Woman Applies to Over 180 Jobs After Being Laid Off. When Nothing Pans Out, She Decides to Become a Death Doula (Exclusive)

In a remarkable career transition, 64-year-old Kimberley Reynolds has embraced a new path in end-of-life care after years of frustration in the editorial job market. Following a layoff in 2025, the Vermont native faced a challenging year trying to secure another position within her field. Despite her extensive experience managing a team that produced content aimed at the over-60 demographic, the search proved increasingly disheartening.

Reynolds was previously employed at a healthcare and wellness company, where her team focused on topics concerning age-related health, such as muscle maintenance, mental well-being, and nutritional guidance. Reflecting on this experience, Reynolds noted, “Writing for that age group made you feel that your death is near. It spoke to me in that way, which may have sparked my interest in pursuing doula work.”

After applying for 181 positions and attending several interviews – including one with a disappointing salary – Reynolds decided it was time to make a significant shift. Feeling “frustrated” with the job landscape, she turned her attention to a two-month course on becoming an end-of-life doula. Her interest in this field was further motivated by a personal experience: the death of her brother, which highlighted the importance of support during such critical moments.

As she began the doula training, Reynolds admitted to having doubts about her suitability for the role. “I’m not someone who gives unconditional positive regard,” she explained. However, she realised that the unique nature of working with individuals at the end of their lives could foster greater empathy. “You might be more empathetic than when dealing with someone in your family,” she added.

Completing her training in August 2026, she began volunteering at a local hospice to gain practical experience. The orientation she attended was surprisingly uplifting. “You would think talking about people dying wouldn’t be positive, but the atmosphere was exhilarating,” Reynolds recounted. The experience reinforced her belief in the crucial need for a compassionate and welcoming environment for those at life’s end.

While in her volunteer role, Reynolds noted that opportunities for direct interaction with patients were limited, as most caregiving tasks were handled by nursing and medical staff. Nonetheless, she appreciated the importance of the atmosphere created within the hospice setting and how it could resonate similarly to supporting someone transitioning from life to death at home.

As she continues her volunteer work, Reynolds aims to develop her doula practice fully, with guidance from her instructors. Although she contemplated specialising as a pet death doula, she expressed hesitation due to her emotional attachment to animals. “I’m part of a Facebook group for end-of-life doulas, which is an excellent resource to gather information,” she mentioned.

Thus far, Reynolds has found the most challenging aspect of her new role involves navigating family dynamics. “Dealing with upset or angry family members can be tricky; understanding their emotions is crucial,” she noted. Drawing from her own experiences, particularly the handling of her brother’s death, she felt a peaceful acceptance that often contrasted with the turmoil experienced by others.

Reflecting on her brother’s passing, Reynolds observed, “While my family struggled to accept his diagnosis, I had come to terms with it on some level. This allowed me to offer support during a difficult time.” She is committed to carrying the lessons learned from her death doula training into her practice, especially the concept of “unconditional positive regard.” “It encourages one to listen with open-mindedness and free from judgement,” she explained, adding that this principle stays with her in daily interactions.

Through her journey, Reynolds demonstrates the potential for personal tragedies to inspire a career dedicated to compassion and empathy. As she embarks on this new chapter as a death doula, her experiences and insights may well offer comfort and guidance to many families during their most challenging moments.