shifts weekly.

Yet, Xu wouldn't trade her new life. The reduced stress, improved work-life balance, and sense of fulfillment outweigh the financial sacrifices, making her career change a priceless decision.

She added, “In terms of how much time I now have for myself, it works out.”

Xu reports no financial struggles in her new role, citing Amazon's competitive compensation and benefits. She also praises the company's inclusive culture.

In Brisbane, Xu enjoys financial stability and a sense of belonging at Amazon, thanks to its supportive and diverse workplace.

She concluded by saying, “It's very different, the work culture is super inclusive.

“There's no judgment of what your background is or experience.

“People are from all different walks of life. 

“It's really opened my mind.”

Xu has ruled out a return to her medical career and has no plans to step foot in an operating theatre again.

She has closed the door on her surgical past and has no intention of revisiting her hospital days.

Xu's career transition coincides with Amazon's nationwide hiring spree, which includes 600 seasonal job openings across Australia ahead of the holiday rush.

Amazon's festive season recruitment drive, featuring 600 seasonal roles across Australia, has provided a timely opportunity for career changers like Xu.