You’re reading this, and you’re really keen to know the final straw that gave me no other option but to leave the NHS and walk away from dentistry. The relief and freedom I felt after making this decision were indescribable.

This blog may surprise you. I only realised my true need to leave the NHS when I was off on maternity leave, and it may not be what you’re expecting. 

Sure, I loved spending time with my baby and living my life to the fullest, not having to work to targets, UDAs (dental chat), put on scrubs and a smiling face to deal with people who categorically did not want to be in my presence with sharp tools and the ability to extract teeth.

It was my nail tech. 

Now, that sounds very shallow; allow me to explain. Hilda (if you’re interested, @hexnails on Instagram) is one of the most loving and giving souls you will ever have the privilege of meeting. Hilda is also exceptional at nail art. Now, my hand represent a lot to me; they have been there when I was learning skills at university, there to sew up faces in the hospital setting, there to learn and perfect techniques in aesthetics. I was a chronic nail-biter. I knew this was wrong (look up how many bacteria are under a nail), but chronic anxiety and often dwindling mental health sent me straight back to chewing on my free nail edge. My nails embarrassed me, but I suppose it was ok as I repeatedly put on new pairs of gloves. 

But in June 2021, I met Hilda. Hilda took my sad, ugly NHS nails and gradually, over the years, built them into naturally long, strong, and beautiful hands that I am no longer embarrassed by, nor do I chew and bite. 

But while I was building the nail beds of my dreams and wasn’t on maternity leave, I had to be very sensible and careful with the gel on my nails *insert comment about how even clear gel shouldn’t be worn in NHS settings*. I would repeatedly see Hilda and have the same nude placed on my nails unless I was on hold when I treated myself to some wacky nail art, tiny little faces, or neon flames. This is when I loved my nails the most. 

I remember when I left for maternity leave, and I had an awesome set of brown and cream yin-yang designs with flames, kaleidoscopes, and general tomfoolery. Hilda was thrilled, as she knew she would be able to flex her creativity on my fingers for the length of my maternity leave. 

When maternity came to an end, I knew I must go back to boring nude. This seems strange to be a thing that marked the end of maternity, but it was a tangible sad moment when that bare nude went back on. My nails, to me, represented freedom to represent myself however I wish to.

So, although it was not the entirety of the reason, I credit Hilda for my career choice: to leave the NHS and move to aesthetics full-time. This transition allowed me to fully express my personality to everyone around me. I was able to physically demonstrate that I was no longer an anxious person chewing away on my cuticles to make them bleed. I am now a happy and fulfilled individual who shows my creativity through nail art (and my aesthetics business)

You’re reading this and thinking, ‘I’m not arsed about having my nails done; maybe I should hang on to the NHS for a bit longer.’ Well, you wouldn’t be reading this far into this blog if you hadn’t thought about it. 

Nail art, in its essence, is a metaphor for a better work-life balance, a representation of your true self to the wider world, and the enjoyment of not having anyone telling you what to do and when to do it. It’s a form of self-expression that can truly transform your life. 

So thank you, Hilda, for making me leave the NHS with your crazy wild nail art.